By Shawn D. Allison, II
Family! Good to see you all again! I hope you are ready for another amazing weekend because once again there’s A LOT happening in the QC! BOOM is back bringing the noise with all sorts of artistry and energy, family festivals, film screenings and more! But don’t wait for my intro to see what all is in store, check out what I have below and be sure to peep my “Hot List” to see what trouble I’ll be getting into this weekend!
THURSDAY — #FreeTheArtistWorkShop at UNCC
THURSDAY – Beats & Bars Jam Session No. 2 at JCSU Arts Factory
FRIDAY-SUNDAY – 3RD Annual BOOM Charlotte Arts Festival
FRIDAY – Eric B. & Rakim – The Technique Tour at The Fillmore
FRIDAY – One Love Reggae Party at Recess Charlotte
SATURDAY — 2018 Living With PRIDE Home Buying Seminar at JCSU
SATURDAY – Record Store Day 2018
SATURDAY — I Still Love the 90s Brunch & Day Party – Pretty Girls Edition at Sports One Bar & Lounge
SATURDAY – New Era Music Fest at New Era Music House
SATURDAY – Blow Your Head – The Cosmic Slop Jam at Salud Cerveceria
SATURDAY – Grooves: An Ode to R&B Music at Loft & Cellar
SUNDAY – Scrambled Eggs at Tip Top Daily Market
SUNDAY – M.A.R.S. 2018 Co-Ed Kickball Season Opener
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, APRIL 19——-
The Arts & Science Council invites you down to Google Fiber Charlotte for the 100 Words Film Festival Expert Filmmakers & Directing Seminar this evening. Join renowned director, Rory Karpf, as he shares his expertise in his field. Some of the films he’s directed include: ESPN’s 30 for 30 “Nature Boy” and “I Hate Christian Laettner.” He’s also directed documentaries on Snoop Dogg, Lolo Jones, and the Manning brothers. Also, Carpe Diem restaurant will be catering complementary food. This will be a great way to meet and network with other filmmakers! Admission is FREE and open to the public. 5:30 p.m. 301 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
In honor of National Poetry Month, Queen City CLTive has partnered with UNCC spoken word organizations Souls’ Speaks and Merge to present to you the #FreetheArtistWorkShop. This creative writing workshop and open mic is for all that desire to enhance their writing and performing skills. Admission is FREE and open to the public. The event will begin at 6 p.m. inside Norms Lounge at UNCC Main Campus. 9201 University City Blvd.
It’s time to be dashing and dapper this evening at The Gantt Center as it is time for Gantt After Dark: Spring Kolors! Presented by Charlotte Kappas and Herb & Felicia Gray, come enjoy an evening of Spring sophistication and flair with some art, delicious food and drinks, local vendors, lots of networking and live music from jazz band 5th & York and a special guest DJ. Also, join local creative and teacher Cathay Dawkins as he hosts a special “Paint N’ Sip” course! Dawkins will guide your hands to create your own masterpiece on canvas as you enjoy some select wines. The course is $20 for Gantt members and $25 for nonmembers. You can pay here: https://61686.blackbaudhosting.com/61686/Gantt-After-Dark-Spring-Kolors-Paint–Sip-19Apr2018?_ga=2.218761625.1045993102.1524131729-1187148715.1524131729. Admission to Gantt After Dark is FREE and the event begins at 6 p.m. 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Dapper Street Productions invites you to start your weekend on an infatuated artistic vibe as they proudly present Ritmo Caliente – The Latin Jazz Experience this evening. Take a load off and come experience the passion of the Dapper Street Jazz Band setting the mood with a variety of classic and spicy Latin jazz numbers. Admission is FREE to attend, there will be light refreshments available and be sure to bring your dancing shoes! The event will begin at 6 p.m. and will be held at the Bette Rae Thomas Rec Center. 2921 Tuckaseegee Rd.
Celebrate the musical tradition of the Historic West End with local artists and JCSU student musicians for second revolution of a live throw down entitled Beats & Bars Jam Session No. 2! Bring your friends and family out for night of great music while learning more about Soul Junction, a two-day music festival hosted in the Historic West End. This showcase of electric jazz, soul, and funk will be led by acclaimed Charlotte multitalented Renaissance man Quentin Talley and funky drummer Tim Scott, Jr. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soul-junction-bars-beats-jam-session-no-2-tickets-44772282101. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at the JCSU Arts Factory. 1545 W. Trade St. near the JCSU Main Campus.
Race Matters for Juvenile Justice invites you to Little Rock Cultural Center for its 2018 Speakers Bureau Community Presentation Series. The fourth presentation in the series is entitled “History of Racial Exclusion.” Featuring a panel of dignitaries, this event will highlight how Black citizens were excluded from achieving the benefits of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/history-of-racial-exclusion-tickets-44840488107. 6 p.m. 401 N. Myers St. in Uptown.
One of Charlotte’s baddest and most beautiful vocalists, Blanche J. along with Be Free Entertainment cordially invites you out to Sydney’s Martini & Wine Bar this evening for Vibez Open Mic Night! If you’re a singer, sang-er or spoken word artist, come out and showcase your skills on stage in front of an encouraging audience! Admission is $10 with a bevy of cocktail specials available at the bar. Doors open at 8 and the showcase will start at 8:30 p.m. Sydney’s is located at 401 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
——-FRIDAY, APRIL 20——-
Local women’s empowerment t-shirt line, Pink Social, returns for 2018 for it Girl Tribe Pop-Up Social this weekend! Ladies and gentlemen, come out and support over 60 local female-owned small businesses, do some networking, shop til’ you drop, fellowship and enjoy some great food and drinks! Tickets can be purchased online here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/girl-tribe-pop-up-april-20-22-2018-tickets-42880930016. The event begins at 10 a.m. and the address is 2116 Hawkins St. in Historic South End. #GirlTribePopUp
If you’re feeling starved from all the high vibrations abound on this lifted day, head down to Pizza Peel for the 420 Pizza Buffet! Celebrate this wonderful Friday with an all-you-can-eat pizza, salad and soft drink buffet for only $4.20 per person! Be sure to bring a friend because this special will be running all day long! 11 a.m. 1600 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
There’s going to a rather loud noise coming from Plaza-Midwood this weekend—and for good reason! Everyone come out for the 3rd Annual BOOM Charlotte Festival! This multisensory arts soiree and showcase will feature a wide range of contemporary talents, performances and positive energy! BOOM is a unique coalition of artists, volunteers, nonprofits, local businesses and neighborhood organizations to transform the way art is made and shared in the Queen City. For the FULL list of BOOM performers, performance times, venues, please visit: http://boomcharlotte.org. #BOOMCLT
The NAACP Charlotte-Mecklenburg Branch invites everyone out to Little Rock AME Zion Church for the Mental Health & Women Issue Forum this evening. In honor of Women’s Healthcare Month, bring your friends and family down for free health screenings and information geared towards more effective self-care and ways to increase your quality of life. FREE admission. 6 p.m. 401 McDowell St. in Uptown.
Ladies, join community collective #SheCollaborates this evening as they host the #SheCollaborates Sip, Taste & See Social! If you are a businesswoman in the York County area or looking to expand into the region, this is the event you cannot afford to miss! Come out for an elegant evening of collaboration featuring member presentations, extended meet n’ greet sessions, 60-second vendor introductions, mastermind exercises and more all geared towards the collaborative goal of positioning Black women-owned businesses for massive growth and next level success. Hors d’oeuvres, light cocktails and music will be provided. Please purchase your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shecollaborates-sip-taste-see-tickets-44556402399. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at Reflection Park. 550 Rawlinson Rd. in Rock Hill.
They came through the door, they said it before, they’ll never let the mic magnetize them no more—because it’s bitin’ them and fightin’ them but invitin’ you out to The Fillmore to see Eric B. & Rakim performing LIVE on their “The Technique Tour!” Everyone get your gear from Dapper Dan, fresh kicks from Foot Locker and a huge dookie gold rope chain and feel the energy from arguably Hip Hop’s most influential duo performing all their classics! Tickets can be purchased here: https://concerts1.livenation.com/event/0E005462C6BFE516. Doors open at 7 and the show starts at 8 p.m. The Fillmore is located at 820 Hamilton St. in the NC Music Factory.
Ladies, get ready to “werk” your way to a healthier lifestyle at the “Trap Out: The Werk Out” exercise session this evening! Now I bet you’re wondering what in the world is Trap Out – The Werk Out? It’s an interactive workout party fully stocked with Hip Hop, Soca, twerking and majorette-style dancing routines that’ll set your course to a healthier size-sexy fit lifestyle. What’s unique about this class is that you will be taught by four instructors at once who specialize in their designated field of dance. If you want to be healthy and have fun at the same time, this is the class for you! Please feel free to encourage your friends to join! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trap-out-the-werk-out-tickets-42767928024. The session will begin at 7 p.m. and will be held at Noda@28th Creative Arts Studios. 2424 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Jazz N’ Soul Music has been on a roll for 2018 so far and tonight, they invite you to The Morehead Tavern for a different flavor as they present Bryan Anderson: Groove Music – Jazz & Funk with a Taste of Latin! Bryan is a bassist, songwriter, and producer with eight solo projects to his credit. His unique sound of what he calls “groove music” blends smooth jazz, old school funk, Latin rhythms and a taste of island vibes. A natural entertainer, Bryan pulls you into his live performances. He takes you on a musical journey from high energy funk to laidback grooves and soothing ballads. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bryan-anderson-groove-music-live-jazz-and-funk-with-a-taste-of-latin-tickets-44579890653. Doors open at 8:30 and the show starts at 9 p.m. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown
Take a load off and relax on this Friday night at Mama’s Caribbean Bar & Grill for “Open Mic Night!” Join your glorious host Tiffany Brown – the Writer as she takes you on a trip to paradise with her extraordinary talents, leaving the floor for your freedom of expression. Whether you have a song, story, poem, testimony, dance number or whatever is on your heart, the floor is yours! Also, while you enjoy the free flowing art, be sure to grab a hot and delicious meal from the kitchen! 8:30 p.m. 1504 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Get lifted as High Society CLT and OutenLove Events proudly presents the “One Love Reggae Party” this evening! Take a load off with your friends and enjoy some fun games, cocktails as the smooth island vibes of Reggae and Dancehall tunes from Tek 9 Movements pulsates from the speaker into your soul. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/one-love-reggae-party-tickets-45134371119. The event will begin at 9 p.m. at Recess Charlotte. 832 Seigle Ave. in the Belmont Community. #HighSocietyCLT #OutenLoveEvents
For your Friday night Hip Hop fix, get into the mix at Pangaea Tapas Bar & Grill and get ready to experience “The Classics!” Stroll down memory lane and reminisce on the days hangin’ with your crew as my brothers DJ Chance and DJ FoundACEtion give you that lush flavor of that good ol’ Golden Era Hip Hop from the 80s, 90s and early 2000s! Also, be sure to grab some tasty treats from the kitchen and bar. FREE admission. 9 p.m. 13016 Eastfield Rd. in Huntersville.
——-SATURDAY, APRIL 21——-
PRIDE Magazine is ready to help you gain knowledge on home ownership as we proudly present the 2018 Living With PRIDE Home Buying Seminar. Real estate professionals and homebuyer education providers will be on hand to teach you about the home buying process from start to finish. There will also be mortgage, lending, real estate specialists in attendance to give you further insight on home buying. This is a FREE seminar and everyone is encouraged to come out. Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2018-living-with-pride-home-buying-seminar-tickets-42874866881. The seminar will begin at 9 a.m. and will be held at JCSU. 100 Beatties Ford Rd.
What happens when you put the needle on a record and you hear that static crackle? Magic! If you want to experience some magic, head on down to any of your local record store and dig for some fresh albums to add to your collection for Record Store Day 2018! For local stores, please visit Lunchbox Records (825 Central Ave.), Repo Records (3325 Commonwealth Ave.) and Tip Top Daily Market featuring Diggers Delight and Premium Sound’s stock collections (2902 The Plaza Rd.). All three stores open at 9 a.m. and are located in the Plaza-Midwood District. #LongLiveVinyl #RSD2018
Those sophisticated queens rockin’ the salmon pink and ivy green are out in full force on the Charlotte scene and Moxie Society has set the stage for fun with the I Still Love the 90s Brunch & Day Party – Pretty Girls Edition! Join the beautiful ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. as they set it off Divine Nine style at Sports One Bar & Lounge featuring a fly 90s Hip Hop and R&B soundtrack provided by two of Charlotte’s finest — soul brother DJ Justice and DJ C-Rob. Also, be sure to scope out the sultry canvassing techniques from the beautiful April Nealy adding a touch of color to your visual delight. There will be plenty of meal and drink specials, including $5 mimosas. Admission is FREE to attend. The party will begin at 11 a.m. 521 N. College St. in Uptown.
All my fellow Hip Hop heads, there’s something serious goin’ down in Crown Town today – everyone join YO! CLT Raps and New Era Music House as they proudly present the New Era Music Fest! Get ready for a day full of fly rhymes, beats, bars and punchlines featuring over 50 of Charlotte’s most talented, up-and-coming MCs and producers! Featured acts include Nige Hood, Black Linen, Ron Styles, Master Kie, LaLa Specific, Indigo JO, Gifted Muzik and much more! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.neweramusicfest.net/tickets. The event will begin at 12 noon and will be held at New Era Music House. 5814 Old Concord Rd. #YOCltRaps #NEMH
Charlotte is full of talent, come and witness a powerhouse on the mic as CrownKeepers proudly presents #ImAnArtistDammit featuring Jessica Macks! This vocal vixen is known to many as head of local promotion firm J Mack Ent., but tonight come and see the lovely Jessica stir your soul with a magnificent medley of original tunes! Her voice is rich like velvet and is akin to fine wine being poured down your ears – don’t miss this show! Admission is FREE but donations are accepted. Donations can be made with cash or by donating on this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/imanartistdammit-jessica-macks-tickets-44558851725. This event is sponsored by the Arts & Science Council. 7 p.m. at Dupp & Swat. 2521 The Plaza Rd. #CrownKeepers #DuppAndSwat
Calling all my fellow Funkateers – put a glide in your stride, a dip in your hip and step aboard The Mothership as DJs Jah Freedom and Flock of Slagles proudly presents Blow Your Head – The Cosmic Slop Jam! In tonight’s supersonic space expedition, travel the Chocolate Milky Way as your two pilots journey into the colorful and genius worlds of Dr. Funkenstein himself, George Clinton! Experience the entire Funk family tree – Parliament-Funkadelic, Parlet, The Brides of Funkenstein, Sweat Band, several solo projects and much more! Admission is FREE and there will be a special giveaway of a FREE, brand new P-Funk album on vinyl during the journey. Which one? Be at Salud Cerveceria at 8 p.m. to find out! 3306 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District. #BlowYourHead
Join Prive’ Marketing Group at Draught this evening as they proudly present The Dating Game CLT! Come and experience the legendary courtship game show with an updated twist, live and in living color as select bachelors and bachelorettes try their hand at making a match. If you or anyone is interested in being a bachelor/bachelorette or contestant please email a pic and short bio and interest to: qc.socialgroup@gmail.com and/or privemarketinggroupllc@gmail.com. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-dating-game-clt-tickets-44770208900. The event will begin at 8 p.m. Draught is located at 601 S. Cedar St. in Uptown. #PriveMG
The JETA Team is set to slow things down at Loft & Cellar this evening as they proudly present “Grooves: An Ode to R&B Music!” Come and take a journey down Lover’s Lane as your maestros for the evening, DJ Aking Allah and The Mighty DJ DR set the mood with a soundtrack of R&B tunes and ballads from the 60s, 70s, 80s, New Jack Swing Era, and early 2000s! Admission is FREE all night long but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/grooves-an-ode-to-rb-music-tickets-44904341093. The Love Boat sets sail at 9 p.m. 305 W. 4th St. in Uptown. #TheJETATeam
Get ready to ring in a new revolution around the sun with one of Charlotte’s hottest up-and-coming influencers and multitaskers at the SociaLight Birthday Bash! Some may know her as Raenae others know her as Ms. SociaLight, but however you address her, she’s a very dedicated and clever businesswoman with expertise in marketing, event planning and advertising – definitely a “shero” in the QC! Come and celebrate this gorgeous goddess on her Born Day with fly tunes provided by DJ Unspok3n, cocktail and food specials. The event will be hosted by King Nic, Without Da’ E. Ladies will be admitted FREE before 11 p.m. For tickets, please purchase them at this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ms-socialight-birthday-bash-tickets-44946998683. The party starts at 9 p.m. at Fusion Lounge. 6432 E. Independence Blvd. #SociaLight
Your grand finale for your Saturday lineup can be described in just two words: AFRODOPENESS OVERLOAD! I need everyone to head down to Snug Harbor and get ready as the powers of BOOM and Wakanda collide to give you AFROPOP! × BOOM – The After Party! Get your cultural fix with the hottest mix in one of Plaza-Midwood’s favorite sticks featuring a soundtrack of Afrobeat, Soul, Soca, House, Deep House, Latin, Samba, Dancehall, Reggae, live African drumming and lots more! Your soundmasters for the evening are my brothers DJ Steel Wheel bringing that authentic Motherland flavor and Charlotte legend DJ That Guy Smitty entering your soul with all of his trademark #EarholeGoodness! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3380251/. The party starts at 10 p.m. Snug Harbor is located at 1228 Gordon St. in the Plaza-Midwood District. #AfroPopCLT #BOOMCLT
——-SUNDAY, APRIL 22——-
Exodus Foundation.org invites you to JCSU for Faith and Politics: A People’s Forum this afternoon. The race for Charlotte’s sheriff and district attorney is heating up and today, here’s your chance to hear each candidate as to why they would be most befitting for the positions as well as how local legislation is handling issues here in Charlotte. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/faith-and-politics-a-peoples-forum-tickets-44819464224. The event will begin at 2 p.m. and will be held at the JCSU Biddle Institute. 100 Beatties Ford Rd.
This afternoon, slide out to Tip Top Daily Market for a special sonic brunch entitled Scrambled Eggs! Come and relax as DJs Luke Stemmerman and Flock of Slagles sets the mood with a selection of avant-garde Dub, Reggae, Fusion, Soul and Jazz tunes from their own personal vinyl collections. Also, be sure to grab a tasty mimosa from the bar and be sure to scoop some sounds from the newly-minted record store in the back! Admission is FREE and the event will begin at 2 p.m. 2902 The Plaza Rd. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Put some soul in your Sunday and head over to Little Rock Cultural Center for the first installment of the 2018 Straight-Ahead Jazz Series! Hosted and played by A Sign of the Times, come celebrate jazz—the “gift” our culture gave to America. This event will include a free jazz workshop where they explain the basics of playing the ‘Blues and Rhythm’ changes and a special interactive performance featuring some notable straight-ahead jazz classics from jazz masters of yesteryear! Admission is $5 per person and tickets can be purchased at the door or here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2018-straight-ahead-jazz-series-april-thru-oct-by-a-sign-of-the-times-tickets-45283769975. The event begins promptly at 3 p.m. Little Rock Cultural Center is located at 401 N. Myers St. in Uptown.
Get ready to celebrate another milestone in the QC at The Rabbit Hole and come out for the Best of Both Worlds Silent Party! This afternoon, make some noise in silence while you celebrate the two-year anniversary of one of Charlotte’s fastest growing social entities Black Singles in CLT as its lovely founder Danielle Outen presents a silent dance party fueled by girl power! Get your boogie on and select your station through special headphones with DJ Fannie Mae and DJ Micki Blendz handling the control decks! From R&B, to Hip Hop, Reggae, Top 40 and more, there will be plenty to dance to! Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/best-of-both-worlds-silent-party-tickets-45137471392. The party will start at 3 p.m. The Rabbit Hole is located at 1801 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Girls To Women, Inc. cordially invites you to the Mental Health Black Tie Fashion Show Gala this evening! This event will merge the success of survivors of mental illness with the flair and flyness of a fashion show as they strut in confidence taking ownership of the stage and their status in society. This soiree will be hosted by Girls To Women, Inc. founder, Lynette Smith. Your emcee for the evening is entrepreneur and best-selling author Erica McKnight with some very special words of wisdom from keynote vocalist, the beautiful Leanne “LeLe” Lyons of legendary R&B trio SWV. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mental-health-black-tie-fashion-show-bringing-awareness-to-mental-illness-tickets-42211668236. Dinner and cocktails will be included in ticket price and the theme of the event is “Tux & Chucks.” The event will begin at 4:30 p.m. at Hampton Inn Ballantyne. 11935 N. Community House Dr.
The wait is over and so is the bad weather! M.A.R.S. 2018 Spring Co-Ed Kickball is officially live and in full effect! Come and see 10+ teams battle it out on the diamond as we kick, bunt, run, throw and pitch our way to glory! If you’re still interested in joining the league, please be sure to register at: http://www.playmarsports.com. The first pitch will be rolled at 5 p.m. at the Morrison Family YMCA. 9405 Bryant Farms Rd. in Ballantyne. #MARS #Funletics
COMING SOON…
4/28 – Su Casa: The April Edition
4/28 – 2nd Annual Black Men ROCK Awards
4/29 – 3rd Annual International Sandwich Festival
4/29 – Open Streets 704
4/29 — WCOS presents “The Ladies & Gents Forgiveness Luncheon”
5/5 – 2018 Euphoria in the Park
5/5 – Off The Wall: Best of the 80s V.14 + Slow Jam Session
5/12 – Bowties & Pearls: A Mother & Son Dance Gala
5/19 – RomareFest 2018
5/20 – 4th Annual Queen City Natural In the Park Festival
Have a great weekend everyone! Peace!
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #EarsToDaSkreets #CommunityFirst