The Rundown: Things to do a Thursday, September 13 – Monday, September 17

By Shawn D. Allison, II

 

Peace and blessings everyone! I want to thank everyone for the tremendous

Shawn Allison shares all the places you’ll wanna be in the Queen City.

amount of birthday love you all have shown me last weekend. 33 feels phenomenal so far! This weekend is looking rather bright, but the skies above us are telling a different story. While the threat of Hurricane Florence is in our midst, some events have cancelled, but there is still a lot of dopeness still scheduled to operate this weekend! If you want to check out what I got lined up for my special sequence of mischief, peep my “Hot List” below!

 

  • THURSDAY – SUNDAY – Brand New Sheriff’s Annual Cheesesteak Fundraiser
  • THURSDAY — Thrive – The Camp North End Fall Jazz Series
  • THURSDAY – Dapper Street Productions presents Piano Jazz – The Intimate Series
  • FRIDAY – “Ready, Set, Vinyl!” feat. DJ Foundacetion at Tip Top Daily Market
  • FRIDAY – PLAYER MADE at Snug Harbor
  • SATURDAY — iMakeCLT Charlotte Community Make Day at C3 Lab
  • SATURDAY – I Still Love the 90s Brunch & Day Party feat. DJ Justice and DJ Tramare at Sports One Bar & Lounge
  • SATURDAY – Chosen Life CLT at Crown Station
  • SATURDAY – Afro Funk 2018 at Camp North End
  • SATURDAY — AfroPop CLT Vol. 25 – Goodbye Summer Edition at Snug Harbor
  • SUNDAY – Jerk Chicken N’ Waffles Sunday Brunch at Mangos Caribbean Restaurant
  • SUNDAY – OutenLove Events’ Speed Dating & Mixer at Sage Restaurant & Lounge

 

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, SEPTEMBER 13——-

Get your appetites ready for a weekend of purposeful good eatin’ as Rory D. Sheriff of Brand New Sheriff Productions invites you to “par-taste” in his Annual Cheesesteak Fundraiser! Join Rory as he transforms into his alter ego “The Empowerment Authors Showcase: Published Poets Edition as he serves up his hometown’s delightful delicacy – the coveted Philly Cheesesteak! The goal of this fundraiser is to make 500 sandwiches to support Brand New Sheriff Productions so they can keep the narrative of our community in rotation. Each beef or chicken sandwich is $12 with options of mayonnaise, ketchup, onions, sweet peppers, hot peppers and marinara sauce. Be sure to e-mail your orders and pickup/delivery options to: BrandNewSheriff@gmail.com.

Get ready to make a joyful noise unto The Lord and come out for GospelSHOUT 2018! The acapella choirs and trombone shout bands of the United House of Prayer have been hard at work and now they are ready to deliver a sermon in instrumentation guaranteed to lift your spirits! Bring your friends, family for this grand experience and be sure to get there early to grab a delicious soul food dinner prepared by the kitchen. Doors open at 6 p.m. United House of Prayer is located at 2321 Beatties Ford Rd.

The Cultured District is ready to set your weekend off in style as they warmly welcome you to the inaugural session of Thrive – The Camp North End Fall Jazz Series! Whether you make this a date with your significant other or a cool out with your crew, enjoy the company of your host, the beautiful Davita Galloway and a headlining performance from homegrown staple Harvey Cummings & Friends! There will also be food and drink specials starting at $3 each. The Cultured District is a collection of minds, brands, and creative agencies that seek to empower artists and support opportunities that will both help individuals become established and flourish in the arts, music and business. Admission is $3 and can be purchased at the gate or here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/thrive-charlotte-launch-party-tickets-48970608408. The jam starts at 6 p.m. Camp North End is located at 1824 Statesville Ave.

Dapper Street Productions is back on the hip tip to present to you another installment of Piano Jazz – The Intimate Series! For tonight’s showcase, the beautiful Jaye Smith pays vocal homage to the contemporary stylings of jazz vocalist Gregory Porter! Piano jazz is a specialized jazz showcase paying homage to jazz legends and current contemporary jazz artists, spotlighting their influences and contributions to the world and jazz culture. Admission is FREE and the event will begin at 6 p.m. at Sugar Creek Library. 4045 N. Tryon St.

Join BriGGsing this Thursday at Triple C Brewing Company for the September installment of the Thirsty Thursday Brewery Tour! You’ll get to see the inner workings of this South End nest egg and learn how this Charlotte staple came to be and enjoy some fresh brews! This tour is also a great way to connect with the community and meet new and exciting people. Admission is FREE and the event will begin at 6:30 p.m. Triple C Brewing Company is located at 2900 Griffith St. in Historic South End.

For some true adult fun, head over to Petra’s this evening for another round of “Potions & Pixels: Video Games, Board Games and Community.” This time around, in addition to all of your favorite retro, modern and indie video and board games, they invite you to step into the vivid world of virtual reality! Admission is only $8. Bring as many friends as you desire and have a good time! The games begin at 7 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.   #PotionsAndPixels

This evening, join Grannae’s Boyz at Mangos Caribbean Restaurant for the Poets & Pen Pushers Reggae and Dancehall Party! Join your host, Jst Jah (Sayword) and come and congregate around a collection of colloquialisms from a conjunct group of poets, rhymers and writers as they perform their skills with a specially-crafted prompt exhibiting their creativity of words for all to experience. Then, after the pens and paper are stored away, come and dance the night away with a fire selection of Dancehall and Reggae tunes provided by DJ Forrest! Admission is $5 per person and there will be plenty of meal and drink specials to add to your experience. The event will begin at 7:30 p.m. Mangos is located at 3112 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.

Set your weekend off with a bang and join Le Bang for “Le Hurricane Watch!” Get down wit’ yo’ bad selves as Black Box Theory, Lon Lon Rancher, Oliver Long as the Vacation Pay crew venture into the depths of Electronica, Soul, Funk, House, Hip Hop and R&B grooves for your pleasure! Admission is FREE to attend and the party starts at 10 p.m. at Snug Harbor. 1228 Gordon St. in the Plaza-Midwood District.

 

——-FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14——-

This weekend, join the fine folks at Jazz Arts Initiative for the Season 11 wrap up of their critically-acclaimed tribute series, The Jazz Room! For Friday and Saturday, JAI invites you to experience the extraordinary talents of jazz clarinetist Janelle Reichman paying a special musical tribute to the “King of Swing” Benny Goodman! As a decorated instrumentalist, Reichman has performed in several ensembles and on several stages in her illustrious career leaving audiences in pure awe from her prolific efficiencies. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/the-jazz-room-at-the-stage-door-theater-10. There will be four performances this weekend: Friday (9/14) at 6 and 8:15 p.m. and Saturday (9/15) 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.

Diggers Delight invites you to experience some vibrant energy on the wax tip this evening as they proudly present “Ready, Set , Vinyl!” Enjoy a calm Friday evening with your crew as my good brother and one of Charlotte’s most talented maestros, DJ FoundACEtion rocks out a very special set of classic and underground Hip Hop, Neo-Soul, Deep House, R&B and Downtempo on an all-vinyl set! Admission is FREE to attend. The event will begin at 7 p.m. at Tip Top Daily Market. 2902 The Plaza Rd.   #DiggersDelight

Everyone hop in your Chevy, Cadillac or Pontiac and head down to Snug Harbor for the September Southern-fried edition of PLAYER MADE! This is the jam session that celebrates Southern Hip Hop from all eras ranging from The Geto Boys, The Hot Boys, UGK, Nappy Roots, Little Brother, DJ Screw, T.I., The Dungeon Family and a lot more! Your host is local MC Elevator Jay along with Jaboi B Rab and A-Huf. Admission is FREE for everyone 21+ and $5 for persons 18-20. Doors open at 9 p.m. Snug Harbor is located at 1228 Gordon St. in the Plaza-Midwood District.

——-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15——-

Young ladies, gather your school-aged homegirls and come out to Butler High School for the EmpowHERment Teen Summit: #creatingHERstory this morning! Girls in grades 6-12 will be connected with, and inspired by dynamic women leaders in our community. Girls will participate in panel discussions, team building activities and career exploration. They will also have afternoon breakout sessions on civic engagement, philanthropy, personal branding and social media. EmpowHERment, Inc. aims to connect girls and women from a diversity of cultural, racial and socio-economic backgrounds in our city, as we believe this will strengthen our collective voice and network as leaders. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/empowherment-teen-summit-creatingherstory-tickets-45700793303. The event will begin at 9 a.m. Butler High School is located at 1810 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd. in Matthews.

Saturday mornings are a great time to come to Atherton — and you should because it’s time for the South End Farmers & Artisans Market! There are lots of great farmers & artisans that bring in meats, produce, mushrooms, sauces, soaps, dog food, flowers, plants and so much more. Enjoy a cup of joe from Not Just Coffee, a cold beer or glass of wine form Vin Master Wine Shop, sip and shop from a variety of local artisans and farmers. Take a seat at any of the indoor or outdoor tables, relax and take in all the cool vibes and energy Atherton has to give. The marketplace opens at 9 a.m. 2104 South Blvd. in Historic South End.

Hey kids, I’ve got something special for you this morning! Gather your friends and parents and head down to C3 Lab for the iMakeCLT Charlotte Community Make Day! This family-friendly event that provides a pop-up space for neighbors from all over Charlotte to connect, learn and create meaningful projects. Attendees of all ages can interact with artists and makers to take part in activities like a community art-making project, hand sign painting, urban hydroponics, drone technology, 3D printing, graffiti chalk art, Legos, printmaking, robotics, building birdhouses & firetrucks, STEM education, giant chess, full-size derby cars and more! Whether you’re a builder, explorer, artist or maker, you’re invited to participate in this event. You just have to share your love of making with the Charlotte community through hands-on learning or a simple project for everyone. Best thing about it, admission is FREE! There will also be food and drinks provided. The fun starts at 10 a.m. C3 Lab is located at 2525 Distribution St. in Historic South End.

Start your Saturday off with some throwback flavor at the “I Still Love the 90s Brunch & Day Party!” Moxie Society invites you out to enjoy an afternoon of fine Southern cuisine, top shelf drink specials, fellowship and music! Step Black into time with DJ Justice and DJ Tramare aka “Hot Rod” rockin’ out the best of 90’s Hip Hop, R&B, House, Dancehall, Reggae and Neo-Soul cuts. 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

The Queen City Metropolitan Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women invites you out to their 4th Annual My Sister’s Keeper Luncheon this morning! The mission of the Queen City Metropolitan Chapter is to improve the lives of African American women and their families by advocating for programs focusing on education, health and economic empowerment. QCMC is proud to offer a variety of programs designed to empower women and young girls of color by offering them the tools necessary to succeed. The My Sister’s Keeper concept (“MSK”) began at the national level to promote the idea that we are in fact “our sisters’ keeper.” As a part of MSK, each chapter celebrates the rich tradition of hard work and the entrepreneurial spirit that is deeply rooted in the African American culture. At the MSK luncheon, QCMC raises funds for scholarships and to support other programs while at the same time showcasing local “Women Who Serve”. Be part of this glorious affair and celebrate the great women in our community making a change! Tickets can be purchased here: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eezuvcp24f6977d0&oseq=&c=&ch=. The event will begin at 11 a.m. at Hilton Charlotte Center City. 222 E. 3rd St. in Uptown.

This afternoon, join On Track Disco for some cooled out tropical delight as they invite you out for Red Cups on Deck! It’s the quintessential staple of a good time no matter the occasion, the red SOLO cup. And today, fill up your coveted chalice with all sorts of liquid joy along with a plate of some delicious Caribbean cuisine meal specials and a dope mix of Reggae, Dancehall and Soca flavor from a lineup of special guest DJs! Admission is FREE to attend and the party starts at 4 p.m. at Lawrence Caribbean Restaurant. 3011 West Blvd.

Need some House in your life? Not to worry, I got you! Head on down to Crown Station and join The Hit Agency in conjunction with RELEASE! Classic & Soulful Ent. and Chicago Clique CLT for the September jam session, Chosen Life CLT! Experience 360 degrees of hard-hitting, soul-snatching House, Deep House, Funk, Soul and Downtempo grooves from RELEASE!’s own “Jackmaster” Gary Wallace, DJ Clash, The FREEZ Project, DJ Tim G, Chosen Few DJs Terry Hunter and a special live performance from Dana Weaver! So gather your friends, your whistles and tambourines and get ready to party! The jump off is at 6 p.m. Admission is $5 before 9 p.m., $10 before 11 p.m. and $15 after. Crown Station is located at 3629 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.

This evening, music bridges the generational gap at Camp North End as A Sign of the Times proudly presents Afro Funk 2018! Come and enjoy a fabulous night under the stars as one of Charlotte’s most talented instrumental ensembles lays out some classic flavor with a bevy of timeless R&B and Soul joints from yesteryear. Then for the new school crowd, get up and get down with the energetic sounds of DJ Fannie Mae spinning out the best of current frequencies with her specialized mixing skills! It’s an “age-old” party jam that you don’t want to miss! Also, there will be an African marketplace full of various items to enhance your experience. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/afro-funk-clt-2018-tickets-49366501535. The event will begin at 7 p.m. Camp North End is located at 1824 Statesville Ave.

Take a cosmic sonic ride with DJ Jah Freedom as he proudly presents Vibration: A Journey Into Sound this evening! The spaceship is fully fueled and ready to travel light years into the vastness of the “Musical Way Galaxy” and while on your voyage, experience the worlds of industrial Hip Hop, House, Funk, Soul and wherever else the cosmic winds blow! Also, be sure to stick around for a dope performance from Kil Ripkin and receive a special reading from Embrace the Human Race. Admission is FREE and blast off will commence at 9 p.m. at Common Market. 235 W. Tremont Ave. in Historic South End.

Mr. 305 Entertainment invites you out to Stats Restaurant & Bar for The Virgo Takeover this evening! Whether you were born between August 23 to September 22 or whatever day of the year, come and dance the night away with my good brother DJ Shaun Nyce aka “The Blend King” rockin’ out a special mix of Top 40, classic Hip Hop, R&B, House, Go-Go and much more! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virgo-takeover-tickets-49895156757. Doors open at 9, Virgos are FREE until 9:30 and everyone is admitted FREE with RSVP before 10 p.m. Stats is located at 3425 David Cox Rd. in the University Area.

Summer is coming to a close and what a season it has been! To put a final cap on it, the fine folks of The Bantu Fete Team invite you out to Snug Harbor for AfroPop CLT Vol. 25 – Goodbye Summer Edition! Round out the solstice 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-vol25-afrobeats-soca-fashion-vendors-tickets-49678449580. The party starts at 10 p.m. Snug Harbor is located at 1228 Gordon St. in the Plaza-Midwood District.

——-SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16——-

The energy from AfroPop still carries on into today as The Culture Cooperative invites you out for the September edition of the Jerk Chicken N’ Waffles Sunday Brunch! Enjoy this tropical spin on your Sunday brunch as sound crafters The Dynamic DJ Kato, DJ Heff and Michael Paul Jr. blend a sonic cocktail of Afrobeats, Hip Hop, House, Soca, Reggae, Dancehall and much more! There will be a special Caribbean-inspired brunch menu, mimosas and other drink specials and lots of other goodies! Please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jerk-chicken-n-waffles-sunday-brunch-sept-16-18-tickets-49889906052. The event will begin at 11 a.m. at Mango’s Caribbean Restaurant. 3112 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.

Calling all actors, actresses and singers – bring your talents down to Spirit Square for a Unified Auditions event this afternoon. Presented by Metrolina Theatre Association, this audition is open to all levels of talent for a chance to acquire some roles for the upcoming performance season. Professionals and beginners are encouraged to attend. The companies represented have a diversity of missions and need talent from all backgrounds and ethnicity. Special needs performers are encouraged to attend. If interested, prepare a monologue or two for a total duration time of two minutes or less. Also, be sure to go http://www.metrolinatheatreassociation.net to sign up for a time and also about sending in your resume and headshot. Companies represented include: The Actor’s Gym, Brand New Sheriff Productions, Charlotte’s Off-Broadway, Chickspeare, COTU (Citizens of the Universe), Free Reign Theatre, Jesonda Productions, Legacy Theater Production, Co., PaperHouse Theatre, Shakespeare Carolina, Three Bone Theatre and XOXO Performance. The event will begin at 3 p.m. Spirit Square is located at 345 N. College St. in Uptown.

Tired of the single life and want to explore new opportunities? Join OutenLove Events at Sage Restaurant & Lounge as they host a special Speed Dating & Mixer this evening! Come and mingle with some of Charlotte’s finest bachelors and bachelorettes in a series of specialized four-minute mini-dates. The men will switch seats until everyone has been able to connect. Each participant will have an interest card where they can put who caught their attention the most. Participants are allowed to go upstairs after speed dating to mingle more and enjoy some music from a live guest DJ. Come dressed to impressed and remember a first impression is a lasting one! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/speed-dating-and-mixer-tickets-49237078427. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Sage Restaurant & Lounge is located at 505 E. 6th St. in Uptown.

 

 

Do you need a calming option to center yourselves before the upcoming work week? Join Peace Filled Mama at Dupp & Swat for another relaxing session of the Weekend Wind Down. Host and yoga instructor Kelley Carboni-Woods as she guide you along a series of community-oriented breathing exercises and stretches to empower yourselves, achieve wellness, balance, affirmation, truth and light. All ages and levels are welcome. Admission is $5 per person. Please dress comfortably. The session will begin at 6:30 p.m. Dupp & Swat is located at 2521 The Plaza Rd.

 

 

COMING SOON…

9/20 – State Of Our Black Boys, Part II

9/22 – UNITE International Dance Concert

9/22 – The Black Mecca

9/22 – Su Casa: The September Edition

9/28 – Radio Rehab Carolinas presents “A Jam Called Whatever”

9/29 — The Empowerment Authors Showcase: Published Poets Edition

9/29 – Radio Rehab Carolinas presents “Justice 4 All – A Soulful Dance Experience

9/30 – Open Streets 704

10/1 – 10/6 – New Era Music House presents “The Elements”

10/6 – Off The Wall: ATCQ/Native Tongues Tribute Vol. 6

10/6 – 7th Annual Literary Festival of Charlotte

10/11 –West End Talks

 

For all those who are traveling to avoid the path of Hurricane Florence, may God keep you in safe, viable comforts and know that you are able to withstand anything!

 

Have a great weekend Brothers & Sisters! Peace.

 

Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.

 

#WeekendWarrior   #TheBlackFerrisBueller   #EarsToDaSkreets   #CommunityFirst