By Shawn D. Allison, II
Hey, hey, hey what’s goin’ on family? I hope you are ready for the weekend, because I sure am! There’s so much going on in the QC this weekend and if you want to know what’s really hot, check out my special list highlighted just below!
- Thursday—Pangaea at Studio Cellar Art Gallery
- Thursday-Saturday— Summer Chill-Out Series at Kanvas Gallery
- Friday—Soul Series Live at Club One
- Saturday—Summertime Fine Day Party at ‘Stache House
- Saturday—Su Casa at Petra’s
- Sunday—Moonwalker: The Life of Michael Jackson Through Jazz at The Neighborhood Theater
THURSDAY, August 25
Come out to The Third Place: Community, Community & Common Ground for another discussion of the newly released book, “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness” by Michelle Alexander. Hosted by Educate 2 Engage. This discussion is FREE to attend and it begins at 6 p.m. The Third Place is located at 1609 E. 5th St. in Uptown.
Join The Charlotte Post Foundation at Nations Ford Community Church for a discussion about the Black Lives Matter Charlotte Chapter. This meeting, convening on education, will give a chance to ask the community for suggestions on actions that could be taken to help children in poverty schools get an equitable education. The Charlotte Post Foundation supports the efforts of the National Black Lives Matter movement. Admission is FREE and the entire family, your friends and colleagues are encouraged to join. Please RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-lives-matter-charlotte-education-tickets-26615445514?aff=efbevent. The discussion begins at 6:30 p.m. Nations Ford Community Church is located at 5901 Nations Ford Rd.
Put some culture in your after-work life this evening and head down to Studio Cellar Art Gallery for “Pangaea: Charlotte’s Premier International Mix & Mingle!” Enjoy some diverse world music rhythms as DJ Kato of AfroPop soothes you through the speakers. There will be some live Carnival artwork by Arthur Rogers of Artwerx Studios and several drink specials to choose from. The journey begins at 6:30 p.m. Studio Cellar Art Gallery is located at 1800 Camden Rd. in Historic South End.
What goes good with pizza? Some good music. This evening treat yourselves to some live, soulful grooves from local performers and creatives Greg and Leah Palmer-Licht as they present, “The Speakeasy at The Pizza Peel!” Enjoy classic Soul, Jazz, Motown and Blues grooves as you devour your pies. Admission is FREE and the entire family is welcome to come! The event begins at 7 p.m. The Pizza Peel is located at 1600 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Prepare your soul and eardrums to be shaken and stirred at Sydney’s Martini & Wine Bar this evening because the one and only Martini Swing will be performing live! This truly grown and sexy collective of musicianship is one that you do not want to miss! The show starts at 8 p.m. Sydney’s is located at 401 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Put a sweet taste in your ears this evening at The Tavern for the Hard Candy Music Showcase! What is Hard Candy, you ask? It’s a monthly music showcase on a mission to discover and highlight new emerging artists. It is a great platform equipped with a live band to assist in showcasing artists’ original music as well as perform cover tunes. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/august-hard-candy-tickets-26911786879?aff=es2. The show begins at 8:30 p.m. The Tavern is located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.
It’s nearing the end of the week and I’m guessing that you probably need some downtime. Slide over to Kanvas Gallery and Lounge, join DJ Tober and DJ Sincier for the third edition of “The Summer Chill-Out Series!” From Thursday to Saturday, these two turntablists will soothe you with some classic House, Downtempo, Indie, Electronic, Acid Jazz and more! Admission is FREE and the music starts at 9 p.m. on each day. Kanvas Gallery is located at 525 E. 6th St. in Uptown.
FRIDAY, August 26
The Southern Women’s Show returns to the Charlotte Convention Center August 26-28 and you’re invited to join in the fun! A three day spree of shopping, fashion shows, celebrity appearances, food sampling, pampering, and much more. Also, please stop by the art booth to get your caricature drawn by Lena J., face painting by Catherine Courtlandt and purchase art from Dorinda Carver.Tickets can be purchased at: http: https://southernshows.com/wch/tickets/. The event begins Friday, August 28th at 10 a.m. The Charlotte Convention Center is located at 501 S. College St. in Uptown.
Get ready for a totally interactive and invigorating art experience like no other! Head down to the Goodyear Arts Center for a unique and eclectic August showcase featuring artwork by a host of local creatives, live music performances, fellowshipping and more! Admission is FREE to attend and the event begins at 6 p.m. The party will be held at the old Goodyear garage located at 516 N. College St. in Uptown.
Come and witness the best films of this year’s “Charlotte 48 Hour Film Project!” This event is the culmination of more than 500 local people working together to create a collection of 34 short films. This event will screen only the best of the 2016 collection! Tickets can be purchased here:http://www.charlottecultureguide.com/event/detail/441991582/Charlotte_48_Hour_Film_Project_Night_of_Screenings. The event will start at 6:30 p.m. and will be held at The Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. The address is 130 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Bring the entire tribe out to Symphony Park this evening for another fun edition of Movies Under the Stars! Tonight’s feature is the new family classic, “Peanuts.” Before settling down to enjoy the film at dusk, kick-off the evening with live music from Mr. Nigel and Friends and activities for the entire family! Come early, get a spot and take in the sights and sounds of summer! The festivities begin at 7 p.m. Symphony Park is located at 4400 Sharon Rd. in the South Park Area.
Charlotte Nightlife Entertainment & BluNotes have teamed up to bring you quality, live Go-Go entertainment every month with tonight’s inaugural jam session of “Go-Go 4th Fridays!” Get your feet busy as the sounds of the Triangle’s own Project 919 Go-Go Band sets the stage on fire with some hot grooves. Also, there will be a special performance from the lovely singer/songwriter Joi James! Tickets can be purchased at: http://www.blunotes.com/livemusicevents/gogo4thfridays. Showtime is at 7 p.m. BluNotes is located at 3425 David Cox Rd. in the University Area.
Are you looking for a way out of debt? Don’t know where to start? Join BLM Financial as they host their “Connect 2 Good Credit Seminar” this evening. BLM Financial experts Frances Reid, Shuvar Rodgers and Carlina Pridgen will show you how you can change your life in 60-90 days. This seminar is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-connect-2-good-credit-tickets-26219188298?aff=es2. The session will be held at 6000 Fairview Rd., Suite #1200 in the South Park Area.
Relax at The Third Place: Coffee, Community & Common Ground as they host another edition of “The Sound: Christian Open Mic” this evening. Singers, MCs, instrumentalists, poets, comedians and artists come out to showcase your talents for a family-friendly audience! Admission is FREE to attend. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. The Third Place is located at 1609 E. 5th St. in Uptown.
Get ready to get your body jacked this Friday night at Soul Gastrolounge as DJ Gary ‘Jackmaster’ Wallace proudly presents the August edition of “House Beatz & Eatz!” Enjoy fine, eclectic cuisine as the best of Classic, Soulful and Deep House tunes groove your body into the night. Admission is FREE and the funk begins at 9 p.m. Soul Gastrolounge is located at 1500 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District. #HouseMusicLives
I need everyone—yes everyone to head down to the all-new Club One for “Soul Series Live featuring Tony Lelo and DJ CK!” If you are unfamiliar with Tony Lelo, he’s a stage-commanding musical powerhouse who is a member of The Hamiltones (Anthony Hamilton’s background vocalists). He’ll be setting the stage on fire with his own band, Jupiter Lane. After their rousing performance, please stick around as DJ CK will keep the groove going with classic hits from today and yesteryear. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.eventbee.com/v/soulgroove. The show begins at 9 p.m. Club One is located at 900 NC Music Factory Blvd. which is on the outskirts of Uptown.
Calling all hip hop junkies, music enthusiasts and auditory narcotics! Head to The Station this evening for “Audio Dope: The Unorthodox Music Junkie.” This is an evening guaranteed to hit all of your senses with that pure, raw and uncut music goodness that’ll leave your spirits in the clouds for sure. There will be an open mic cypher for aspiring MCs, B-Boys & B-Girls getting down on the good foot, House heads drifting off into space and more. All this fun is only going to cost you $3. Starts at 10 p.m. The Station is located at 2131 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood area.
Take a musical journey to the Motherland this evening at Tropix Lounge and experience “T.I.A. (This Is Africa)!” If you love Afrobeat, Soca, Reggae, African House and other indigenous tunes, this is the joint for you! Sounds will be provided by DJ Atomix. Doors open at 10 p.m. and ladies are free until midnight. Tropix Lounge is located at 4701 N. Tryon St.
SATURDAY, August 27
Rise and shine this morning and head down to Romare Bearden Park for the 3rd Annual Walk/Run for Sickle Cell. Hosted by Piedmont Health Services and The Sickle Cell Agency, this morning stroll will help increase awareness and raise much-needed funds for sickle cell services. Your participation will help improve lives and provide priceless support to those in need. So come on out for a fun, healthful event and a great cause! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/3rd-annual-walkrun-for-sickle-cell-tickets-23432737950. The walk begins at 8 a.m. Romare Bearden Park is located at 300 S. Church St. in Uptown.
Join the Charlotte Mecklenburg Chamber of Commerce at Packard Place for another round of CMBCC Empowerment Saturdays. Pat Freeman, who is an author, speaker and educator will teach you presentation skills that will keep you from being nervous and how to immediately connect with people. Also, Antriece Mitchell, will use her many years as an on-air personality and interviewer of the famous to teach you how to build your brand. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cmbcc-empowerment-saturday-0827-registration-27014351653?aff=eac2. The social begins at 9:30 a.m. Packard Place is located at 222 S. Church St. in Uptown.
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! Coffee will be provided, you just bring the conversation. Join some awesome women of faith and virtue and be encouraging to each other! Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coffee-and-conversations-tickets-25635783318?aff=eac2. 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.
SHAE Movement African Arts is geared to get your body in shape this morning with “AFRIFITT Live!” What is AFRIFITT exactly? AFRIcan FITTness wth an AfroBeat flair! That’s right, get fit and get energized with some native rhythms spun by DJ Kato. Admission is $10 and you can pay/RSVP here: http://www.meetup.com/westafricandance. The session begins at 10 a.m. and will be held at Abundant Life Creative Expressions. The address is 2424 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District. #SHAEMovement
Head out to Sports One Bar & Lounge late this morning as Moxie Society hosts a special edition of their “I Love The 90’s Brunch & Day Party!” Enjoy delicious menu items, $5 mimosas, various drink specials, live art created by the beautiful Whitney Austin and classic 90s joints from DJ Loui Vee! But the speciality of today’s brunch will be focused on community—bring in a bookbag and school supplies that will be given away to youth that are in need. Party with a purpose—that’s the move! Admission is FREE and the brunch begins at 11 a.m. Sports One is located at 521 N. College St. in Uptown. #MoxieSociety
Head down to Sydney’s Martini & Wine Bar this afternoon as Tom-Tom Productions presents, “The Sundress & Linen Day Party!” Take a load off and let the sounds of DJ Shaun Nyce aka “The Blend King” drops the best today’s and yesteryear’s grooves! Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tom-tom-production-presents-the-sundress-and-linen-day-party-part-2-tickets-27097245591?aff=eac2. The party begins at 12 noon. Sydney’s is located at 401 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Things get real mystical at Dupp & Swat this afternoon as Red Frame Accessories presents the “Black Girl Magic Pop-Up Shop!” The magic of melanated sisters will be showcased in this afternoon of inspiration, celebration, networking and fun. There will be opportunities for you to be learn about Red Frame Accessories’ history, an opportunity to share your inspirational stories and to recognize/celebrate your inspiration. Vendors will be present to offer their goods and services. Admission is FREE for entry, but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-girl-magic-pop-up-shop-tickets-26892958563?aff=efbeventtix. The social begins at 2 p.m. Dupp & Swat is located at 2424 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Join TerryBerry Events for the “Summertime Fine Day Party!” Throw on your comfortable and colorful summer threads as DJ Paradime sets the mood with the best of Hip Hop and R&B from today and yesteryear! Ladies are FREE and the fun starts at 4 p.m. If you desire to reserve a table, please shoot a text message to (336)-251-42330. The party will be held at ‘Stache House Bar & Lounge. 1520 South Blvd. in Historic South End. #TerryBerryEvents
Kick the school year into gear with a leisurely bike ride through the Queen City and come out for the “Sole to Soul Back to School Ride!” Bring the family out and your own bicycle or borrow one of theirs and meander from JCSU through the Historic West End and parts of Center City. This event is FREE to the public but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sole-to-soul-back-to-school-ride-2016-tickets-26947465595. The ride will begin at JCSU starting at 5 p.m.—be sure to get there early! JCSU is located at 100 Beatties Ford Rd. near the outskirts of Uptown.
Ladies, swerve those curves and swing those hips down to Sacchi Enterprise for the “2016 Rock The Curves Fashion Show!” This lively affair will feature some lovely models with some extra beauty strutting and showcasing some fly threads from various plus-sized fashion designers. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rock-the-curves-fashion-show-tickets-26034888051. Doors open at 6 p.m. Sacchi Enterprise is located at 1801 N. Tryon St.
This evening, come out to Freedom Park for the last edition of “The Freedom Summer Series!” Gather your friends and family on the lawn and enjoy the smooth sounds of acclaimed jazz musician and guitarist Chris Standring. Admission is FREE and all ages are welcome! Please be sure to bring lawn chairs and blankets. The music starts at 6 p.m. Freedom Park is located at 1900 East Blvd. in the Dilworth Neighborhood.
Get ready to make some noise at Memorial Stadium this evening because it’s time for the Queen City Battle of the Bands. Come out and rep your HBCU, fraternity, sorority and your heritage as you will get to hear a number of HBCU sound machines make a joyful noise into the atmostphere! Tickets can be purchased at: https://get.crowntickets.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=698. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., a special performance will be at 6:30 p.m. and the battle begins at 7 p.m. Memorial Stadium is located at 310 N. Kings Dr. in 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. This is a love-filled atmosphere 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. #GuerillaPoets
You want more soul? I got you some! This evening at BluNotes, come and get a full body experience at the all-new “Rare Soul Series!” Headlining tonight is crooner Eliah Soul featuring Rhythm 4U, R’Mone and the astonishly gorgeous Blanche J.! If you have never heard any of these riveting acts perform before your ears seriously need to play a game of catch up! Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at: http://www.blunotes.com/livemusicevents/raresoul or at the door. Showtime is at 7 p.m. BluNotes is located at 3425 David Cox Rd. in the University Area.
Step in the name of love at The Tavern this evening and get ready for “Step, Mix & Mingle!” This affair of fancy footwork is to benefit Open My H.E.A.R.T., Inc. (Helping, Empowering and Rebuildng Tenacity). This 501c3 nonprofit is geared towards improving the livelihoods for young women and their children. There will be complimentary appetizers, a stepping instructional class from the Purple Charlotte Steppers President, Mr. Damond Carter, great music and energy! Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at: http://www.openmyheartinc.org. The event begins at 7 p.m. and will be hosted by Chirl Girl of Old School 105.3. The Tavern is located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.
Come out for a mellow but entertaining evening at The Evening Muse and get ready for the down-home sounds of The Joseph Mahfoud Blue Trio. Mahfoud, a profound blues guitar and soulful vocalist and a Native Mohawk Indian, returns to the QC for a one-night-only show. Tickets can be purchased at: http://www.maxxmusic.com/event/1285361. The show begins at 10 p.m. The Evening Muse is located at 3227 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
It’s the time of the month again! Everyone head down to Petra’s for the August edition of Su Casa. Let your body flow free as DJ Steel Wheel, DJ Justice and special guest turntablist, DJ Maf Maddix. Move and groove you with the best of Afrobeat, Funk, Soul, House, Soca, Reggae, Brazilian Rhythms, R&B, Rare Grooves, South African House, Pop and more flyness! Admission is $10 and the party starts at 10 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
SUNDAY, August 28
Any season is a season of giving and this Sunday morning, join Material Girl Life Productions (MG), in conjunction with Kool Kutz Barbershop & Salon as they present their “Back to School Bash!” There will also be food, drinks and lots of other goodies available. If you choose to attend, your child(ren) must be present as well. The event begins at 9 a.m. and will be held at Kool Kutz. The address is 5025 N. Tryon St. #MaterialGirl
TerryBerry Events continues to stay busy this weekend as Ms. Berry herself hosts her all-new event, “Brunch, Bubbles & Beats” at Sports One Bar & Lounge. Cool out after worship service with a fine Sunday brunch menu, drink specials and the hottest tunes from musician Vince Keys. Admission is FREE and if you choose to reserve a table, please visit http://www.sportsoneclt.com. The brunch begins at 11 a.m. Sports One is located at 521 N. College St. in Uptown. #TerryBerryEvents
This afternoon, head over to Revolution EGO and join host, stylist and creative spirit, Tinesha Matthews for “Spread Love Seminar Series.” The theme for the afternoon is “Getting Unstuck”. In this fun interactive workshop you will attempt to get to the core of what’s keeping you stuck. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spread-love-seminar-series-getting-unstuck-tickets-26627551724?aff=efbeventtix. The event will begin at 2 p.m. Revolution EGO is located at 312 N. Myers St., Suite #115 in Uptown.
The Single Saved & Serious Movement (SSS) is back celebrating the birthday of the SSS founder, Brandon “Chuck” Brown and Tim Degree. Come and hear uplifting music, fellowship with cool people and of course—enjoy a delicious fish fry! Admission is $10 and the fish fry is an additional $12. The party starts at 6 p.m. and will be held at 360 Lounge. The address is 3060 Smith Corners Blvd. in the Northlake Area.
This evening, get ready for the longstanding and unsung soulful musicianship of The Robert Cray Band! Cray and his band have recorded twenty studio releases, fifteen of which have been on the Billboard charts, and played bars, concert halls, festivals and arenas around the world. Tickets can be purchased at: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/robert-cray. The show begins at 7 p.m. and will be held at The McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square. The address is 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
It’s the King of Pop’s birthday and this evening, join the ever-funky and multitalented Harvey Cummings Project at the Neighborhood Theater as they host and present “Moonwalker: Celebrating the Life of Michael Jackson Through Jazz!” You know the albums. You know the tunes. You know his genius. Come and hear these timeless classics with some jazzed-out improvisational flavor! All ages are welcome to this experience and tickets can be purchased here: http://www.neighborhoodtheatre.com/event/1273039-moonwalk-celebrating-life-charlotte/. The doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. The Neighborhood Theater is located at 511 E. 36th St. in the NoDa District.
“At some point in life the world’s beauty becomes enough. You don’t need to photograph, paint or remember it. It is enough.” -Toni Morrison
Everyone have a fun, safe and love-filled weekend! Peace.
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller