The Rundown: Things to Do April 21 – 24

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

Peace, Queen City Brothers & Sisters!  I’ve got another fun weekend for you filled with lots of music, art, delicious eats and other special treats!  The weather is scheduled to be terrific this weekend, so I want EVERYONE to get out and enjoy themselves!  So without further adieu, here we go!

THURSDAY, April 21

Start your weekend off with a BANG!  Put on your fly evening wear and head down to The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture for another edition of “Gantt After Dark,” presented by PNC Bank, Herb & Felicia Gray’s Happy Hour and The Charlotte Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.  Art, music and more collide in this monthly sophisticated affair.  Join host, Bro. Quentin Talley as he artistically guides you through the evening with a tapestry of multi-sensory splendor.  One of Charlotte’s most heralded acts, The Harvey Cummings Project will be laying down the soundtrack for the evening.  Enjoy an intimate Paint & Sip with local creative, Cathay Dawkins.  And to satistfy your stomach’s desires, try free wing samples from local food truck, Wingzza and delicious desserts from Creative Catering.  Admission for Gantt After Dark is FREE, but the admission for the Paint & Sip class is $25 ($20 for Gantt Center members).  The event begins at 6 p.m.  The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.

Head over to The McColl Center for Art + Innovation for the workshop “Hand-Building A Human Figure” with artist and McColl Artist-In-Residence and Alumnus Tom Thoune.  Thoune offers participants an exciting opportunity to explore hands-on forming and building using clay. Learn how to use pinch, coil, and slab methods to build a human figure with clay.  Admission is $30 and can be purchased/registered here:  Blackbaudhosting.com  The workshop begins at 6 p.m. and will be held at The McColl Center.  721 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.

This evening, come out to Crossroads Charter High School for the “Youth Speak Out.”  Join JCSU & UNCC History Clubs as they lead a community discussion on Black America’s political state and what changes are needed today.  The special guests for this event are Mr. Joseph A. DeLaine, Jr. who will give an account and an inspiring story of the fight for change through his experienced eyes.  Also, local Charlotte creative legend, Bluz, will provide some of his brain mater-piercing spoken word lyricism to awaken the sociopolitical consciousness of your mind.  Advance tickets can be purchased for $7 at:  http://www.latibahmuseum.org/programs.  Regular admission tickets are $10 and Latibah Museum members/children ages 15 and under are on sale for $3.  The program will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m.  Crossroads Charter High School is located at 5500 N. Tryon St.

Everyone MOO-ve over to Paint Craze this evening for “Cow Craze @ Paint Craze.”  Instructor and artist Lindsay Boheler will be on hand guiding you to help you create your own gentle grazing giant on a blank canvas.  Socialize and “beef up” your painting skills while you consume some refreshments from the Art Bar.  Admission is $35 and all instruments and  supplies will be provided.  Tickets can be purchased here: Paintcraze.com   The event starts at 7 p.m.  Paint Craze is located at 5028 South Blvd.

Come out for a riveting discussion that has been long overlooked and long overdue, domestic violence.  “FACES OF VIOLENCE:  A Panel Discussion of Women Who Have Faced Domestic Violence” is an event for those who are tired of being silent. This event is in support of Sexual Assualt Month. Join the JCSU I Matter Department as they sponsor this event for students and community to hear the stories of those who have faced violence in their relationships!  Healing begins here at this FREE event!  All are encouraged to come and give a testimony, offer help/solutions, and speak out and against this hideous occurrence.  The discussion begins at 7 p.m. and the address of JCSU is 100 Beatties Ford Rd. located on the outskirts of Uptown.  #EndDomesticViolence

Come lounge at BluNotes this evening for “Soulful Thursdays @ BluNotes” and get ready to relax as the melodic sounds of Angelique & Musical Explosions sets the musical mood for your pleasure.  Angelique & Musical Explosions is a local act that features a rich, sultry, smooth and jazz-tinged delivery with several performing accolades to boast.  Admission is only $4 and the show begins at 7 p.m., sharp.  BluNotes is located at 3425 David Cox Rd. in the University Area.

The Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte is proud to present the feature, “Fly By Night.”  In this darkly comic rock-fable, a melancholy sandwich maker’s humdrum life is intersected by two entrancing sisters.  A sweeping ode to young love set against the backdrop of the northeast blackout of 1965, “Fly By Night” is a musical about making your way and discovering hope in a world beset by darkness.  The production will be here for a series of performances running all the way to Saturday May, 7th.  For all other shows, tickets can be purchased at:  blackbaudhosting.com   Tonight’s show begins at 7:30 p.m.  All performances will be at The Actor’s Theatre located at 650 E. Stonewall St. in Uptown.

FRIDAY, April 22
Bring the family out to The Discovery Place today for “Earth Day With Trees Charlotte.”  This is a North Carolina Science Festival event geared towards learning about ways we can all help the Earth and celebrate the things that make our planet diverse with hands-on activities in the Explore More Life science lab.  And local environmental enthusiast organization, Trees Charlotte will be at the Museum to pass out free tree seedlings that you can take home and plant to keep the Charlotte canopy growing.This will be going on all day at Discovery Place from open to close.  Discovery Place is located at 301 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.

Everyone shift your noses and stomachs into 5th gear and head down to either Plaza-Midwood or South End because it’s time once again for “Food Truck Friday.”  Let your olfactory senses steer you to one or many of Charlotte’s colorful culinary chariots ready to fill you up with a delicious variety of eats!  Admission is FREE.  FTF will be behind Sycamore Brewing in South End (2161 Hawkins St.) and The Light Factory in Plaza-Midwood (1817 Central Ave.)  Both locations begin at 5 p.m. Hashtag:  #FoodTruckFriday  #SupportFoodTrucks

It’s time for TUCK FEST FREE YOGA! Come out to the US National Whitewater Center, April 22nd – 24th for lots of fun, yoga, laughter, cheers, live music & good times. Visit tuckfest.org for the entire itinerary.  Doors open Friday (4/22) at 5 p.m.  The Whitewater Center address is 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy.  #TuckFest

Join local jazz creative Eleazar Shafer and his band Machine Gun Preacher as they hit The Pavilion Stage (Outside of The Knight Theater) this evening playing their own brand of funky Queen City jazz!  And in the lineup we have some of the area’s baddest musicians going to town on your earholes!  Join Shafer on trumpet, Tim Singh on the low bass, Sean Mason will tickle the 88 keys, Tim Scott, Jr. bringing the funk on the rhythm section (drums), Harvey Cummings and Phillip Whack on tenor and alto sax, Troy Conn strumming the good-tar, and special guest, the fine and fabulous Blanche J. providing her sexy and soulful vocals.  I’ve seen all of these good people perform at various venues and events throughout the city and I am always impressed with their incomparable skills.  The band strikes at 5:30 p.m.  430 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.  Hashtag: #CLTJazzFest

Stop by Paint Craze join other cool people for a night of “Art & Good Cheer” as we raise funds for Take Steps!  Local artist, Maddie Hagerman will guide and entertain you to create your own masterpiece on a 16×20 canvas! Follow along step-by-step or feel free to choose your own colors and patterns to suit your creative mood and style. Take Steps, Be Heard for Crohn’s & Colitis” is also CCFA’s largest fundraising event which raises awareness for the more than 1.6 million American adults and children affected by digestive diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.  The funds you raise through Take Steps will help support patient programs, enhances professional education efforts, and propels critical research for cures.And while you paint, relax to some great music, enjoy delicious drinks and fellowship with other participants.  Tickets can be purchased at: paintcraze.com  All art supplies will be provided in the admission fee.  The party begins at 7 p.m.  Paint Craze is located at 5028 South Blvd.

Get ready to bust your gut, ya’ll!  Some of the most talented and beautiful comedians grace the stage at UpStage in NoDa tonight for “Eyes Up Here:  A Comedy Showcase By Humans That Happen To Be Women.”  The features for tonight are Coco Fresh, BlayrNias, NicciHoo, Jenn Snyder, Erin Terry, Mimi J. Benfield and Kaleigh Cutright who will also serve as the host.  Let me tell you, I’ve heard a few of these women before and I can honestly say that I was in stitches!  Advance tickets are on sale for $10 and can be purchased here: www.upstagenoda.com or pay $15 at the door.  The laughter begins promptly at 7 p.m. UpStage is located at 3306 N. Davidson St. Suite “C” in the NoDa District.

Catch local jazz act The Sean Mason Trio live at The Gallery South End tonight for a FREE performance.  Bring your crew out, relax, enjoy a variety of wine, coffee, desserts and art as the music settles you after a long and tiresome work week.  The music starts at 7:30 p.m.  Gallery South End is located at 1320 S. Church St. in Uptown.  Hashtag: #TheGallery  #SipAndListen

Slide over to Haylo Healing Arts Lounge and relax yourself with a “Sound Healing Journey.”  In this intuitive sound healing meditation, Autumn Austin of Journey There Wands will play gongs, Tibetan singing bowls, tuning pipes, drums and her own voice for toning to take you from a beta brain wave state – alert mind to theta and delta states – deep meditation.  Sound and vibration together with your intention can lead to healing, clarity, manifestation, awakening and new insights about yourself and your life.  As you lie or sit on the floor, Autumn intuitively works with what each group needs making each sound healing a unique experience.  Come prepared with a yoga mat, blankets and/or a pillow.  Admission is $25. Call (704)-332-3377or (704)-651-0668 to reserve your spot.  The session begins at 7:30 p.m.  Haylo Healing Arts Lounge is located at 1111 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.

Everyone put on your pajamas, grab a big mixing bowl of cereal and plop down in front of the stage because the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte proudly presents “School House Rock Live!”  Relive all of those fun, favorite tunes of yesteryear that made education fun!  “Conjunction Junction”, “I’m Just A Bill”, “Three Is A Magic Number”, “Electricity, Electricity”, “Interplanet Janet”, “Lolly’s Adverbs”, “Zero, My Hero” and many more!  The show will run from April 8 – April 24.  Tonight’s show begins at 7:30 p.m. with a special adults only performance on Saturday 4/23.  Tickets can be purchased:  https://ctcharlotte.org  All performances will be held at ImaginOn located at 300 E. 7th St. in Uptown.

Tonight at BluNotes, witness musical greatness as vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and composer Gabriel Bello sets the stage on fire tonight in BluNote’s “Straight-Ahead Jazz Fridays” edition.  If you are unaware of Gabriel Bello, prepare your ears for a totally unique and authentic sound.  And while you’re there, grab some of the delicious food and drink specials available.  There will be two shows tonight:  7 p.m. and 10 p.m.  $5 admission for both shows.  If you wish to reserve a table, please call (704)-910-1996 or visit:http://www.blunotes.com/reservations/ to get your seat(s).  BluNotes is located at 3425 David Cox Rd. in the University Area.

This evening, you all are in for a special musical delight!  Come down to The Knight Theatre for an audible nostalgic journey through yesteryear with “Jazz In The Key Of Life:  Music of the 60s & 70s.”  During this spectacular evening, the music will take you down memory lane as it surprises you with new takes on legendary songs from artists like The Beatles; Stevie Wonder; Elton John; Cream; Crosby, Stills & Nash; Dionne Warwick; and Donny Hathaway.  The featured guest for the evening is Jazz at The Lincoln Center Orchestra with jazz legend, the incomparable and multitalented Mr. Wynton Marsalis.  Tickets can be purchased here: https://tix.carolinatix.org The show begins at 7:30 p.m. and The Knight Theatre is located at 430 S. Tryon St.   Hashtag: #CLTJazzFest

It’s time for another segment of the invigorating and eclectic series, “New Frequencies @ McColl Center.”  And tonight, your ears will get a healthy dose of pure jazz as Trio Red Space put some audible pleasure into your lives.  Trio Red Space is a new endeavor by three of the best players on the Chicago jazz scene. Tim Daisy (drums), Mars Williams (saxophones), and Jeb Bishop (trombone) are veterans of the Vandermark 5 and countless other configurations.  This new trio allows them to bring the full range of their influences to their tunes, while retaining the personality and idiosyncrasies that have made them esteemed, individualistic voices.  Tickets are on sale for purchase at: blackbaudhosting.com or at the door.  The music starts at 8 p.m., sharp.  The McColl Center is located at 721 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.

Jazz N’ Soul has been on a serious roll this year and tonight, sounds and things will be given a Latin twist!  Hitting the stage is Proyecto Ramon—flavored with  Latin Jazz, with a twist of Salsa and Bachatta.  They are a collective of diverse musicians who will bring some heat to the Queen City.  You don’t want to miss them! Tickets can be purchased at:  https://www.eventbrite.com  Performance will begin promptly at 9 p.m.and will be held at The Tavern which is located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.  Hashtag: #JazzNSoul

Join other Charlotte jazz fans for music and dessert at the beautiful Grand Room at The Gantt Center for the “Friday Night Jazz Bakery.”  Enjoy the magnificent view of the Queen City uptown skyline as artists from Sammy Miller and The Congregation along with a guest from Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra will keep the music going while you enjoy a variety of decadent desserts.  Tickets can be purchased at: https://tix.carolinatix.org Showtime is at 9:30 p.m.  The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.

Rounding out your Friday evening with another edition of the “I Love New York” series, join Awesom & E.O.C. So Street Ent. as they present one of Hip Hop’s greatest groups, Brand Nubian at Vibrations Night Club in a live performance.  Relive their classics of the Golden Era as Lord Jamar, Grand Puba & Sadat X set the stage ablaze!  And keeping your ears further entertained is one of Charlotte’s heralded turntablists, DJ Justice.  Tickets can be purchased at: www.eventbrite.com  Doors open at 9 p.m. and the show starts at 10 p.m.  Vibrations is located at 5237 Albemarle Rd. on the corner of Albemarle Rd. & N. Sharon Amity Dr.

More jazz on a Friday night in Charlotte?  Do you think I’m joking?  No, I am not!  Head over to The Westin for some “Late Nite Jams!”  For night owls, enjoy these late night performances in the Westin hotel’s innovative, vibrant, and sophisticated SoCo Bar with guest appearances by members of Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.  Admission is FREE and the jazz starts at 11 p.m.  The Westin is located at 601 S. College St. in Uptown.

SATURDAY, April 23
Rise & shine Queen City, and head down to Little Rock AME Zion Church for “Learning From The Best:  Insights & Strategies For Starting and Growing Your Business.”  Join host and keynote speaker Nikki Lewis and an esteemed panel of local and successful business owners who want to lend their expertise to those who desire to build their own business.  Panel participants include, Larry Austin, Jimmie Hackett, Sr., Abagail Moats, Brenda Anderson and Pride Magazine Publisher, Dee Dixon.  There will also be representatives and resources from several community and business development organizations.  Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.  For more information please call (704)-968-1952(704)-806-8550 or (704)-334-3782.  The workshop begins at 8 a.m.  Little Rock AME Zion Church is located at 401 N. McDowell St. in Uptown.

Start your morning off at The NoDa Eclectic Marketplace.  This FREE event hosts vendors of locally produced works of art, jewelry, body products, clothing, housewares, pet products and more!  The marketplace is open at 10 a.m. and will be behind The Smelly Cat Coffeehouse &Roastery and NoDa Company Store.  514 E. 36th St. in the NoDa District.

Ladies, head over to Hygge Co-Working Space this morning as inspiHER hosts “Coffee & Conversations.”  Are you in need of a place to share intimate questions and desires and to dive into deep, thought-provoking conversations?  If your answer is “yes”, then this event is for you!  Get ready for your emotions to flow ranging from laughter to tears as you all will share your innermost stories.  Coffee will be provided, you just bring the conversation.    Join some awesome women of faith and virture and be encouraging to each other!  Tickets: http://www.sipandshareclt.eventbrite.com.  The event begins at 10 a.m.  Hygge Co-Working Space is located at 809 Hill St. Suite “C” which is on the outskirts of Uptown.

Make your way over to C3 Lab with your children this morning so they can catch some STEAM!  (STEAM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math.)  Join Digi-Bridge for a fun morning of exploration and innovation!  Your K-8 scholar will be introduced to a variety of object-oriented computer programming (coding) languages.  The personalized learning platform allows individuals to move at the own pace, making this course valuable for learners of all levels.  All the fun starts at 9 a.m., sharp.  C3 Lab is located at 2525 Distribution St. in Historic South End.  Hashtag: #STEAM  #C3Lab  #DigiBridge

Calling All Creatives!  It’s time once again for STiR: Charlotte!  STiR:Charlotte is a quarterly meet-up for creatives from sacred communities, focused on the dynamics of integrating faith and creativity, and the telling of artist stories.  The central theme for the day is, “In The Beginning(s)”—each presenter will be sharing their personal stories and perspectives on handling false starts, detours and distractions in their creative processes and career paths. Also, during your time together you will network and converse over coffee and pastries, present the theme, hear from a panel of prolific creatives (Jason Clark, Angie Moses, Richard Israel), and make time for Q&A and smaller group discussions.  Admission is FREE but please RSVP here: www.eventbrite.com  The workshop begins at 10 a.m., sharp and it will be held at 8519 Gilead Rd. in Huntersville.  Hashtag: #STiRCharlotte

At the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture this morning, join local multi-talent, Quentin Talley as he hosts “Tap Dance With Quentin Talley.” Join Q on a journey of rhythm incorporating spoken word and your imagination to create an original jazz movement. All ages and all levels are welcome.The workshop is free with museum admission and if you plan on attending, please RSVP at: www.ganttcenter.org The workshop begins at 11 a.m.  The Gantt Center is located at 511 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.

Parents, bring the tribe out to The Stage Door Theatre this morning for the “Junior Jazz Club.”  You and the young ones get to enjoy a jazz concert that is both engaging and interactive.  If you desire to have your youth learn about jazz, this event is for you!  This hourlong casual show will feature members of Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra who will perform and chat with the audience about jazz.  All ages are welcome, but this is specifically geared towards children in grades 3rd to 7th.  Admission is $10 and this will include a snack pack for children.  Visit http://www.carolinatix.org for ticket purchases and additional info.  The show begins at 11 a.m.  The Stage Door Theatre @ Blumenthal Performing Arts Center is located at the corner of E. 5th St. & N. College St. in Uptown.  Hashtag: #CLTJazzFest

Late this morning, head over to the Wells Fargo Atrium in Uptown and prepare your audible appetites for the Creole Jazz Brunch.  Close your eyes and be transported to the French Quarter at this Saturday morning feast for the senses. Between the sounds of the extraordinary Ocie Davis Quartet with a special guest vocalist and a delectable New Orleans-style brunch, the sensory magic of New Orleans will be conjured up right here Charlotte.  Tickets are sold here:  https://tix.carolinatix.org/online The brunch begins at 11 a.m.  The Wells Fargo Atrium is located at 301 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.  Hashtag: #CLTJazzFest

Moxie Society is back once again with their much-raved about I Love The 90s Brunch & Day Party.”  Gather your friends, colleagues, older cousins and come on down to Sports One Bar & Lounge for some great fun!  DJ Shogun will be spinning the best of 90s Hip Hop and R&B.  Admission is FREE but please be sure to reserve your table at:  http://www.sportsone.com.  The fun begins at 11 a.m.  Sports One is located at 521 N. College St. in Uptown.  #MoxieSociety  Hashtag: #SportsOneCLT  #SaturdayBrunch  #TheArtOfTheDayParty

Charlotte, get ready for an explosive FuzionFitness Dance Convention this morning.  Some of the area’s hottest dance fitness instructors come together for this one-day energy-driven party.  From Zumba, Urban Cardio Dance, Shake Down Fitness and more, come out and work up a sweat to take steps in improving your well-being!  All fitness levels are encouraged to come.  The convention will be held at The Carole Hoefner Center at 11 a.m.  The address is 610 E. 7th St. in Uptown.

This afternoon, head out to the McColl Center for the Black Lunch Table:  BlackLivesMatter Recording Sessions 1 & 2.  The Black Lunch Table (BLT) is an open workshop of visual artists of African descent that focuses on the gathering of collective histories. Taking the lunchroom phenomenon as its starting point, the session seeks to reify the visibility of connections and dialogue that exists between contemporary Black artists.  The primary aim of BLT is the the production of dicursive sites, wherein cultural producers of color engage in critical and communal dialogue on topics that directly affect our community.  This is a FREE workshop and all are encouraged to attend.  Please RSVP at:  http://www.surveymonkey.com/r/99CMHBY.  Session #1 is at 12 noon and Session #2 is at 5 p.m.  Dinner will be provided.  Both workshops will be held at the McColl Center which is located at 721 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.

Join New Growth Hair Magazine as they sponsor a FREE screening of “Out Of Darkness”—a full-length, three-part documentary by filmmaker Amadeuz Christ.  This film examines the untold history of African (Black) people, our cultural contribution to nations of the world and the events that have contributed to the condition of us today.  The film will explore the Nubian/Kushitic origins of Nile River Valley civilization, the Moorish influence in Europe, modern day racism and the impact of Hip Hop Culture as a social movement.  The film screening will be at 7 p.m. and will be held at Crossroads Charter High School.  This is a family-friendly event and all ages are encouraged to attend.  Crossroads is located at 5500 N. Tryon St.

This evening, join the Guerilla Poets and several other cool cats for “ENCORE! Open Mic!” at The Last Word.  Every 4th Saturday of the month, gather ‘round as various and diverse individuals engage an open mic with song, poetry and riveting visual artwork.  And if you are the drawing/painting type, I strongly suggest this event for you.  Admission is FREE and the love starts at 7 p.m.  The Last Word is located at 5744 N. Tryon St.

Head out to BluNotes this evening  as Dalvin & Xpressive Sounds rocks you into the night.  The deep, soulful baritone vocals of Dalvin are both exquisite and compelling and the funky rhythms of Xpressive Sound are sure to take your ears and mind to another place.  Dalvin has performed on the BluNotes stage numerous times and is ALWAYS requested back—I suggest you come out and see for yourself why.  Two shows this evening:  7 p.m. and 10 p.m.  Admission is  $4 per show and be sure to grab some delicious food and drink specials from the menu.  BluNotes is located at 3425 David Cox Rd. in the University Area.

Swing those hips over to Dupp & Swat tonight for the “Kiz-Salsa Dance Night One Year Bash!”  This exotic and flavorful dance groove will surely lift your spirits up and cause you to feel energized!  Let your feet and your hips communicate to the sounds of Kizomba, Salsa, Kuduro, Rompa and Zouk tunes.  And there will be a 15-minute Kizomba dance lesson included.  Admission is $10 and the fun starts at 9:30 p.m.  Dupp & Swat is located at 2424 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.  Hashtag: #duppandswat

The wait is over!  It’s time once again for Su Casa—Charlotte’s oasis for the culturally starved.  The brilliant minds of Jasiatic Anderson and Carlton Hargro fuse once again to give you a totally off-the-radar dance and music party full of exotic and eclectic spice and sound!  Resident DJ Justice will be spinning the best of various world music genres.  On the patio, DJ Steel Wheel and Loot-Tenant Trax will bring some authentic Motherland flavor through the speakers and against your eardrums.  Also, stick around for DJ SPK and Nige Hood giving a special performance. And as always, the lovely Catherine Courtlandt will be doing her  face painting along with local creative Dammit Wesley hitting the canvas in an array of colors and patterns that will be sure to blow your mind!   Admission is $10 and the funk starts at 10 p.m., sharp.  Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.  Hashtag: #SuCasa

SUNDAY, April 24
Start your afternoon off with FAZE, Inc., Prive Marketing Group and The Sol Kitchen as they host the second edition of “Corks & Forks—Champagne Brunch & Day Party!”  Enjoy this midday suave and sophisticated affair with fun-loving young professionals.  Choose from a diverse and delicious brunch menu, great drink specials and let the fly sounds of DJ Hot Rod set the mood for your afternoon.  Admission is FREE but be sure to RSVP here:  http://www.corksandforksclt.eventbrite.com.  If you or your party desire a table, call (704)-370-3006 for reservations.  The brunch begins at 11 a.m. and The Mandrake is located at 333 W. Trade St. in Uptown.  Hashtag: #CorksAndForks

EatWorkPlayCLT presents to you Sunday FUNday” this afternoon.  Enjoy a delcious brunch prepared by Queen City Quisine, tunes by DJ Chescov and a ton of fun games!  This is also a BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) event and the suggested beverages are champagne and orange juice.  And besides, what is a Sunday FUNday brunch without mimosas?  Tickets can be purchased at:  http://www.ewpsundayfunday.eventbrite.com.  The event will be held at Circa Uptown and starts at 12 noon.  Circa Uptown is located at 360 S. Graham St. in Uptown.  Hashtag: #EatWEorkPlayCLT  #SundayFUNday

Head out to FireWater Charlotte for the quaint and enjoyable “Brunch @ The Lake featuring Sai The Violinist.”  This is a FREE event to dine while enjoying the live musicianship of the beautiful Sai The Violinist.  If you’ve never heard her play before, you are definitely in for some musical delight as she performs covers of your favorite contemporary tunes and some of her original material.  Specials include a $15 brunch bufft, $3 mimosas, $4 Bloody Marys and others.  Call (704)-549-0050 to make reservations.  The event begins at 12 noon.  FireWater is located at 8708 J.W. Clay Blvd. in the University Area.

Local spoken word artist and creative, Ian Counts hosts the “Haircut-A-Thon & Afterparty” at Free Range Brewing this afternoon.  Counts will donate the funds from all his haircuts to youth artist initiative BreatheINK to help defray costs for their upcomung BNV trip and summer programming.  And at the afterparty, come out to Free Range Brewing with youth and adult poets to spit a few stanzas, listen to music and enjoy more fun.  The event begins at 4:30 p.m. and Free Range Brewing is located at 2320 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.

This afternoon, come see some hardcore kickball action as M.A.R.S. (Main Attraction Recreational Sports) kicks off another round of games with Co-Ed Kickball!  6 teams will battle it out in 3 games who will try their hardest to kick, throw and pitch their way to glory.  Come out and cheer yours truly and all the other players on this evening at 5 p.m. at Park Road Park.  6215 Park Rd. Hashtag:  #MARS  #Funletics

One of America’s best-known, best-loved and most-hated sociopolitical comedians, authors and critics, Dick Gregory takes the stage for an evening of hard-hitting and hilarious and comedic social commentary.  If you do not know who Dick Gregory is, I strongly suggest that you do your research.  He pulls absolutely no punches and is in your face more than your own mirrored reflection.  One show only–April 24th at 7 p.m. at The Comedy Zone.  Tickets can be purchased at:  http://www.cltcomedyzone.com.  The Comedy Zone is located at 900 NC Music Factory Blvd. which is on the outskirts of Uptown.

I hope everyone will have a wonderful, fun, jazzed-out and funked-up weekend!!

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

#WeekendWarrior
#TheBlackFerrisBueller