By: Shawn D. Allison, II
Greetings brothers and sisters! Get ready for a jam-packed weekend because the QC is bursting will all sorts of energy! From the Charlotte Jazz Festival, to community engagements, artist showcases, Prince tributes, day parties and more, you’ll want to head to the nearest factory to clone yourself to enjoy it all! If you want to know where I’ll be on this eventful weekend, just check out what I got lined up in my “Hot List” just below!
- THURSDAY-SUNDAY—Charlotte Jazz Festival (various events)
- THURSDAY—Gantt After Dark: Synaesthesia at The Gantt Center
- FRIDAY—Arsena & The Polk Duo at Morehead Tavern
- SATURDAY—Record Store Day 2017
- SATURDAY—Ubuntu Community Clean Up
- SATURDAY–“I’m A Business, Man!” at New Era Music House
- SATURDAY—“State of the Black Family” at Carole A. Hoefener Rec Center
- SATURDAY—The Hamiltones Live at Morehead Tavern
- SATURDAY—“Su Casa – The April Edition” at Petra’s
- SUNDAY—Screening of “LA 92” at Studio Movie Grill
- MONDAY—“Motown On Mondays” at Morehead Tavern
——-THURSDAY 4/20——-
The Charlotte Jazz Festival kicks off a weekend full of nonstop, riveting and classic jazz performances with the Herlin Riley Quintet! Herlin Riley makes a drum set talk. His rhythmic sense is amazing as he seems to effortlessly intertwine down beats, back beats, rolls, riffs, the brightness of cymbals and even African sequences in a way that is seamless. Listening to him is an education in what is possible on a drumset. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/herlin-riley-quintet. The music starts at 4 p.m. and will be held at the Jazz Tent at Romare Bearden Park. 300 S. Church St. in Uptown.
The people of FUNK SHUN invite you out to free your mind at Ribbon Walk Nature Preserve as they host “FLIGHTS with FUNK SHUN.” Come walk in imagination, collective creation and enjoy the beauty of nature with with hiking, a unity circle, games, music and positive vibrations. Admission is FREE to attend and the event starts at 4 p.m. Ribbon Walk Nature Preserve is located at 4601 Nevins Rd. #FUNKSHUN
Everyone head out to Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse for a social soiree full of flyness, elegance and culture—“Cufflinks & Cocktails!” Join hosts Harold Cogdell, Jr., The Charlotte Kappa Alumni and Posh Events in this evening of fellowship, networking, cocktail specials, complimentary appetizers and more! Music will be provided by jazz collective, Promis & Uni Band. Admission is FREE to attend the event begins at 6 p.m. Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse is located at 222 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Awaken your senses and free your mind at The Gantt Center this evening and get ready to experience “Gantt After Dark: Synaesthesia.” For hundreds of years, music has played an important role in the development of visual art. This month’s edition promises to take you on a multisensory and outer-worldly journey to another dimension. For your audible and visual pleasure, local creatives, DJ Maf Maddix, Philip Gripper and Lofidels will be sure to bring an unforgettable and colorful display to the canvas of your mind. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://61686.blackbaudhosting.com/61686/PNC-Presents-Gantt-After-Dark-20Apr2017. The event begins at 6 p.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Join Teen Health Connection at The McGlohon Theatre at Spirit Square this evening for The Big Picture Community Performance 2017. The Big Picture is an innovative health education tool, written and performed by adolescents, that addresses the most pressing and relevant issues faced by our community’s youth. The performance highlights health-risk behaviors that contribute to the leading causes of death and disability among youth and adults. The goal of The Big Picture is to increase awareness of the health and safety issues faced by our community’s adolescents every day and to give audience members the tools to combat these risks and encourage healthy and safe decisions. Admission is FREE to attend. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the event begins at 7 p.m. Spirit Square is located at 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
Enjoy an evening of fine-tuned music at The McColl Center for Art +Innovation this evening as they present their much-raved about New Frequencies Exhibition Performance Series. For tonight’s feature, come feel the eclectic musical energy of Mary Lattimore & Mac McCaughan. Mary Lattimore is a harpist and NC native who experiments with her Lyon & Healy concert grand harp and effects. Mac McCaughan is an accomplished musician who has made his rounds in various bands and with a number of projects in his 30+ year career. The duo will be performing New Rain Duets, a program consisting of new compositions, with Lattimore on harp and McCaughan on analog synthesizers and guitar, improvised live but based on prearranged structures and ideas. Tickets can be purchased here: https://53393.blackbaudhosting.com/53393/New-Frequencies-at-McColl-Center–Music-Mary-Lattimore–Mac-McCaughan. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the performance begins at 8 p.m. The McColl Center is located at 721 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
——-FRIDAY 4/21——-
JCSU has taken a step further into community improvement as they host the grand opening of their Hydroponic Garden & Sustainability Market! Come and choose from a healthy selection of vegetables and fresh food options in the West End Corridor and take the first steps to better eating choices. Admission is FREE to attend and there will be light refreshments served. The event begins at 2 p.m. JCSU Sustainability Village is located at 617 S. Summit Ave. near Uptown.
Feast Food Tours & Culinary Events aim to give your stomach some smiles this Friday night as they host the “Soul of the South Uptown Food Tour!” On this walking food tour, we sample and sip our way through some of Uptown Charlotte’s best representations of the region and hear chefs and restaurant owners explain the influence of Southern heritage on their cuisine and menus. Many of their recipes are Southern family traditions, others are inspired by fresh local produce, and some are a modern twist on traditional dishes. We will get a taste of local craft beers and stroll along city streets to explore examples of Charlotte’s historical past. Tickets can be purchased here: https://feastfoodtours.com/tours-events/event-registration/?regevent_action=show_shopping_cart. The event begins at 4 p.m. and the meeting place will be revealed upon ticket purchase.
Lace up your corsets and wind your pocket watches as we head back to the future for Science on the Rocks: Steampunk Soiree. This adults-only night at the Museum celebrates Steampunk-style artistry, science fiction and technology. Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction that combines art and fashion from the Victorian era, the American Wild West and a post-apocalyptic future. Corsets and bustles are popular for women. Men often wear top hats, vests and jackets. Strike a pose in our Steampunk photo booth, test your innovation skills in a Junkyard Challenge, interact with Victorian-era performers and much more. Costumes are highly encouraged and could win you a prize in our costume contest! Tickets can be purchased here: https://15106a.blackbaudhosting.com/15106a/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=6102f1d7-21bd-432f-82ef-e81a3ff3c67c&property=dps&property=dps&_ga=1.32885246.1560024731.1492117043. The event begins at 5 p.m. This is a 21+ event with proper I.D. The Discovery Place is located at 301 N. Tryon St. in Uptown. #SOT
The Charlotte Jazz Festival rolls on with more great performances! For your Friday night delight, gear your ears to the Jazz Tent stage and feel the melodic energy of beautiful jazz vocalist, Rene Marie! In addition to being a supreme vocalist, Rene Marie has also cemented her reputation as a composer, arranger, theatrical performer and teacher. Her body of work is musical, but it’s more than just music. It’s an exploration of the bright and dark corners of the human experience, and an affirmation of the power of the human spirit. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/rene-marie. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. 300 S. Church St. in Uptown.
The crew at Liberate Your Palate CLT invites you out to Hygge Coworking West this evening for another session full of libation creation as they host, “Shake. Stir. Sip. Socialize.: Margaritas Not Just Lime & Salt.” From the heart of the agave comes one of the most unique spirits in the bartender’s repertoire, Tequila. In this hands-on class you’ll learn about the history of this popular classic and then break out from the standard Margarita and test out proportions and presentation methods on your way to developing your own ideal margarita recipe. Oh, and they’re serving paired tacos this time around! Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.liberateyourpalate.com/passbook?category=COCKTAIL%20CLASS. The class starts at 7 p.m. Hygge Coworking West is located at 2128 Remount Rd., Suite “B.” #LiberateYourPalateCLT
Get ready to experience some true jazz magic at The Knight Theatre as the Charlotte Jazz Festival proudly welcomes the return of Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO) with Wynton Marsalis in “Celebrating Dizzy Gillespie!” Dizzy Gillespie was a visionary architect of bebop, a peerless trumpet virtuoso, and a gifted educator, dancer, and raconteur. With the agility of Wynton’s polished hornblowing capabilities, the JCLO will perform new and classic arrangements of Dizzy’s music, showcasing the thrilling melodies, hard swing, and kinetic solos that define Gillespie’s genius body of work. It’s a show that the entire family will enjoy! Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/celebrating-dizzy-gillespie. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. The Knight Theatre is located at 430 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
BluNotes invites you out to experience its new Friday smash hit, “The Friday Release…” this evening with none other than one of the baddest hornblowers in the QC—trombonist Buff Dillard! Come and get you a strong dose of his signature “Bonejazz” sound while you enjoy a delicious Southern-cooked meal and cocktails! Showtime is at 8 p.m. Admission is $10. BluNotes is located at 3425 David Cox Rd. in the Northlake Area
Join some of Charlotte’s most riveting jazz ensembles this weekend as they play away at Jazz at the Pavilion for two days of nonstop music and energy! From the Amos Hoffman Trio, to The Harvey Cummings Project, the Kobie Watkins Grouptet, the Jazz Arts Initiative All-Star Youth Ensemble and more, it’s going to be quite the round of sound to experience. Admission is FREE on both days and the showcase kicks off at 8 p.m. on Friday (4/21) and reigniting on Saturday (4/22). Times for all performances are listed here: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/jazz-at-the-pavilion. The Jazz Pavilion will be held between the Mint Museum and the Knight Theatre in Uptown
Jazz N’ Soul continues to stroll on a roll as they welcome the return of Arsena & The Polk Duo for your listening pleasures tonight at Ella’s Speakeasy! Arsena, who is beautiful just as her sound combines the melodies of Soul and Gospel with the down-home feeling of Folk set to an acoustic soundtrack. It’s a truly feel-good and earthy music experience that you do not want to miss! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/arsena-and-the-polk-duo-at-ellas-speakeasy-tickets-31434695019. Showtime is at 9 p.m. at The Tavern. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #JazzNSoul
Are you feeling rather “purple-y” this Friday night? Slide out to 360 Lounge for “Dearly Beloved – The Prince Party”! On the anniversary of The Purple One’s transition, DJ Shadow and DJ Jamad set to make the speakers rain with nothing but purple grooves, hits and more in an evening of nonstop energy! Admission is $7 all night long. If you choose to reserve a table, please send an e-mail to: starservice5@yahoo.com. The music starts at 9 p.m. 360 Lounge is located at 3060 Smith Corners Blvd. in the Northlake Area.
Join Charlotte Jazz Festival as trumpeter and jazz vocalist Bria Skonberg lights up the Mint Museum with her distinctive medley of classic jazz, world percussion, and old soul! An emerging powerhouse on the New York jazz scene, Bria Skonberg’s unique ability to reimagine standards through a modern prism has her postured to become of the most innovative and colorful musicians of her generation. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/friday-night-hot-jazz-with-bria-skonberg. The show starts at 9:30 p.m. The Mint Museum is located at 500 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
More jazz you say? Yes! Come out to The Gantt Center for the ultimate tribute to blues legend Ray Charles featuring jazz greats Joe McBride and Kenny Blake! Singer/pianist Joe McBride, an innovator since his first recordings in the early ‘90s, is known for making the lines between jazz, R&B, soul, funk, pop, hip-hop and countless other styles become indistinguishable. Saxophonist Kenny Blake’s sound is perfectly described as “soul hybrid,” a combination of traditional jazz with modern rhythm and blues. His R&B-tinged solos have delighted fans around the world for decades. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/joe-mcbride-plays-the-music-of-brother-ray-a-tribute-to-ray-charles. Showtime is at 9:30 p.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
——-SATURDAY 4/22——-
Ladies, join the Power House Project Women’s Program at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church this morning as they invite you to the “Nandi Women’s Wellness Conference 2017.” In the theme of today, “Hidden Figures – Hidden Strengths”, you will explore the question, ‘how many of you know a strong, powerful, amazing woman or don’t even realize that she is within you?’ It’s a day full of empowering workshops, seminars and networking that you don’t want to miss! Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nandi-womens-wellness-conference-2017-hidden-figures-hidden-strength-tickets-32328095203. The conference starts at 8:30 a.m. 3400 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 2017! For local stores, please visit Lunchbox Records (825 Central Ave.) or Repo Records (3325 Commonwealth Ave.). Both stores open at 9 a.m. and are located in the Plaza-Midwood District. #LongLiveVinyl #RSD2017
The CEJS University of Light invites you out to the grand opening of Bennu Gardens. Bennu Gardens is a community development project headed by Bernard Singleton Cejs, a certified Master Gardener. It’s being launched in the Seversville neighborhood. The plan for Bennu Gardens is to create a beautiful and impressive organic urban garden, native plant nursery and sustainable education programs designed to enhance the surrounding area and to make fresh produce accessible to members of the community. Come and witness and select organic produce with an array of native ornamentals, vegetables, fruit orchards, herbs and honey, edible landscape designs and installations. Admission is FREE to attend and the garden opens up at 9 a.m. The address is 528 S. Turner Ave.
The Concord Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. invites you to McGill Baptist Church this morning for a screening and discussion of the critically-acclaimed and award-winning documentary “13th” by filmmaker Ava DuVernay. You will get to view this riveting piece of cinema and then engage in a panel discussion featuring experts with knowledge of criminal justice reform. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cac-public-screening-panel-discussion-tickets-33308901822. The event begins at 9:30 a.m. McGill Baptist Church is located at 5300 Poplar Tent Rd. in Concord.
This morning, head over to JCSU as the Historic West End Initiative, 5 Points Community Collaborative and Charlotte Center City presents their “Gentrification & Short Film Discussion.” The feature film, “Dog Parks & Coffee Shops: Diversity Seeking In Changing Neighborhoods” will explore the cultural and consumption norms which inadvertently causes tensions in gentrifying communities. After the film, there will be a discussion with the filmmaker, Dr. Vanessa G. Perry and Willie Ratchford. Admission is FREE to attend and the event starts at 10 a.m. JCSU is located at 100 Beatties Ford Rd.
Do you have your eyes set on a dream home for your first home? If so, join Blackberry Realty Group as they host their “Home Sweet Home: Your First Home vs. Your Dream Home Seminar” at Advent Coworking this morning. This class focuses on assisting first time home buyers in understanding the importance of ownership as an investment vs renting or struggling to pay for your “Dream Home”. They will cover purchasing a first home to create equity and what that can mean when it’s time to purchase your dream home. It is important not to fall in love with an idea that you cannot afford. Admission to this seminar is FREE but RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/home-sweet-home-your-first-home-vs-your-dream-home-tickets-33297376349. The event begins at 10 a.m. Advent Coworking is located at 933 Louise Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Show your community that you care and join Ubuntu Community Project for the West Side Community Clean Up this morning! Bring the family out to clean up topical pollution, network and build relationships with small Black business owners and individuals in the community. The event starts at 10 a.m. and will begin at The Dooby Shop. 2107 Beatties Ford Rd.
Local women’s empowerment t-shirt line, Pink Social, returns with its “Girl Tribe Pop-Up: Spring Break Edition” this morning! 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-spring-break-edition-2017-tickets-32090721211. The event begins at 10 a.m. and will be held at the Sugar Creek Brewing Company which is located at 215 Southside Dr. #GirlTribePopUp
Got questions about purchasing a new home? Taneka Burris Gill invites you out to her Home Buying Workshop this morning. Come learn about the home buying process. Topics discussed will be what to expect from your lender, what to expect from your realtor, down payment and down payment assistance, how to roll closing into your loan, credit maintenance, and so much more. Admission is FREE to attend. Reserve your space today by calling Taneka at 704-389-0229, or Melanie at 704-733-7933. The event will begin at 10 a.m. and will be held at 4801 E. Independence Blvd., Suite #402.
Calling all theater actors, actresses, technical personnel, playwrights, directors and the like—head out to The Children’s Theatre of Charlotte this morning for a Speed Networking event. Join host, locally-based and award-winning playwright Vickie L. Evans as you are given a chance to meet various people in the local theatre community. Network, exchange information or maybe even showcase a sliver of your talents! Admission is FREE to attend and the event begins at 11 a.m. The Children’s Theatre of Charlotte at ImaginOn is located at 300 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
Bring the family out to the McColl Center for Open Studio Saturday and experience what makes McColl Center a vibrant space for contemporary art! Explore art and ideas of all kinds with our artists-in-residence, with hands-on art making activities and demonstrations for all ages. Join Artists-In-Residence Marcus Kiser and Jason Woodberry along with local clothier and graphic artist Eric B. Ndelo as they lead screen printing activities with all-paper products, water-based inks, and designs related to Earth Day. Also, enjoy some unique instrumentation from the Fat Face Trio blending styles and sounds from New Orleans, traditional Americana, alongside jazz standards, original and avant-garde compositions. Admission is FREE to attend the fun starts at 12 noon. The McColl Center is located at 721 N. Tryon St in Uptown.
If you want to explore the small business community here in the QC, I’ve got just the social event for you! Join local culture connoisseur Ron Styles of New Era Music House as he proudly hosts the “I’m a Business, Man! – Small Biz Showcase!” It’s all things local this afternoon—fresh food from local caterers and food trucks, an interactive art gallery, a lineup the area’s hottest musical talents, business info platforms and nonstop community networking and fun! Admission is FREE to attend and the event begins at 2 p.m. New Era Music House is located at 5814 Old Concord Rd.
The good people of Our Family Dinner returns to The Queen City for another afternoon of food, fellowship and fun with the “Reasons” networking social. Our Family Dinner is a community-based tradition that hosts young adults over family inspired citywide and neighborhood-based dinners to build community in major cities all over the world. And this afternoon, this is your opportunity to party with a purpose! Tickets can be purchased at: https://charlotte-ourfamilydinner.ticketleap.com/april2017/. The event begins at 3 p.m. and will be held at Ilios Noche. 8426 Park Rd.
Prosocialites and Mo10 have teamed up to bring to you the first-ever DayPM Party Bash! Kick back on this lively afternoon with an eclectic host of entertainment connoisseurs, ambitious professionals and brilliant creatives set in a welcoming ambience with groovy music. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/daypm-clt-mo10s-way-day-party-tickets-33589744831. The event starts at 3 p.m. and will be held at Reign. 505 E. 6th St., Suite #100 in Uptown. #Prosocialites
This afternoon, the fine folks at C Squared Events invites you out to the all-new Firehouse Bar & Lounge for a very special shindig—“Purple Rain: The Day Party!” Come and commemorate the start of C Squared Events’ day party season by celebrating the iconic artist Prince. A special guest DJ will integrate His Purple Majesty’s classic and innovative discography for your afternoon music delight as you groove and enjoy a bevy of cocktail specials! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/purple-rain-the-day-party-tickets-33472885301. The fun starts at 3 p.m. Firehouse Bar & Lounge is located at 320 W. Carson Blvd. in Uptown. #CSquaredEvents
This evening, join local TV and podcast host, entrepreneur and public speaker Spike da’ Icon as he hosts the “State of the Black Family” community discussion series. For the first installment, the topic of the day is “Family First”—focusing on communicating within romantic relationships, using effective communication methods to solve disputes without the use of violence and learning some keys on how to build a successful relationship with your family. This will also feature a panel discussion with trusted voices and a live performance from some brilliant up-and-coming local talents. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/state-of-the-black-family-family-first-tickets-33237220421. The event begins at 5 p.m. and will be held at the Carole A. Hoefener Center. 610 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
Dapper Street Productions invites you out to the Little Rock Cultural Center this evening as they invite you out to a birthday session unlike any other—“Lady Ella – A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald.” Under the leadership of saxophonist and music arranger, Letron Brantley, the big band sounds of the Nicci Canada Jazz Ensemble is poised to deliver classical, compelling tunes from the Gershwin and Cole Porter library honoring the First Lady of Song for her posthumous 100th birthday! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lady-ella-tribute-to-ella-fitzgerald-tickets-31074294050. Showtime is at 5 p.m. The Little Rock Cultural Center is located at 401 N. Myers St. in Uptown.
BluNotes invites you out to spend an evening with R&B superstar Case performing live! From hit songs like “Touch Me, Tease Me”, “Missing You” and “Happily Ever After”, Case will rock the stage performing his classics and some cuts from his new album entitled “Love Jones Volume 1!” There will be plenty of drink and meal specials along with DJ Freedom rockin’ out some fly tunes to enjoy. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.blunotes.com/livemusicevents/caseperforminglive. Doors open at 6 p.m. BluNotes is located at 3425 David Cox Rd. in the Northlake Area.
The School of Jai invites you out to experience a day of love and unity as they host “Show Your Roots: Cultural Celebration, Potluck & Creative Showcase.” In these trying times of social and civil uncertainty, this event allow you enjoy being human! Come out and try some yoga with Vivian Selles, engage in a community heart hearing sharing session, a potluck dinner and a creative cultural showcase. Admission is FREE to attend but donations are always welcome. The fun starts at 5 p.m. Studio1212 is located at 1212 E. 10th St. on the outskirts of Uptown.
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. Also, get your stomachs ready for the community potluck feast which will feature some surprise dishes from some of the talented poets. Admission is FREE and the love starts at 7 p.m. The Last Word is located at 5744 N. Tryon St. #GuerillaPoets
Back at the Knight Theatre, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis proudly presents, “The Jazz Age: Untamed Elegance.” Take a musical journey back into The Roaring Twenties – also known as “The Jazz Age.” Led by master saxophonist and veteran JLCO member Victor Goines, the Orchestra and Marsalis will showcase the hot jazz of New Orleans, the sweet sounds of 1920s dance bands, and demonstrate how the integration of the two led to the Swing Era of the 1930s. This concert will feature essential compositions by artists including Duke Ellington, Fletcher Henderson, and Jelly Roll Morton. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/untamed-elegance-the-roaring-twenties. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. The Knight Theatre is located at 430 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Charlotte, get ready for an evening full of nonstop soul at The Morehead Tavern as FLJ Ent. proudly presents The Hamiltones Live! As the new face of Soul music, crooner Anthony Hamilton’s protégés, The Hamiltones—Tony Lelo, J. Vito and Twoey exhibit strong elements of style, charisma, and captivating onstage energy. Joining them is none other than one of the QC’s most versatile, powerful and organic voices, the beautiful Blanche J.! Your host and music filler for the evening is DJ CK. This is show that you DO NOT want to miss! Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.eventbee.com/v/hamfamclt#/tickets. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.
For the perfect ending of this eventful Saturday, head down to Petra’s for the April edition of Su Casa! Get down on the good foot with guest turntablist DJ Underdog of OkayAfrica and resident DJ Steel Wheel with Loot-Tenant Trax blasting nothing but the best Afrobeat, House, Funk, Soca, Reggae, Go-Go and R&B with very special tribute to the late, great Prince! Also, be sure to get your face canvased with brushstrokes from Catherine, strike a pose for Meesh Flowers and her not-so-candid camera, scoop some accessories from local vendors and dance like there’s no tomorrow! Admission is $10 all night long and the party starts at 10 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
——-SUNDAY 4/23——-
Muslim American Society – Charlotte invites your entire family out for the International Food Festival this morning! Come enjoy a day of fun and foods from around the world. There will also be a bounce house, pony rides, Henna tattooing and face painting. Admission is FREE to attend and the event begins at 11 a.m. 4301 Shamrock Dr.
Get your creative shop on this afternoon at Charlotte Art League and come out to the Starving Artist Market. Need some cool and crafty ideas for your home to blend in the Spring atmosphere? This is the place for you! Over 30 local artists and vendors that will be pulling out all the stops to give you a five-hour, one-stop shopping experience. Skip the lines and come view this very talented group of local artisans. There will be pet supplies, pottery, soaps, jewelry, paintings, prints, fiber arts, wood workings, gemstones, candles, glass art, crystals and more! Admission is FREE to enter and the market opens at 12 noon. Charlotte Art League is located at 1517 Camden Rd. in Historic South End.
Parents, gather the young ones and head down to The Mint Museum for Sunday Fun Day! Enjoy family-friendly art projects, gallery visits, artist demonstrations, and family yoga. For this month’s unit entitled “State of the Art”, discover what’s happening in American art right now, brush up on your U.S. geography, and create cool contemporary art! Admission is FREE for children and $6 for adults. The fun starts at 1 p.m. The Mint Museum is located at 500 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
So you think you have the best BBQ in Charlotte? Prove it at the Charlotte Smoke Off 2017! We are calling out the best amateur BBQers in the Queen City! If you think you have what it takes to grace the grill and take home the trophy and title of “Charlotte Smoke Off Champion 2017” email scotty@unknownbrewing.com. Now if you aren’t cooking but still want to enjoy amazing BBQ, $10 at the door gets you unlimited samples till 5 pm – you then vote on your favorite one! Plus, pair this with flowing beer and live music to jam out to. The smoked out flavor starts at 1 p.m. at Unknowing Brewing Co. 1327 S. Mint St. near Uptown.
Bring the entire family (and lunch) to celebrate the closing of the 2017 Charlotte Jazz Festival in Romare Bearden Park featuring The Lovell Bradford Group and amazing tribute to Stevie Wonder from Natural Wonder: The Ultimate Stevie Wonder Experience! Admission is FREE to attend. Please bring lawn chairs, blankets and protective outerwear in case of inclement weather. The music starts at 1 p.m. 300 S. Church St. in Uptown.
Treat your ears to some delightful classical melodies at the WDAV Young Chamber Musicians Competition this afternoon. Enjoy performances from singer/songwriter Liz Longley, the Schubert String Quartet, pianist Stephen Drury, the Woodwind Quintet as they compete for their share of $10,000 in prizes. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/2423831/wdav-young-chamber-musicians-competition-davidson-duke-family-performance-hall-davidson-college?cobrand=davidsontickets. The event begins at 3 p.m. at will be held at Duke Family Perforrmance Hall at Davidson College. 207 Faculty Dr. in Davidson.
This afternoon, come out to Studio Movie Grill at The Epicentre for an exclusive Charlotte screening of the National Geographic documentary “LA 92.” Produced by two-time Oscar winner Simon and Emmy winner Jonathan Chinn and directed by Oscar winners Dan Lindsay and TJ Martin, the film looks at the events at the trial of the four LAPD officers who beat Rodney King and subsequent protests, violence and looting of the city through stunning and rarely seen archival footage. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/national-geographic-documentary-films-presents-la-92-charlotte-screening-tickets-33433951850. The event starts at 3 p.m. Studio Movie Grill is located at 210 E. Trade St. in Uptown.
The Single Saved & Serious Movement (SSS) team has been on a roll for some time now hosting extraordinary events and now they present to you their inaugural Sunday Gospel Buffet! Skip the usual after-church eateries and come eat with your community with an atmosphere filled with lots of food, clean comedy, spoken word, musical performances, fellowshipping and more! Admission is FREE. The festivities begin at 4 p.m. and will be held at Conversation Peace. 846 Union Street South in Concord. #SSS
The Friendship Missionary Baptist Church Social Justice Ministry invites you out to their “Connecting the Past to the Present Book Talk” this afternoon for an in-depth review of James Baldwin’s book, “The Fire Next Time.” Presenters will examine Baldwin’s diagnosis of America’s racism and issue our community a challenge to become a catalyst for change. Admission is FREE to attend and the event will begin at 4 p.m. 3400 Beatties Ford Rd.
Fray Forde and Catherine Dee Holly are traveling around the Southeast with their unique “Comedy & Curls Tour” and bringing some “Good Hair” to Charlotte! “Every relationship has a few split ends” — that’s the ‘punny’ takeaway from “Good Hair”, a hilarious new short film that is part of a night of laughs included with stand-up from the beautifully hilarious Blayr Nias and other top comics. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/comedy-curls-charlotte-tickets-32787996781. The event begins at 8 p.m. and will be held at The Peace Pipe. 204 W. Woodlawn Rd.
——-MONDAY 4/24——-
The ultimate underground force known as Radio Rehab Carolinas returns with another nostalgic beacon for the people who are true music lovers. Everyone head over to The Morehead Tavern for “Motown on Mondays!” In this session, you will get to take a step back in time, when the music was live, the brothers were clean and the sophisticated lady was the quintessential paramount of beauty. Join sound pilot The Mighty DJ DR as he takes your ears on a soulful trip! Admission is FREE to attend and the funk starts grooving at 6 p.m. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #RadioRehabCarolinas
COMING SOON…
4/28-4/30 – BOOM Charlotte
4/29 – Kick Jam Community Cookout
5/6 – Charlotte Symphony: Pixar in Concert
5/6 – KNKY Deli & Pop-Up Shop
5/20 – The Fresh Expo
6/7 – Purple Note 2: Celebrating the Life of Prince Through Jazz
I want everyone to have fun and be engaging this weekend! Explore something new, different, make a new friend and always spread the love! Peace.
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#TheBlackFerrisBueller #WeekendWarrior #CommunityFIrst