By Shawn D. Allison, II
Greetings Brothers and Sisters! We have made it to the end of
May and are now roughly halfway through 2019. So far the city has been very active with all sorts of exciting happenings, but Summer is very near and things are about to get hotter. But know that yours truly, The Black Ferris Bueller has got you covered in coolness and hotness for all your go-to gigs in the QC. This weekend is sure to be active with tons of stuff and if you want to follow me, take a peek at my “Hot List” and tag along!
- THURSDAY – H3 Black Tech Meetup at Stats Restaurant & Bar
- FRIDAY – Fireside Chat w/ Bishop Claude R. Alexander, Jr. and Common – “Let Love Have the Last Word”
- FRIDAY – Jazz N’ Soul Music presents Flywalker – Unique, Groove Oriented Soul at Loft & Cellar
- SATURDAY – Family First Workshop Series at The Gantt Center
- SATURDAY – USB Roulette at Tip Top Daily Market
- SATURDAY – 50 Plates | Community Dinner & Conversations
- SATURDAY – Off The Wall – “Hotter Than June” Edition at Petra’s
- SUNDAY – 3rd Annual We’ve Got the Jazz Fest
- SUNDAY – Southern Fried Kickback Day Party: June Edition
- MONDAY – Revolt Comedy Show at Heist Brewery
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, MAY 30——-
Calling all Chocolate Techies – head over to Stats Restaurant & Bar for the H3 BlkTech MeetUp this evening! Patterned after the mantra of “Humble. Hungry. Hustle.”, H3 BlkTech MeetUp is a cultural event series that target Black tech professionals seeking new opportunities and connections. This platform’s objective is to cultivate a community of Black and minority tech professionals by organizing a series of innovative, culturally relevant, pressure-free, social events that promote genuine connection among attendees and facilitate the process of diversity progress in the tech industry. H3 is for founders, starters, enthusiasts, SME in the tech industry, investors and community leaders who seek to support and celebrate the growth of founders and tech professionals of color in Charlotte. Today’s featured speakers are Ebony Burroughs – Agile Coach, Aaron Blue – Technical Recruiter and Dionna Steed – Corporate Technical Recruiter at Avid Exchange. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/h3-blacktech-meet-up-tickets-61299473375. The event will begin at 6 p.m. Stats is located at 3425 David Cox Rd. in the University Area.
This evening, head down to the Elder Gallery of Contemporary Art for a special screening of the documentary, “Exile.” Syrian filmmaker Dellair Yousse will be featured in a panel discussion about contemporary life in his homeland and abroad along with guest panelists, Marsha Hirsch (Executive Director – Carolina Refugee Resettlement Agency), Rusty Reynolds (Executive Director – International House), former Bhutanese refugee Thakur Mishra and multi-disciplinary artist MyLoan Dinh. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://eldergalleryclt.com/we-see-heaven-upside-down-exhibition. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. 1520 S. Tryon St. in Historic South End.
The hilarious local theatre troupe Charlotte Squawks is back for 2019 with their latest project, Charlotte Squawks 15: Quackceañera! Who is Charlotte Squawks you ask? Simply put, it’s the satire of Saturday Night Live mixed with Broadway, welded with the socioeconomic climate of the Queen City. The creative duo of Mike Collins and Brian Kahn collaborates with the area’s most talented performers to parody current events, pop culture, sports, life and politics on a local and national medium. Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.carolinatix.org/…/charlotte-squawks-15-quackcea…. There will be three performances this weekend: Thursday (5/30) at 7:30 p.m., Friday (5/31) at 8 p.m. and Saturday (6/1) at 8 p.m. All performances will be held at The Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. The address is 130 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
——-FRIDAY, MAY 31——-
Liberate Your Palate CLT is back to spice things up for your Friday night presenting the Hands-On Mixology Craft Class: Home Bar Basics. In this class you’ll explore four cocktails that form the core of a home bar menu. Many people ask for drink recommendations this class will guide you to start with these and learn the basics. Because honestly, a really well-made classic cocktail with the proper garnish and glassware is hard to beat. You will also receive a list of liquors, mixers and tools that are essential for setting up your home bar. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.liberateyourpalate.com/passbook/masteringclearspirits. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. Liberate Your Palate CLT is located at 4412 Monroe Rd., Suite “D.
In this day of ever-changing identities, it’s important that we find common ground within ourselves but we are open to acceptance of others as well. For this Friday night, join Soul Liberation Holistic Wellness for a special cool-down mixer entitled BlaQue Folx Chill! This event is designed to be a safe space for Black LGBTQ “folx” to connect in conversation and community. It serves as an opportunity to break away from the upright world and bask in their Black queerness in a chill atmosphere of soft illumination, soothing aromatics and lo-fi Hip Hop. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/blaque-folx-chill-connection-conversation-for-the-black-queer-community-registration-62127674547. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. Soul Liberation Holistic Wellness is located at 4822 Albemarle Rd.
Are you a local creative and desire to enhance your brand for more a more lucrative appeal? If so, Dear Soul Music Co. invites you out to Camp North End for the Using Your Unique: Artist Branding Workshop this evening. This 4-week program for emerging creatives looking to market and present their creative works. In this series, participants learn healthy marketing and branding skills to aid them in their efforts through a course-end photo shoot, and social media & graphic design tips. Today’s lesson is entitled, “Content That Engages – Social Media Prowess.” All classes will be taught by singer, instrumentalist and Dear Soul Music Co. founder Arsena Schroeder. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/using-your-unique-artist-branding-workshop-tickets-58400884618. The session will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Hygge Coworking at Camp North End. 330 Camp Rd.
Calling all middle and high school students – bring all your friends out for Teens TOGETHER Game Night this evening! Come hang out and enjoy a night full of fun games, music, food and fellowship! Hosted by Firm Foundations Youth & Family Outreach, Inc. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/teens-together-game-night-tickets-62382667237. The event will begin at 7 p.m. at Firm Foundations IMPACT Center. 210 E. Arrowhead Rd., Suite “O3.”
This evening, join the esteemed Bishop Claude R. Alexander, Jr. and multi-award winning emcee, author and actor Common for a special Fireside Chat on his newest memoir, “Let Love Have The Last Word.” Touching on God, self-love, partners, children, family, and community, Common explores the core tenets of love to help others understand what it means to receive and, most important, to give love. He knows there’s no quick remedy for all of the hurt in the world, but love— for yourself and for others—is where the healing begins. Admission is FREE and open to the public. The event will begin at 7 p.m. at The Park Church. 6029 Beatties Ford Rd.
Take a musical ride in the evening sky and join Jazz N’ Soul Music as they proudly present the new hotness of Flywalker – Unique, Groove Oriented Soul! This four piece collaboration spearheaded by the Motown Amazon, the lovely GiGi Mack, is ready to take you far away with an eclectic myriad of tunes ranging from deep Soul, R&B, original pieces and much more! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/flywalker-unique-groove-oriented-soul-fri-may-31st-7p-and-930p-the-loft-and-cellar-tickets-61071798393. There will be two performances this evening at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Both shows will be held at Loft & Cellar. 305 W. 4th St. in Uptown. #JazzNSoulMusic
Get your laugh on this evening as the Queen City Omegas present another hilarious round of Comedy Night! Bring your friends out and get ready for some side-splitting humor from headliner Spike Davis and funnyman Derrick Brooks! Then, be sure to stick around as DJ 06 burns up the speakers with a hot mix of Hip Hop and R&B tunes. The host for the evening is Brother Tito. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queen-city-comedy-night-live-ft-comedian-spike-davis-tickets-61255506870. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m. The Omegas of Charlotte Fraternity House is located at 3301 Statesville Ave.
Let loose at Petra’s this evening and take a musical journey into yesteryear with “Mirror Moves: The Free Alternative Dance Party!” DJ’s Longchild and Jason Herring will be dropping the best of 80s & 90s Pop, New Wave, Techno, House, Synth Pop, EDM and more! Admission is FREE to attend. The party starts at 9 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
——-SATURDAY, JUNE 1——-
Ladies, the weather is heating up and it’s time to strut your stuff in new threads — so gather your girlfriends and curl-friends and head down to the MAE OTTI Pop-Up Shop! Come and get exclusive access to sift through and shop for bold and authentic African print fabrics, ranging from varying style of dresses, jackets , blouses, jumpsuits, head wraps, multipurpose outfits and so much more from their recently released 2019 Spring collection. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mae-otti-pop-up-charlotte-nc-tickets-60162418413. The event will begin at 10 a.m. at Hyatt Place Charlotte Airport. 4119 South Stream Blvd.
Bring your curiosity and creativity down to The Gantt Center this morning for the June installment of the Family First Workshop Series! In connection with the Gantt Center’s photography exhibitions, “Welcome to Brookhill” and “Portraits @ the Polls”, today’s episode is entitled “Cyanotype Remix.” Cyanotype is a photographic printing process that uses a chemical compound to produce a cyan-blue print. Under the guidance of artist, instructor and educator Natalie Chanel, participants will explore this early reproductive form by creating their own cyanotype and remixing the prints by adding thread, fabrics and various coloring materials. After placing the compositions in the sun, as a class, we will watch the photo developing process in which the exposed areas will turn blue and the covered areas will remain white. Admission for this class can be paid here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/family-first-presented-by-novant-health-cyanotype-remix-tickets-62017372631. The event will begin at 11 a.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
This afternoon, head over to Tip Top Daily Market and join my homie Sweetestcape for another dope episode of the increasingly popular USB Roulette! This interactive and organic showcase will feature four of the QC’s hottest sound selectors — DJs SPK, Growley, Kumasi and Jiles as they journey into the unknown regions of each other’s USB hard drive and construct their very own set from random music downloads and files. Each DJ will rotate until all have played. Select > Insert > Groove > Repeat. Come witness this awesome experience all for the low price of $FREE.99! The jump off is at 2pm. 2909 The Plaza.
Black Singles in CLT is ready to “wuk up” your Saturday with a super tropical blend of music, dancing and fun at the Twerk N Whine : Bashment Day Party! Gather all your friends and get ready to “twerk n’ whine” it out as DJ Heff spins an incredible blend of Caribbean Dancehall, Reggae and Soca mixed with contemporary Hip Hop and R&B! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/twerk-n-whine-bashment-day-party-tickets-62067638979. The jam starts at 4 p.m. at Crystals Reggae Club. 3018 The Plaza Rd. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Community Dream Builders, Inc. invites you to be part of a special social this evening entitled, 50 Plates | Community Dinner & Conversations. In partnership with the League of Creative Interventionists, this social feast is aimed towards mutual understanding about addressing issues of segregation in Charlotte. This is a special opportunity for Lockwood and other North End residents to share a meal and add their voice with members of the larger Charlotte community around a specific theme. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/join-us-for-50-plates-in-lockwood-240-sylvania-tickets-62223389834. The event will begin at 5 p.m. at 240 Sylvania Ave.
This evening, singer, author and wonder woman Akya Canada invites you out to be part of her Single Moms Pray Book Release Party! Come and explore the words of insight and experience from Akya in this new and inspiring work as you engage others accompanied with music, laughter and love. There will be an opportunity to purchase books and t-shirts during the event. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/single-moms-pray-book-release-tickets-61429604601. The event will begin at 6 p.m. The address of the event is 5038 N. Tryon St.
For some soothing tunes, Jazz, The Blues and some soulfully rich instrumentals, head over to The Evening Muse for Groove 8 and Masseuse performing LIVE! Groove 8 is a collective of some of the QC’s finest independent musicians harmonizing their gifts effortlessly to create some of the most eclectic blends on the local scene today. Having played with a distinguished list of legends such as James Brown, P-Funk, Prince, The Elements and more, you’ll be sure to thoroughly enjoy their artistic energy. Masseuse is a four piece ensemble that takes you on a journey from world-inspired themes to delicate, jazzy timbres, all wrapped up in a spectrum of rhythm guaranteed to get you moving. Musically, the group blends harmonious vocal melodies, smooth guitar textures, and driving bass lines. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1851053. The doors open at 8:30 and the show starts at 9 p.m. The Evening Muse is located at 3227 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
And for my true school Hip Hop heads, Summer Solstice is nearly in effect, but there’s no foolin’ around — it’s time to get busy and get down at Off The Wall – “Hotter Than June” Edition! Join my good brothers of The JETA Team — Chief Rocka Aking Allah, Soul Brother DJ Justice and special guest, the lovely unsung/unspun DJ DK giving you the best of Classic Hip Hop, R&B, Soul, Pop, Rock, House, Reggae, Slow Jams, Rare Joints and much more flyness to enjoy! Also, K J’s Kitchen Food Truck will be parked out front serving up some delectable Caribbean dishes to satisfy your stomach’s needs! Admission is $5 before 10 p.m. and $10 after. The jump off is at 9 p.m. at Petra’s. 1919 Commonwealth Ave. #OffTheWall704
The House don’t stop this evening because it’s time for an extra jolt of sonic juice at the June installment of the RELEASE! Classic & Soulful House Party! Get down on the good foot with Jackmaster Gary Wallace and special guest DJ Yogi of Solid Garage Toronto giving you ALL that funky classic and soulful House music flavor! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/release-classic-and-soulful-house-party-june-1st-2019-edition-tickets-62020735690. The party starts at 9 p.m. at Crown Station. 3629 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
——–SUNDAY, JUNE 2——-
Check it out y’all—get ready for a FULL day of razz, dazz, pizzazz at the 3rd Annual We’ve Got the Jazz Fest! Bring the entire tribe out as your ears set out on a quest to discover jazz frequencies from local talents that are dope, cool & fresh. Your instrumental and vocal interpolations, improvisations will be provided by: The Harvey Cummings Project, The XMEN, Greg Cox, Groove 8, Brut Beat and Bria Alexander! There will also be plenty of interactive arts & crafts activities, local vendors to shop from, a special jazz vinyl pop-up from Diggers Delight and Premium Sound, delicious eats/treats/brews from Papi Queso Food Truck, What The Fries CLT, NoDa Brewing Co. and Tito’s Handmade Vodka! Presented by CLTure and The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. Tickets can be purchased here: https://30796a.blackbaudhosting.com/30796a/tickets…. The jam starts at 12 noon at The Bechtler. 420 S. Tryon St. in Uptown. #WeveGotTheJazzCLT
This afternoon, The Mint Museum Uptown invites you to be part of a special interactive tour based on the book, “The Warmth of Other Suns.” This public tour features Isabel Wilkerson’s “The Warmth of Other Suns” which follows three individuals representative of the six million Black Southerners who participated in the Great Migration to Northern or Western destinations within the U.S. with the hope for a better life. The tour will begin with an in-depth discussion of the book. Following the talk, a docent-led tour of selected pieces in the museum that enhance the work of this Pulitzer Prize-winning author. Admission is FREE to attend, but please be sure to RSVP here: https://13800.blackbaudhosting.com/13800/Art-of-Reading-Public-Tour-The-Warmth-of-Other-Suns. The event will begin at 2 p.m. The Mint Museum is located at 500 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
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 friends 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.
The Culture Cooperative is ready to add a dose of Southern flavor in your weekend as they invite you out to the Southern Fried Kickback Day Party: June Edition! Enjoy this funky blend on your Sunday as The Dynamic DJ Kato spins a sonic cocktail of classic Southern Hip Hop and R&B mixed with Afro-Fusion frequencies and much more! There will also be drink specials running all day and a food truck will be parked on site. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-southern-fried-kickback-day-party-june-edition-2019-tickets-62246772773. The party will begin at 4 p.m. at Crown Station. 3629 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Moxie Society invites you out to Firehouse Bar & Lounge on this cool Sunday afternoon as they host, “Sippin’ On Sundays – June Edition!” Relax in this fly Uptown QC venue with delicious food, drink specials, hookah, fresh-rolled stogies, music from DJ Loui Vee and celebrate the festive atmosphere in the city! Admission is FREE but if you’re interested in VIP seating, please register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sippin-on-sundays-feat-dj-loui-vee-tickets-61686763771. The event begins at 4 p.m. Firehouse Bar & Lounge is located at 320 W. Carson St. in Uptown.
——-MONDAY, JUNE 3——-
This evening, JCI Legacy invites you to witness the riveting stage play, “Amina Loses Her Crown.” Amina and her cousin Neffy race against time to find her crown and summon her guardian to take her home before she is stuck in the past for all eternity. Starring Caila Jackson as Amina, Cheyenne Harris as Nefertiti, Jurnee Chisholm, as Princess Ada and the students of the JCI Theater Program. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/amina-loses-her-crown. The play will begin promptly at 6 p.m. at the Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
Get your laugh on at Heist Brewery this evening and come out for the June session of the Revolt Comedy Show! Sit back, relax and get ready to laugh away those Monday blues with a hilarious blend of raw and clever comedic performers hosted by The Revolt Duo, Brian O’Neil and Alex Spears! Music will be provided by Black Light the DJ. Admission is $3 and will begin at 7:30 p.m. Heist Brewery is located at 2909 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
COMING SOON…
6/7 — AfroPop! Charlotte: The Block Party, Vol. 3
6/7 – Gantt After Dark
6/7 — PURPLE NOTE 4: Celebrating The Life Of Prince Through Jazz
6/7 – The Sol Kitcken presents “A King & A Prince w/ Mad Skillz”
6/7 – Blow Your Head: June Edition
6/8 – SociaLight, Inc. presents the “School’s Out Teen Bash”
6/8 — Attending An HBCU: Lunch & Learn
6/9 – Classic Black Cinema Series presents “No Way Out”
6/13—6/16 – 22nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration of the Carolinas
6/14 – Dating While Christian: A Man’s Perspective For Women
6/15 – Freedom Jazz Series
6/15 – Queen City Jazz Fest
6/22 — Charlotte Caribbean Children Carnival
6/23 – An Evening with Gregory Porter
Enjoy your weekend folks! Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #EarsToDaSkreets #CommunityFirst