By: Shawn D. Allison, II
What’s up everyone? I know everyone is still exhausted from the big tournament last week—Lord knows I am. However, I found some mellow and a few high-energy digs as for this weekend and I think you’ll dig what I got in store. If you’re curious to check my footsteps this
weekend, peep my “Hot List” just below!
- THURSDAY—“And From Here…WE RISE!” at Victory Christian Center
- FRIDAY—Scenes of a Black Woman screening of “Eve’s Bayou” at CM Main Library
- FRIDAY-SUNDAY—“A Walk In My Shoes” at Little Rock Cultural Center
- FRIDAY—Brut Beat at The Morehead Tavern
- SATURDAY—Healthy Living Expo at Carole A. Hoefener Center
- SATURDAY—The Mixer at Press Box Bar & Grill
- SATURDAY—Off The Wall at Petra’s
- SUNDAY—Playing For Others’ “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown” at UNCC
- MONDAY—Trade Street Eats at Mosaic Village
- MONDAY—Motown on Mondays at The Morehead Tavern
——-THURSDAY 3/2——-
Wonder mother, yoga expert and all around Earth beauty Kelley Carboni-Woods invites you out to the McCrorey Family YMCA this evening for a book signing of her most recent creation, “Manifest: 30 Days of Intentional Mantras.” Bring a friend out and be in the presence of a true infectiously happy spirit, grab a book with her signature and be ready to receive lots of hugs! The event will begin at 5 p.m. 3801 Beatties Ford Rd.
Get ready to lose yourself in laughter at BluNotes this evening as they present to you, “Laff It Up Thursdays!” This first Thursday of every month comedy jam is full of nonstop humor with a list of comedians and comediennes ready to clear your heart’s cholesterol with laughter. The event will be hosted by none other than homegrown and legendary funnyman Tone-X. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $12 each. The event will begin at 5 p.m. BluNotes is located at 3425 David Cox Rd.
Head down to the Duke Energy Theater this evening as the Levine Museum of the New South hosts their Book Club discussion with Washington Post reporter and author Wesley Lowery. His upcoming book “They Can’t Kill Us All”, which is the first deeply reported book to bring alive the quest for justice in the deaths of Michael Brown, Tamir Rice and Freddie Gray. “They Can’t Kill Us All” is the culmination of two years of notes, interviews and life-changing experiences for Lowery, which includes being detained by police while reporting on the shooting of Michael Brown and the successive riots in Ferguson, MO. Tickets can be purchased here: https://38686.blackbaudhosting.com/38686/They-Cant-Kill-Us-All-Wesley-Lowery. The discussion starts at 5:30 p.m. Duke Energy Theater is located at 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
Goodyear Arts invites you out to its facility for the Charlotte Vegfest, Jr. mini-market and food court! Enjoy some social time and small, reasonably priced bites and fab desserts from Nourish, Viva Raw, Fern, Move That Dough Baking Co., Sunburger, EBN’s Vegan Cuisine, Zizi’s, Terra Flora, and the Dreamy Leaf in Charlotte’s only fully vegan food court! There will also be a donation-based bar, stocked with vegan edibles and Viva Raw will have the Tuk Tuk on site, packed with gorgeous organic juices for sale. Admission is FREE to attend and the event begins at 7 p.m. Goodyear Arts is located at 516 N. College St. in Uptown.
The faculty, staff and students of Victory Christian Center invite you out to experience their musical extravaganza, “And From Here…WE RISE!” Take an artistic journey of spiritual hymns, choreographed praise dances and rousing dialogue from the 1700s through the 1900s in an era that showcased our harsh conditions but still showcases the resilient light in each of us. All ages are welcome and this performance is FREE to attend. The performance begins at 7 p.m. Victory Christian Center is located at 7228 Kings Ridge Dr.
This evening, come out to The McColl Center for Art + Innovation for a special installment of their New Frequencies series. For tonight’s feature, enjoy the eclectic grooves of Noveller. This solo electric guitar project of Los Angeles-based composer and filmmaker Sarah Lipstate showcases her handling the guitar as her muse. Lipstate summons a sonic palette so rich as to challenge the listener to conceive of how it’s housed in a single instrument manipulated by a solitary performer. It’s a show you don’t want to miss! Tickets can be purchased here: https://53393.blackbaudhosting.com/53393/New-Frequencies-at-McColl-Center–Music-Noveller. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. The McColl Center is located at 721 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
At Mosaic Church Charlotte, join local antiracist educational initiative Brownicity as they host the first session of their discussion, “What LIES Between Us: First Steps Toward Racial Healing Series.” In this month-long class, you will gain historical and social context for racial division, support for self-reflection, healing and growth, and have the opportunity to develop community with others who want to be a part of the dialogue and solution. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/what-lies-between-us-fostering-first-steps-toward-racial-healing-series-tickets-31938941233. The discussion will begin at 7 p.m. Mosaic Church Charlotte is located at 10624 Metromont Pkwy, Suite #302 in the Northlake Area.
——-FRIDAY 3/3——-
Everyone is invited down to First United Presbyterian Church as they present another soul-stirring edition of their United In Jazz Concert Series. Enjoy a delicious dinner, good fellowship, and live jazz from the electrifying Flutepraise! This band has a unique combination of instrumental Latin/Jazz/Praise and Worship music designed to bring the listener a rousing burst of worship energy as well as indulging in a profound musical experience. Dinner and music is $20 per person and just the concert itself is $10. The event begins at 5 p.m. First United Presbyterian Church is located at 406 N. College St. in Uptown.
The Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Library invites you to the Main Branch this evening for a special screening of their “Scenes of a Black Woman” series. For tonight’s feature, come and view the 1997 classic from director Kasi Lemmons, “Eve’s Bayou” starring Lynn Whitfield and Samuel L. Jackson. Scenes of a Black Woman is a series of films about Black women, created by Black filmmakers and a celebration of Black cinema! There will be a short discussion after the film. Admission is FREE to attend. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the film will start at 6 p.m. The screening will take place at the Main Library Branch. 310 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
All my fellow jazz lovers, head down to The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art for another rousing editon of Jazz at the Bechtler! For tonight’s performance, in-house sound, the Ziad Jazz Quartet welcomes freelance multiple-woodwind specialist Phil Thompson. Thompson is an artist of various musical styles, classical to jazz, performing on all clarinets, saxophones, flutes and oboe. He has also played with various orchestras, including the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra for 40 years. Tickets can be purchased here: https://30796a.blackbaudhosting.com/30796a/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=f2f7996f-0d79-4884-8cd2-b2e2802dcc7f or at the door. Bechtler members are $8 and nonmembers are $14. There will be two shows this evening: 6 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. The Bechtler is located at 420 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
The Children’s Theater of Charlotte is proud to present to you a citywide-audience favorite, “Step Afrika!” Experience the world’s first professional company dedicated to stepping–an art form born from African-American fraternities and sororities which are based in African traditions. The dancers use their bodies as instruments and perform their intricate kicks, stomps and rhythms mixed with spoken word. There will be three performances this weekend: Friday (3/3) at 7:30 p.m., Saturday (3/4) at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. All shows will be held at the McColl Family Theatre. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.ctcharlotte.org/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=shows-step-afrika&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=. 300 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
Film enthusiasts, come out to Google Fiber this evening as Glorified Media, LLC presents their Cross Cultural Film Movement. Created by Tommy Nichols of the Charlotte Black Film Festival, this celebration of “Diversity in Film” is geared towards bringing the many different film organizations and filmmakers together in one place for culture dialog and exchange. There will be music, food, networking, door prizes and a few short films that will be screened. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebrating-diversity-in-film-short-film-music-food-speedconnect-network-mixer-tickets-32208366090. The event takes place at 7 p.m. Google Fiber is located at 301 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
Head on down to the town of York as Showtime Theatre Company is proud to present, “Seussical Jr.!” This dazzling stage play honoring the late, great Dr. Seuss features many of his beloved characters as their stories collide in this entertaining production starring some of the most talented young people in the area! This is a family friendly, not to be missed event! “Seussical, Jr.” is presented through special arrangement with Musical Theatre International. There will be four shows this weekend: Friday (3/3) at 7:30 p.m., Saturday (3/4) at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday (3/5) at 2 p.m. All shows will be held at the McCelvey Center in downtown York. 212 E. Jefferson St.
From the brilliant and creative mind of Jermaine Nakia Lee comes the all-new stage production, “A Walk In My Shoes.” Filled with a concoction of Hip Hop, R&B, spoken word, Gospel and jazz, this play focuses on the impact that HIV/AIDS is having on young adults of color. This musical will commemorate National Women & Girls HIV Awareness Day and is produced by JCSU C.H.I.P. Project. There will be three performances: Friday (3/3) at 8 p.m., Saturday (3/4) at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday (3/5) at 3 p.m. Admission for each show is “Pay What You Can.” All shows will be held at the Little Rock Cultural Center. 401 N. McDowell St. in Uptown.
Bring the family out to The McGlohon Theatre at Spirit Square this evening as Playing for Others’ presents “HeARTbeat: Honoring Nonprofits Through the Arts.” From music to dance to digital art, come and witness some creative youth create and perform original pieces in honor of twelve local nonprofits. Also before the show, head over to Brixx Pizza Uptown because with every 10-inch pizza purchased, they will donate $3 back to Playing for Other and they’ll also validate your parking. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/heartbeat-3. The show begins at 8 p.m. The McGlohon Theatre at Spirit Square is located at 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
Fresh off of a successful tournament weekend, the good people of Jazz N’ Soul invite you to The Morehead Tavern for their First Friday Jam! Gear your ears to the stage and get ready to experience the energy of Brut Beat—A Funky Jazz Thing! Jazz? Got it. Funk? Got it. All that’s missing is you—don’t miss this show! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jazz-n-soul-music-first-friday-brut-beat-a-funky-jazz-experience-tickets-32420202699. Showtime is at 9 p.m. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #JazzNSoul
Africana Connections returns once again for one of Charlotte’s most colorful culture jams as they present the March edition of “Diasopora!” Join sound engineer The Dynamic DJ Kato and special guest J. Holder as they host a night full of nonstop dancing, positive energy and a fire soundtrack set to the tunes of Afrobeat, Soca, Caribbean, Reggae, Salsa, House and more! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/diasopora-march-azonto-edition-tickets-32249885275. The party starts at 10 p.m. at Apostrophe Lounge. 1440 S. Tryon St. in Uptown. #AfricanaConnections
The Sol Kitchen is back to provide some electric relaxation this evening at ‘Stache House with another installment of “#Thankgawdits1stfriday!” Sound provider and Charlotte staple DJ Ngenius will spin the best of today’s and yesterday’s Hip Hop and R&B grooves. Admission is FREE. 10 p.m. ‘Stache House is located at 1520 South Blvd. in Historic South End. #TheSolKitchen
——-SATURDAY 3/4——-
The Queen City Metropolitan Chapter of the National Coalition for 100 Black Women invite you out to the Carole A. Hoefener Center for their second annual Healthy Living Expo. This family-friendly day of health awareness will feature a variety of workshops, health screenings, physical activities, vendors, exhibitors and more! There will also be a community bike ride sponsored by B-Cycle Charlotte and a special appearance by Charlotte Hornets’ mascot, Hugo! Admission is FREE but please be sure to register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdqU4PuwLGLlE3TLgc_ZK_ujkddb0_xqrHLQ2mJJ5KdJ-aAVA/viewform. The expo begins at 11 a.m. 610 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
Bring the tribe out to The Gantt Center late this morning for another fun installment of the Family First Workshop! Join native Charlottean artist MJ Arts A lot as she leads participants through this creative jewelry-making workshop, based in ancient Egyptian jewelry design and focused on symbols, colors and patterns of ancient Egypt to show our own cultural pride! The class is FREE for all ages with museum admission. Please be sure to RSVP here: https://61686.blackbaudhosting.com/61686/March-Family-First-Series-Egyptian-Jewelry-Making-with-MJ-Arts-Alot. The class begins at 11 a.m. 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Charlotte’s best brunch experience is back once again at Sports One Bar & Lounge this morning! Come hang with Moxie Society as they bring to you the ever-popular “I Still Love the 90s Brunch & Day Party!” Enjoy a fine Southern-style brunch with urban flavor and rock out to best 90s Hip Hop and R&B jams from DJ CK! Admission is FREE to attend and the party starts at 11 a.m. Sports One is located at 521 N. College St. in Uptown. #MoxieSociety
This afternoon, gather your own tribe and head over to the Beatties Ford Library Branch as local grassroots organization, The Tribe invites you to the People’s Power Assembly. This is a gathering of community members to analyze the current moment, envision the future we want and to commit to the actions pointing toward the future we desire. The Tribe strives to build solidarity through education, dialogue, collective strategy and mobilization. It is a convergence point for organizations and people to build shared vision for our community. Today’s meeting focuses on a conscious Black economy. Admission is FREE to attend and everyone is welcome. The meeting begins at 1 p.m. 2412 Beatties Ford Rd.
House Music was in full effect last weekend—and this weekend, the funky vibes continue on strong! Head down to The Morehead Tavern late this evening for another energy-rousing edition of RELEASE! Classic & Soulful House Party! Tonight’s edition is entitled, “A DJ Saved My Life” and the fearless Deep House Providers—Gary “Jackmaster” Wallace, DJ Marcus, Badala B and DJ Tony Cutlass are ready to save your feet from unpleasant grooves and give you the realness! There will also be a surprise guest artist in the building—don’t miss this! Admission is $10 before 11 p.m. and $15 after. The party starts at 8 p.m. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.
The Guerrilla Poets rock into March this evening and invite you out for their newest creative experience, “Off The Wall Paint Off!” How this operates is that artists will have a bucket next to their easel for the audience to put their suggestions in on what the artists should paint. Artists will pick blindly from the bucket to determine what they will paint, and will have 1 hour to complete. For the poets, the only catch is you have to write a poem on what the artists are painting. Admission for artists is $20 and the general public is $5 or a donation of toiletries. The event will begin at 7 p.m. and will be held at Mean Mug Coffee Company. 1024 S. Fulton St. in Salisbury.
For some cool down vibes, head out to Kanvas Gallery & Lounge and mellow out with DJ Foundacetion this evening for another fly edition of “Vinyl Me, Please?” Come and 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.
This evening, join the Culture Cooperative and Dani Outen of OutenLove Events at Press Box Bar & Grill as they host The Mixer! This social platform has emerged into one of the largest and most successful young professional networking groups in a public setting! Tonight’s Mardi Gras theme will be filled with all sorts of icebreaker activities, social media stations and more! Then be sure to stick around as The Dynamic DJ Kato rocks out with some Hip Hop, R&B and Reggae classics! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-featured-mixer-mardi-gras-edition-tickets-32247236352. The event will begin at 9 p.m. Press Box is located at 9609 N. Tryon St. in the University Area.
The mighty JETA Team is back to give your Saturday evening some flavor as they present the March edition of “Off The Wall!” Come and boogie as DJ Justice, DJ Aking Allah and the fly lady known as DJ Lunchbeats spins an array of Golden Era Hip Hop, Soul, R&B, Pop, Rock, House, Rare Joints and more! Admission is $5 before 11 p.m. The party starts at 9 p.m. at Petra’s. 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District. #TheJETATeam
——-SUNDAY 3/5——-
Start your Sunday Funday off on the right foot at Red Clay Ciderworks as they host their Sunday Brunch! PepperBox Doughnuts returns with their amazing doughnut creations and The Breakfast Food Truck will be serving up brunch with a dynamic and diverse menu. In addition to the food, try some some special craft cider cocktails including Cidermosas, Bellinis and the wonderfully roasted, cold-brewed nitro Pure Intentions Coffee! Admission is FREE and all ages are welcome. The event begins at 12 noon. Red Clay Ciderworks is located at 245 Clanton Rd. in Historic South End.
Do you need a healing? Do you want to experience an audible alternative to wellness? I’ve got just the thing for you! Join Expressive & Energy Arts healer Ioana Voicu and Certified Therapeutic Harpist/Sound Healer Beth Brown as they host Drum & Harp Medicine. During this afternoon of sound play, you will use brain-based drum rhythms to access enhanced states of consciousness, increased creativity, freedom to full self-expression and interpersonal connection. Admission is $20 and please be sure to bring a comfortable blanket, pillow or mat to use on the floor for exercises. The session starts at 2 p.m. The session will be held at Studio 1212. 1212 E. 10th St. near Uptown.
Join Playing for Others’ 10th annual red carpet event at UNCC as they host a special stage production of, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown!” Teens from the Playing for Others program and their “buddies” – children with disabilities and their siblings – will walk the red carpet in style before enjoying the performance, featuring a cast of PFO teens and buddies. The event is open to the public and all are welcome to come and celebrate the disability community. Admission is “Pay What You Can” and the attire is “super-duper fancy.” The red carpet opens at 3 p.m. and the show starts at 4:30 p.m. The show will be held at McKnight Hall in the Cone Center. 9201 N. Tryon St. in the University Area.
The funky brothers of Diverse Groove invite you out to Red@28th for Soulful Sundays! Everyone, get ready for the return of Lamar Brace & Friends as he brings some of the best live music in the Queen City to boast! Bring your significant other, friends and enjoy the musical ride! Admission is $5 all night long. Showtime is at 8 p.m. Red@28th is located at 2424 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
——-MONDAY 3/6——-
The Historic West End Initiative aims to make your gut feel good this week as they proudly present to you Trade Street Eats – Lunch Food Truck Event! Come on down to the Mosaic Village and support one or many of Charlotte’s culinary chariots armed with a variety of flavors your taste buds will be sure to enjoy! The food trucks will operate from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. today. Come and support your community! The address of the lot is 1600 W. Trade St. near JCSU.
The ultimate underground force known as Radio Rehab Carolinas returns with another nostalgic beacon for the people who are true music lovers. Everyone head over to The Morehead Tavern for “Motown on Mondays!” Every second Monday of the month you will get to take a step back in time, when the music was live, the brothers were clean and the sophisticated lady was the quintessential paramount of beauty. Join sound pilots DJ Soden and Sir Charles as they take your ears on a soulful trip! Admission is FREE to attend and the funk starts grooving at 6 p.m. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #RadioRehabCarolinas
COMING SOON…
3/11—“Dreams: The 6th Annual Notorious B.I.G. & Bad Boy Tribute”
3/19 – “Listen to Your Body” A Condid Conversation on Natural Health and Wellness
3/21—Drumline LIVE!
3/25—We’ve Got the Jazz Festival
Enjoy your weekend Brothers and Sisters! Peace!
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#TheBlackFerrisBueller #WeekendWarrior