By: Shawn D. Allison, II
What’s up everyone? Hope your week was progressive and positive, but here we are ready to let loose for the weekend. There’s quite a bit to do on this episode of “The Rundown” with some appetizing vegan shindigs, tribute concerts, Hip Hop spots and much more! Yours truly will be heavy on the scene and if you want to keep up with me, peep my “Hot List” under the intro.
- THURSDAY—SATURDAY – 3rd Annual CineOdyssey Film Festival
- THURSDAY—SATURDAY – The Legacy Theatre Production Co. presents “A Long Time Since Yesterday”
- FRIDAY—Science on the Rocks: Space Camp CLT
- FRIDAY–SATURDAY — The Jazz Room: Dawn Anthony Sings Nancy Wilson
- FRIDAY — The Friday Night Pull-Up with Kid Capri
- SATURDAY – Freaquency360 LIVE at Tip Top Daily Market
- SATURDAY – Sound & Color Concert at Petra’s
- SATURDAY – AfroPop CLT Vol. 33 – The 3 Year Anniversary Celebration Fete at Crown Station
- SATURDAY –
- SUNDAY – Jerk Chicken N’ Waffles: One-Year Anniversary Brunch at Mangos Caribbean Bar & Grill
- SUNDAY – Vegan Vibe Music Series
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, JULY 18——-
This weekend, I need you all to tell everyone in your network to grab a ticket and get ready for some cinematic magic at the 3rd Annual CineOdyssey Film Festival! This festival showcases diverse, contemporary films from around the world, featuring cutting edge works by filmmakers of color from the African, Caribbean, Latino, Asian, and Native American diasporas, as well as the U.S. It serves to bring together diverse audiences, bridge cultural understanding, and encourage the artistic development of aspiring filmmakers. Through workshops, panel discussions, celebrated guest speakers & educational programming throughout the year, the festival’s intent is to entertain, enlighten, empower & engage. The impressive lineup of films boldly address the multicultural issues of today, which meet at the intersection of race, class, and gender, as well as celebrating the creative craft of the art form. All films screenings, lectures and other related activities will be held at the Mint Museum. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.cineodysseyfest.org. 500 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
The Legacy Theatre Production Company is back in action this Summer with their newest work, an adaption of “A Long Time Since Yesterday!” Set in suburban New Jersey in the early 1980’s, this potent drama is about a reunion of former college classmates, now in their thirties, at the funeral of a friend who killed herself. These women are prosperous, professional Black women who have gone through the sixties and come out on top of the eighties. At the wake, they confront the truth about their own lives and about the suicide which has again brought them together. Performance times and tickets can be purchased here: https://www.carolinatix.org/…/det…/long-time-since-yesterday. at The Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
For the month of July, JazzArts Charlotte invites you for a special Thursday night installment of their acclaimed Jazz Room series featuring Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’ Blues playing Muddy Waters! Known as the father of modern Chicago blues, Muddy Waters maintained a long career creating music that etched the spirit of inner city Black Chicagoans for nearly five decades crafting several classics and notching awards on his journey. Tonight, SC native and bandleader Mac Arnold takes you back in time to create the magic of Muddy with his band, Plate Full O’ Blues in their own eclectic rendition of the legend’s most timeless sentiments. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.blumenthalarts.org/events/detail/the-jazz-room-at-the-stage-door-theater-premiere-thursdays-1. There will be two performances this evening at 6 and 8:15 p.m. The concert will be held at the Stage Door Theater. Located at the corner of E. 5th St. and N. College St. in Uptown.
Touch One Productions invites you to raise the vibrations in the air this evening as they proudly present another episode of Get Lifted! Join host Jaycee the Poet as he invites you into a world where rhythmic words and rousing wit intersect effortlessly creating a colorful and relaxing atmosphere for you to enjoy. Tonight’s feature, Nsomany Words, is no stranger to the stage – she is mighty in voice, tone and creativity, fine as wine and possesses a knack for vocalizing emotion through a tapestry of talents. There will be cocktail/meal specials running all night. Admission is FREE. The event will begin at 9 p.m. at Mangos Caribbean Restaurant & Bar. 3112 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
——-FRIDAY, JULY 19——-
Come and get a taste of L.A., Dirty South-style as Southern Fried Vegan proudly presents Vegan Brews & BBQ this evening! Grab your friends, grab a seat and grab a plate as this SoCal staple delights your palate with a special vegan remix of your favorite Southern eats! Menu items include: Vegan Fried Chickun, BBQ, Mac N’ Cheeze, Jambalaya, Cajun Corn, Beer-Cheeze Battered Beyond Burgers and Totchos. Prices vary by order. The event will begin at 5 p.m. at Birdsong Brewery. 1016 N. Davidson St. in the Belmont Neighborhood.
The Discovery Place is ready to blast off this Friday night with another revolution of their wildly popular interactive adult series Science on the Rocks! Get ready for lift off in tonight’s installment “Space Camp CLT” – in honor of the 50th anniversary of the historic moon landing, gather your fellow astronauts for a night of activities guaranteed to send you into orbit! Activities include: space weight, rocket launches, laser tag and lots more gravity-defying fun! Tickets can be purchased here: https://science.discoveryplace.org/explore/events/science-on-the-rocks-space-camp. This event is for adults 21+ with proper I.D. The fun will begin at 5 p.m. The Discovery Place is located at 301 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
JazzArts Charlotte is back for more musical magic this weekend as they proudly present The Jazz Room: Dawn Anthony sings Nancy Wilson! Grab a seat and relax as one of Charlotte’s most talented chanteuses, the beautiful and alluring Dawn Anthony rounds a variety of melodies from the late, great Nancy Wilson’s vocal repertoire. If you’ve never heard Dawn sing, get ready to experience a vibrant range of melodies that can adapt to a myriad of styles. Her voice is beyond top notch and you need to be there to feel it! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.blumenthalarts.org/events/detail/the-jazz-room-at-the-stage-door-theater-20. There will be four performances this weekend: Friday (7/19) at 6 and 8:15 p.m. and Saturday (7/20) at 7 and 9:15 p.m. All shows will be held at the Stage Door Theater. Located at the corner of E. 5th St. and N. College St. in Uptown.
Ladies, on this Friday, feel the rhythm from within and head over to the all-new SocaFit USA Dance Studios for Senegalese Dance with Aminata! Local wonder woman Aminata Mitchell is a lady of many talents and tonight she invites you to participate in a special dance class with her. Come and experience the vibes of the Motherland set to the rhythm of Senegalese music and dance routines. While it is a total cultural experience, this class is also geared towards getting yourselves in shape. Admission is $10 per person and can be paid with cash at the door or through CashApp: $AminataCreations. The class will begin at 6:30 p.m. SocaFit USA Dance Studio is located at 7200 Albemarle Rd., Suite “K”.
Jazz N’ Soul Music has cooled things down in this Summer heat as they proudly present Willie Walker & Conversation Piece: Smooth Jazz & Soul this evening! Come experience one of Charlotte’s finest instrumental collectives filled with rousing melodies and pulsating grooves guaranteed to make you feel good! If you’ve never heard them before, you are definitely in for a very special treat! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/willie-walker-and-conversation-piece-smooth-jazz-and-soul-fri-july-19th-730-and-10p-tickets-63771261560. There will be two performances this evening at 7:30 and 10 p.m. at Loft & Cellar. 305 W. 4th St. in Uptown.
Powered By GME keeps things rockin’ on this Friday night at The Press Box Bar & Grill presenting The Friday Night Pull-Up with Kid Capri! Step in the spot as true school Hip Hop legend, the world famous Kid Capri rocks the house giving all sorts of special blends all the way from their New York roots to the new school flavor of today! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-friday-night-pull-up-w-world-famous-kid-capri-tickets-63228950493. The jump off is at 9 p.m. 9609 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Get ready to house it up this evening with a special Friday edition of RELEASE! Classic & Soulful House Party! Join your sound master for the evening, Jackmaster Gary Wallace and special guests, DJ Johnnie Davis and Ramon Rawsoul from House in the Park ATL for a night up nonstop, soul-stirring House music, Soul, R&B, Deep House, Downtempo and Funk gems! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/release-friday-july-19th-2019-at-crown-station-featramon-rawsoul-hitp-atl-tickets-64448239419. The party starts at 9 p.m. at Crown Station. 3629 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
——-SATURDAY, JULY 20——-
The sweet essence of fresh fruit arises in the morning at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market for their annual Peach Day Celebration! Come explore some the area’s vendors as they pass out free peach recipes and some may even hand out free samples of peaches. There will be peach desserts, jams, and of course fresh North and South Carolina peaches for sale. It will be a perfect day for the whole family to come out and see why peaches truly deserve their own day at the market! The market opens at 8 a.m. 1801 Yorkmont Rd.
Kids, I’ve got some more fun for you this morning! Head on down to ImaginOn for ImagiCon 2019! ImagiCon is a family-friendly library mini comic con that celebrates the culture surrounding comic books, graphic novels, manga, anime, fandoms and gaming. The program is for ages 0-18 and their families, and its aim is to provide a safe space for those interested to explore their interests, inspire creativity and learn about local industry careers and artistry opportunities. Activities include a LEGO Panel discussion, Comic Drawing 101, DIY Costumes and Cosplay, video game stations, a costume showcase, superhero storytime and much more! Admission is FREE to attend and the fun starts at 10 a.m. ImaginOn is located at 300 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
Get your energy going this afternoon at the second installment of the all-funky Frothy at Crown Station! Bring your friends out and let the dance floor you mean business as DJ Keith Clubhead, Raw Substance’s Steve Howerton, Melodious Funk and Mikael Fritts give you an eclectic mix of House, Deep House, Funk, Techno, R&B, AfroHouse, Soul and other musical vibrations! Admission is FREE to attend. The jam starts at 12 noon. Crown Station is located at 3629 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Ladies, it’s time to feel refreshed and renewed at the Pink Party: 1-Year Anniversary of CoCo Yoni Lounge! Grab your girls and experience the QC’s newest v-steam spa lounge. It’s a day of massages, v-steams, food, vendors, swag bags, giveaways and much more! For $10, you’ll receive a chair massage and a special gift. For $25, you’ll receive a v-steam, chair massage and a special gift. If you’re unable to make it, you’ll be able to make a donation of any amount and receive a $20 gift card for future services. For ticket purchases and donations, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pink-party-1-year-anniversary-celebration-tickets-64915243240, http://PayPal.me/cocoyoni or Cash App: $cocoyonilounge. The event will begin at 1 p.m. The address is 3448 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Slide out to Tip Top Daily Market for another installment of the not-your-average networking jam session entitled, Freaquency360 Live! This gathering of creatives 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 will feature artist and community activist Michelle “Bunny” Gregory and Charlotte radio royalty Brian “Mr. Incognito” Robinson. My good brother and fellow creative FLLS will be providing the grooves for this session. Hosted by Jah Freedom. Admission is FREE. The event will begin at 2:30 p.m. Tip Top Daily Market is located at 2902 The Plaza Rd.
Step into a season of giving and join local philanthropist organization ProjectiGive as they host The Gathering: Circle of Oneness in Purpose. ProjectiGive (PiGive) seeks to bridge the gap between resources and community needs by collaborating with societal members as a unified body with a primary goal of social equity and advancement. Our mission is to provide a communal approach or linking of groups, individuals and organizations together for the purposes of solving community level problems. ProjectiGive founders Ronnell and Dr. Ladrea Ingram will host and facilitate a panel discussion centered around their organization’s mission. Panelists include Dr. Inga Johnson, Tia Brewer-Footman and Tyrone Ross. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-gathering-circle-of-oneness-in-purpose-tickets-62573039646. The event will begin at 3 p.m. at The Gantt Center. 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Have some fun in the sun as Black Singles in CLT sets things off with the Hot Girl Summer Day Party this afternoon! Gather your crew and enjoy the coolness amidst the QC’s hottest Brothers and Sisters with a bevy of cocktail specials, positive vibes and a dope selection of music provided by DJ C.A.! Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hot-girl-summer-day-party-tickets-65072372217. The party starts at 4 p.m. at Fantasy Lounge. 2415 W. Morehead St.
Catch some classic Hip Hop flavor this Saturday evening as the Red Culture Series 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! Opening sounds will be provided by DJ Bezzie Beats and host by Bluz. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cl-smooth-they-reminisce-over-you-ol-skool-jam-tickets-62223402873. The show starts at 7 p.m. at Red@28th. 9539 Pinnacle Dr. in the University Area.
One of our greatest voices is going off the air at the end of this year and tonight, come and catch the flavor of The Fly Jock one last time at the Tom Joyner “One More Time Experience” 2019! Show your love to one of Black radio’s most legendary disc jockeys as Tom Joyner celebrates 25 years on the air and into our ears with a special LIVE performance from two of his favorites – Maze feat. Frankie Beverly and soul brother Kem! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.livenation.com/events/1007025-jul-20-2019-tom-joyner-one-more-time-experience-2019. The party starts at 7:30 p.m. at PNC Music Pavilion. 707 Pavilion Blvd. in the University Area.
Charlotte Hip Hop is making a statement and tonight come experience some of its finest MCs at the Sound & Color Concert! Step in the zone and feel the creative energy from some of the QC’s most talented rhyme spitters on the scene – Legend Status, Reecee Raps and Royalcity Lif! All of these artists are absolutely incredible and if you want to feel the energy of true culture that’s not on the radio, have your face in the place ready to bob your headpiece! Tickets can be purchased at the door or here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/strdze-sound-color-tickets-63464699625. The jump off starts at 8 p.m. at Petra’s. 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Jazz N’ Soul Music is ready to turn up the heat this Saturday night as they proudly present Just Fine – The Ultimate Mary J. Blige Tribute Band at the Rabbit Hole! This 7-piece band’s groove and sound provides you with the amazing throwback memories as well as the more recent feel good vibes from the Queen of Hip Hop Soul! Led by professional recording drummer Rashad King and lead vocalist, Ms. Tre’ Jae who’ll delivers the look and sound of her musical idol! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-prelude-a-hip-hop-soul-family-affair-featuring-just-fine-mjb-tribute-band-tickets-62441849252. Doors open at 9 p.m. The Rabbit Hole is located at 1801 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District. #JazzNSoul
AfroPop Nation is ready to kick things up a notch this Saturday as they invite you down to Crown Station for AfroPop CLT Vol. 33 – The 3 Year Anniversary Celebration! Charlotte’s fastest growing celebration of Mama Africa rounds three years around the Sun with a night full of colorful, vibrant energy, music, fashion, dancing and fellowship! Activities include visual art showcases, SocaFiit USA dance-offs, African dance and drumming with all music piloted by the Motherland Maestros, The Dynamic DJ Kato and DJ Steel Wheel. Presented by Africana Connections and DRC ApeParel. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/afropop-charlotte-vol33-three-year-anniversary-fete-tickets-64484622241. The party will begin at 9:30 p.m. Crown Station is located at 3629 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
——–SUNDAY, JULY 21——-
Issa Vibe Adventures continues the journey into experiencing the beauty of nature this morning as they invite you out to be part of Issa Hike – Crabtree Falls! Crabtree Falls is a 70 ft. cascade on Big Crabtree Creek. The creek spreads over a rock face with many small ledges, before trickling into a clear pool at the base. Crabtree Falls is a moderate hike just under 2.5 miles in length. Please bring snacks, water and a light lunch and non-perishable items that do not require cooking. Kids and pets are welcomed with adult supervision. The group will meet at Target on W.T. Harris Blvd. (9841 Northlake Centre Pkwy) at 8 a.m. and will depart no later than 8:15 a.m.
The spirit of AfroPop carries on into Sunday as The Culture Cooperative proudly presents Jerk Chicken N’ Waffles: One-Year Anniversary Brunch! Join The Dynamic DJ Kato and friends for an afternoon of nonstop Afro-Caribbean flavor featuring the vibrant sounds of Soca, Reggae, House, Soul, Hip Hop, Afrobeats, R&B and much more! The kitchen will also be fired up with all sorts of delicious meal & drink specials. Please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jerk-chicken-n-waffles-brunch-one-year-anniversary-tickets-64981545552. The jump off is at 11 a.m. at Mango’s Caribbean Restaurant. 3112 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Get a taste of culture this afternoon as The Human League Changemakers proudly presents the inaugural session of the Vegan Vibe Music Series! This Summer cool down is designed to put your mind at ease and a smile in your stomach with a variety of live performances, flavorful vegan dishes and much more! Today’s acts include Buff Dillard, Shableek, Al Sergel, Sai the Violinist and the Live House Band. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vegan-vibe-music-series-tickets-63723617054. The event will begin at 12 noon at Heist Brewery & Barrel Arts. 1030 Woodward Ave.
Come one, come all, come on down and experience one of the many shades of Brown at the 2019 Charlotte Peruvian Festival! Enjoy an incredible lineup of musical artists, dance performances, a diverse selection of Peruvian food, handmade crafts, visual artists and more activities for the whole family. Admission is $5 per person and children 10 and under are admitted FREE. The event will begin at 12 noon at Camp North End. 1824 Statesville Ave.
COMING SOON…
7/22—7/26 – Young Icons Recording Arts Camp
7/22—7/26 — Hip Hop Tech Camp: The Roots and STEM of Rap – A Writing & Technology Workshop
7/26 – Radio Rehab Carolinas presents HELLA COLLAB
7/26 – G-R-A-V-I-T-A-T-E feat. Charles Gatling, Shaanti & Steve Howerton
7/27 – Su Casa: The July Edition
7/27 – Eric B. & Rakim LIVE
7/27 – Moxie Society 8-Year Anniversary Celebration
7/27 — Bars Bands and Brews Dumb Summer Jam
8/1 – Dapper Street Productions presents Color of Jazz – The XMen play Robert Glasper
8/2 — Black Kaleidoscope: Artist Exhibit
8/2 — Jazz At The Hut – Featuring Nicci Canada
8/3 – Off The Wall – The Annual Michael Jackson Tribute
8/5 – Revolt Comedy Show #10
Stay in love, stay in peace and stay hydrated this weekend! God Bless!
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #EarsToDaSkreets #CommunityFirst