By Shawn D. Allison, II
Greetings everyone! I hope everyone has been in great spirits this week as I have. Once again, there’s a lot of fun and colorful stuff to get into this weekend and if you read to see what all is in store, you’ll want to get out the house and get busy! As for me, I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve and if you’re curious as to where my face will be, just check out my “Hot List” and have some fun!
- THURSDAY – Grown Folks Radio Vol. III at Snug Harbor
- THURSDAY – Shake, Stir, Sip & Socialize: The Italian Aperitivo at Luca Modern Italian Kitchen
- FRIDAY – “PLAYER MADE: An Ode to Southern Hip Hop of All Eras” at Snug Harbor
- FRIDAY – “DRE Z – The Party: A Tribute to the Music of Dr. Dre & Jay-Z” at The Fillmore
- SATURDAY – Art, Beats & Lyrics at The Fillmore
- SATURDAY – Adrian Crutchfield with RC & The Gritz at The Rabbit Hole
- SUNDAY – Classic Black Cinema Series screening of “Bronze Buckaroo” at The Gantt Center
- SUNDAY – Diggers Delight Pop-Up Record Swap at Tip Top Daily Market
- SUNDAY – Back to School FUNK SHUN: 80s Theme Party at Camp North End
- MONDAY – PowerUp USA screening of “Bully Me Not at Studio Movie Grill
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 8/10——-
For some true adult fun, head over to Petra’s this evening for “Potions & Pixels: Video Games, Board Games and Community.” There will be a wide variety of multiplayer games from all eras and for all skill levels. From Mario Kart, Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, Super Smash Bros., Love Letter, Click Clack Lumberjack and more! Admission is only $5. 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
Liberate Your Palate will be exploring Italy’s many contributions to both classic and modern mixology at Luca Modern Italian Kitchen as they host “Shake, Stir, Sip & Socialize: The Italian Aperitivo.” In this hands-on cocktail class, join Jessica Annunziata as she teaches you to craft cocktails made from many indispensable Italian ingredients. Think about aperitivos like Campari, the many bittersweet concoctions called Amaro, Sweet Vermouth, Prosecco, Limoncello, and Grappa. Without these, cocktails would be much less interesting! Her husband, Chef Luca will prepare lite bites that pair with each individual drink. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.liberateyourpalate.com/charlotte-cocktail-classes/. Each ticket will includes: 3 full-sized cocktails, individual bar stations and tools, simple syrup demonstrations and paired bites. The class starts promptly at 7 p.m. Luca Modern Italian Kitchen is located at 1523 Elizabeth Ave. in Uptown. #LiberateYourPalateCLT
Someone please call 911 and tell them to come over to The Neighborhood Theatre because Wyclef Jean is performing live! From The Fugees, to solo projects and collaborations—the Haitian maestro has been dropping gems in our ears for a little over two decades and now here’s a rare chance to catch this prolific artist in person! Performing alongside him will be the lovely and multitalented songstress Jazzy Amra. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1507245?utm_source=fbTfly&utm_medium=ampOfficialEvent. Doors open at 7 and the show starts at 8 p.m. The Neighborhood Theatre is located at 511 E. 36th St. in the NoDa District.
Head out to The Evening Muse for an evening of laughter with the All-Organic Comedy Show! For your entertainment, get ready for NC’s very own Chesney Goodson. Goodson is a stand-up comedian and writer out of Asheville, NC with a unique style of comedy ranging from political to observational and Drake impressions! Don’t miss this show—the man is hilarious! Tickets are $3 and can be purchased here: http://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1520682?utm_source=fbTfly&utm_medium=ampOfficialEvent. Doors open at 10 and the show starts at 10:30 p.m. The Evening Muse is located at 3227 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Set your weekend off with a bang and join Le Bang for Grown Folks Radio Vol. III! Get down wit’ yo’ bad selves as Solid Gold Elon and Longchild venture into the depths of Soul, Funk and R&B grooves for your pleasure! Also, be sure to cop some wax from Diggers Delight who has a wide variety of sounds in stock ready for you to take home and spin! 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 8/11——-
Get up, get into it and get involved with the Urban Mosaic Center for Social Justice as they host “Focused Fridays” this evening. Focused Friday is a monthly empowerment series centered around issues that plague black and brown communities. The theme for this evening’s event is, “Disrupting the School to Prison Pipeline.” Host Neil Harris and special guest, CNN Political Commentator, Bakari Sellers will engage with like-minded individuals as you discuss issues of race, poverty, education, privilege and social justice concerns. Light refreshments will be served. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/urban-mosaic-center-focused-friday-charlotte-nc-tickets-36247330742. The event begins at 6 p.m. and will be held at Embassy Suites. 4800 S. Tryon St.
Join the Guerilla Poets as they host their new monthly event “Vibrations” at Charlotte Art League this evening. This creative and interactive cool down is geared as a way to bridge the gap between at-risk youth while also securing them a future. There will also be an open mic segment as well. Admission is FREE to attend and the event will begin at 7 p.m. Charlotte Art League is located at 1517 Camden Rd. in Historic South End. #GuerillaPoets
Charlotte, head over to The Rabbit Hole and hear the words, street wisdom and feel the vibes of Deniro Farrar & The Tribe in a live showcase this evening! Hailing from the West Side of the QC, Deniro Farrar has become quite a rising and polished MC in this town with all sorts of thought-provoking lyrics and a bevy of projects. The Tribe is a compilation of local artists who will be joining him in separate sets. Acts include: Blu House, Autumn Rainwater, Nige Hood, Indigo Joe, Dexter Jordan and more! Tickets are $7 and can be purchased at the door or here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/deniro-farrar-tribe-tickets-36614940272. The event will begin at 8 p.m. The Rabbit Hole is located at 1801 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Everyone hop in your Chevy, Cadillac or Pontiac and head down to Snug Harbor for another 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! Also, be sure to tune in as host and local MC Elevator Jay performs some of his hits and some joints from his newest project, “Ain’t Nothin’ Finer.” 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.
Join The Sol Kitchen, DJ Skillz and host D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik as they proudly present DRE Z – The Party: A Tribute to the Music of Dr. Dre & Jay-Z! From Compton’s G-Funk to Brooklyn’s slick style, come and celebrate the music of these two mega icons who have been giving us some supersonic sounds for the last 30 years! Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dre-z-the-party-a-tribute-to-the-music-of-dr-dre-jay-z-tickets-35983745351 . Doors open at 9:30 p.m. and it will be held at The Underground – Fillmore. 820 Hamilton St. #TheSolKitchen #FOLLOWTHEHAT
——-SATURDAY 8/12——-
Join Anchor’D Events at FLO Bar & Lounge this afternoon as they host a Sip N’ Paint Brunch! Enjoy a delightful relaxation of socialization as you paint your own masterpiece with guidance from an expert artist. Also, be sure to enjoy a delicious brunch buffet with some delectable menu items including, shrimp & grits, pancakes, flotatoes, “eggs your way”, Dusse collard greens and more! There will be a limit of two mimosas per ticket. Also included is some live music, free giveaways and more. Grab your people and don’t miss this creative experience! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sip-n-paint-brunch-tickets-36482112982. The event begins at 12 noon. FLO Bar & Lounge is located at 440 E. McCullough Dr. in the University Area.
Young ladies, gather all your friends and join Mirror Mirror on the Wall Events at Brio Tuscan Grill for their Teen Beauty Over Brunch social this afternoon. Mirror Mirror on the Wall Events is designed to motivate, inspire, support and spread love to young women (ages 13-25 years old) in the community. There will be two special guests, Jeanette McKinnon and Rossy Peralta on hand to discuss confidence and etiquette to you and other teen girls. It’s an afternoon of empowerment, brunch, games, giveaways and much more that you don’t want to miss! Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/teen-beauty-over-brunch-tickets-36623659351. The brunch begins at 12 noon. Brio Tuscan Grille is located at 4720 Piedmont Row Dr. in the South Park Area.
Charlotte, get the funk up out your seats because it’s time for the 2017 Funk Fest! Enjoy an entire afternoon with your friends, family, lots of food and live performances from Jagged Edge, Bobby Brown, Goodie Mob, Doug E. Fresh, Babyface and Erykah Badu! Tickets can be purchased here: https://concerts1.livenation.com/event/0E00527E043EEAE0?_ga=2.74246674.120832199.1502109581-1101336469.1499697986. The gates open at 4 p.m. and will be held at PNC Music Pavilion. 707 Pavilion Blvd. in the University Area.
LG Productions wants to sizzle your Saturday evening as they present Saturday Night Jazz! Come out for some great food, drinks and live music from acclaimed smooth jazz guitarist Paul Dozier! It’s an intimate and fun setting that you, your significant other and your friends with heartily enjoy! Admission is $10 and can be purchased at the door. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show will begin promptly at 8 p.m. The event will be held at East African Restaurant & Lounge. 3200 Monroe Rd. #LGProductions
Need an artful release? Head down to Haylo Healing Arts Lounge this evening and feel the passion of the lovely educator, creative and activist Bree Stallings as she presents her latest art exhibition entitled, “Things With Wings.” This exhibition explores the concept of woman-on-woman violence. What does it mean culturally for those who identify as female to navigate and operate in a world that isn’t built to accommodate or appreciate women? Admission is FREE and persons only 21+ are admitted (you are free to bring your own beverages). The showcase opens at 7 p.m. Haylo Healing Arts Lounge is located at 1111 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Come out for a “Wonder-ful” evening at The Visulite Theatre and get ready for Natural Wonder – The Nation’s Only Stevie Wonder Tribute Experience! While Stevie Wonder impersonators dot the landscape, backing tracks in hand, Natural Wonder rolls into town with the full band experience complete with a crack rhythm section, full-fledged horn ensemble, and the formidable Gabriel Bello, a Billboard-ranked vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, channeling the energy and artistry that has made Stevie Wonder an icon across decades and genres. This is definitely a show that you do not want to miss! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.visulite.com/cart.cfm?AddShowID=2574. Doors open at 8 p.m. The Visulite Theatre is located at 1615 Elizabeth Ave. in Uptown.
After a long wait, Art, Beats + Lyrics has returned to the Queen City! Gather your crew and come experience this multisensory, colorful urban art and music exhibition centered around Hip Hop Culture. Featuring street art by some of the region’s hottest creatives, you’ll be sure to be wowed by these visual wonders. Sounds will be provided by WERC Crew and Wally Sparks who will be warming up the stage for the headliner, New Orleans own, the legendary DJ Mannie Fresh! The host for the evening is D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://jackhoneyabl.rsvp360.co/register?lockedEventId=22650&lang=en. Doors open at 7 and the event starts at 8 p.m. The event will be held at The Fillmore. 820 Hamilton St. #ArtBeatsLyrics #FOLLOWTHEHAT
The Peace and Love Band has been on several stages in the QC and now, they add some spice to your Saturday night at Sydney’s Martini & Wine Bar performing live! If you’ve never seen this band of Brothers jam before, get ready for an unbelievable time of impeccable musicianship with a round of yesteryears greatest covers and a few surprises in between! Also, be sure to stop by the bar and grab some delicious drink specials! The show starts promptly at 9 p.m. Sydney’s is located at 401 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
After the concert, it’s the after-party and at the after-party it’s more music, more fun and more excitement! If you are still bursting with great energy from the 2017 Funk Fest, make your way over to the Rabbit Hole and get ready for Charlotte’s own, Adrian Crutchfield performing live! This saxophone phenom has performed all over the world with some incredible talents including being the late, great Prince’s last saxophone player. Tonight, he’s poised to give you another great show alongside a special guest—a few members of Erykah Badu’s band, better known as RC & the Gritz! Don’t miss this show! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/adrian-crutchfield-erykah-badu-members-funk-fest-afterparty-tickets-36835317426. The party starts at 11 p.m. The Rabbit Hole is located at 1801 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
——-SUNDAY 8/13——-
This morning at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, come out for the Civics 101—A Roadmap to Voter Empowerment course. For today’s session, join host and noted civil rights attorney Mr. James Ferguson as he teaches about The Voting Rights Act of 1965. The session will begin promptly at 12:15 p.m. in the Choir Room. Friendship Missionary Baptist Church is located at 3400 Beatties Ford Rd.
Hip Hop Caucus is back to set the mood for your after-service groove with Social Sundays! Get engaged with other likeminded, progressive and eclectic folks as you partake in a bevy of brunch dishes, play some fun games, boogie to some great music and share the knowledge with some thought provoking conversations! Admission is FREE to attend, but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hip-hop-caucus-presents-social-sundays-tickets-35358618580. The social starts at 12 noon and will be held at Kanvas Gallery & Lounge. 525 E. 6th St., Suite #117 in Uptown.
If you love music like I love music, spin yourselves over to Tip Top Daily Market for another rotation of the Diggers Delight Pop-Up Record Swap! Whether you’re fiending for some Funk, Jazz, Soul or some totally outer-worldly sounds, local cultural enthusiasts and activists Flock & UNTAMD are ready to rock the spot and deal out some dynamite dopeness! Also, be sure to check out the crates from Premium Sound with more musical madness for your minds and grab a bite to eat from a fresh batch of Pepperbox Doughnuts. Admission is FREE to attend and the event starts at 2 p.m. Tip Top Daily Market is located at 2902 The Plaza Rd. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Join Mr. Felix Curtis at The Gantt Center this afternoon for another Sunday edition of Classic Black Cinema Series. Today’s screening is the 1939 classic “Bronze Buckaroo!” Bronze Buckaroo follows along as Cowboy Bob Blake receives a letter from his friend Joe Jackson, asking for help. Blake and his men travel to Jackson’s ranch, only to discover from Jackson’s sister, Betty that Joe has been missing for three weeks. Meanwhile, Jackson’s ranch hand (Slim Perkins) is learning to use ventriloquism to make the farm animals talk, and tries to convince the gullible Dusty to buy a talking mule. Come to find out what happens to Joe in this mystery Western. Admission is FREE with museum membership and $9 for nonmembers to attend. The film will start at 2 p.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown. #CBCS
This afternoon, everyone bring your family, friends and appetites down to The Levine Museum of the New South for “Conexiones: Exchanges Across Cultures with Food.” Today, you will get to interact with local chefs who’ll provide some delicious samples of their distinctive cuisines and hear their stories of how they made a journey to Charlotte. Attendees will be able to sample food from Tamaleria Laurita (Latin America), Le’s Sandwiches and Café (Asia), and La Shish Kabob (Middle East). Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://38686.blackbaudhosting.com/38686/Conexiones-Echanges-Across-Culture-with-Food. The event begins at 2:30 p.m. The museum is located at 200 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
Radio Rehab Carolinas and FUNK SHUN have been giving your Summer all kinds of memorable goodness! Now, as they team up with Hip Hop University, they are all proud to invite you out for the Back to School FUNKSHUN: 80s Theme Party! This new age day party/concert series is reflective of the emerging renaissance here in Charlotte. Bring the entire family out for an afternoon of food, fellowship, vendors, art showcases and music! For your audible pleasures, come feel the energy of Quentin Talley & The Soul Providers, Allie Capo, Black Linen and a special birthday tribute to the late, great Whitney Houston spun by DJs SPK and Marcus Wade. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/whitney-houston-80s-back-to-school-funkshun-camp-north-end-tickets-35897971800 A portion of each ticket sold will go towards supporting arts programs at West Charlotte High School. The fun starts at 4 p.m. at Camp North End. 1776 Statesville Ave. #FUNKSHUN #RadioRehabCarolinas #HipHopUniversity
Sunday afternoon gets real smooth as the Single Saved and Serious Movement hosts another Sunday Gospel Buffet! Slide out to Conversation Peace and enjoy a delicious buffet as the band QB3, better known as Wizdom soothes your soul! Admission for the buffet is $15.95 per person. The event starts at 6 p.m. Conversation Peace is located at 846 Union St. South in Concord. #SSS
Come spend your Sunday evening at Red@28th and get ready for another soul-stirring edition of Soul Sundays! Hear the vivid wordplay of featured act, and local award-winning lyricist, Iz-Real the Poet backed by The Work Band. Your host and sound engineer for the evening is Power 98’s DJ Strategy spinning on the 1s and 2s. Admission is $5. Doors open at 7 and the band strikes at 8 p.m. Red@28th is located at 2424 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
——-MONDAY 8/14——-
Come walk the red carpet and join the youth of PowerUp USA as they screen “Bully Me Not.” “Bully Me Not” is a collection of short stories and conversation produced by the students of the organization. While bullying has been a long epidemic in our society, this film gives insight to this evil plague from students who have endured it. Come engage in meaningful dialogue and open your heart in ways to offer help and guidance. PowerUP USA is the leader in providing art, media, science and technology education to in and out of school youth and low-income adults. Tickets for adults are $15 and for kids 12 and under, tickets are $7. For ticket purchases, please visit: http://www.powerup-usa.org or call (704)-777-5898. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be held at Studio Movie Grill. 210 E. Trade St. in Uptown.
COMING SOON…
8/18 – AfroPop CLT: The Block Party at Camp North End
8/19 – DJ BesKep @ The 90s Party
8/26 – Las Americas: A Celebration of Indigenous Cultures
8/30-9/9 – Rory D. Sherriff & BNS Productions’ adaptation of August Wilson’s “Jitney”
9/9 – Charlotte International Jerk Festival
9/15-9/16 – 2nd Annual Soul Junction
9/23 – Mosaic Live at the Lake
Enjoy your weekend folks! God Bless You!
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #CommunityFirst