By: Shawn D. Allison, II
Peace everyone. We have finally made it to the weekend and let me tell you—Charlotte is BUZZING this weekend! There’s all kinds of flavors to enjoy from dance parties, live performances, tributes, sports tournaments, arts & crafts workshops and lots more! I’ll be pretty busy this weekend, but if you want to follow my trail of mischief, just check out what I got lined up for my “Hot List” below!
- THURSDAY — Mayela Word Dance African-Reggae/Afrobeat Dance Workout Explosion
- THURSDAY – Color & Jazz at Albemarle Road Rec Center
- FRIDAY – Scenes of a Black Woman screening of “Fences” at Char-Meck Main Library Branch
- FRIDAY — Mosaic Live First Fridays: The Finale at Mosaic Village
- FRIDAY – “Sessions @ Twenty Two” at Twenty Two Art Lounge
- FRIDAY – Break On Em’ Davis at The Morehead Tavern
- SATURDAY – MARS & Queen City Social Group Dodgeball Tournament
- SATURDAY – Dance In the Park CLT at Rolling Hill Park
- SATURDAY – Street Jam at Spirit Square
- SATURDAY – Gospel Hip Hop Open House at Doghouse Bar & Grill
- SATURDAY – RELEASE! Classic & Soulful House Party feat. Stan Zeff and DJ Kato at The Morehead Tavern
- SATURDAY – Off The Wall Annual Michael Jackson Tribute at Petra’s
- SUNDAY – RC & The Gritz at The Neighborhood Theater
- SUNDAY – Erotic Rhymes & Rhythms at Studio Movie Grill
If you would like your event to be listed in “The Rundown” please send a detailed e-mail to: sdallison85@yahoo.com
——-THURSDAY 8/3——-
Dapper Street Productions invites you out to the Albemarle Road Rec Center for some “Color & Jazz!” Take a load off the stresses of life as you expand your minds with an array of coloring supplies to create your own special expression. While you hue-manize your creation, Letron Brantley & Co. will be there to set the mood with some live jazz for your listening pleasure. Admission is FREE. You are free to bring coloring supplies of your own and as many friends as you desire. There will be refreshments provided. The event begins at 6 p.m. 5027 Albemarle Rd.
Are you a long-time hobby board gamer? Are you new to the hobby? Have you ever played a board game before? No matter how you answered these questions, all are welcome out to GoodRoad CiderWorks Brewery for “Game Night with Draft Mechanic!” They’ve supplied a big pile of games and everyone is welcome to bring anything you’d love to play as well! They’ve got party games, dice games, card games, word games, strategy games, dexterity games and more! Also, be sure to fill up your tummy with fine eats provided by Almost Homecooking Food Truck. Admission is FREE and the games begin at 5:30 p.m. GoodRoad CiderWorks Brewery is located at 117 Southside Dr.
Collaboration Films and Charlotte 48-Hour Film Project are proud to invite you out to The Light Factory for the “Acting For the 48-HFP Workshop” this evening. A good film is carried by a strong story with believable and compelling actors. Get insights to the craft of acting for film making from veteran 48-Hour Film Project film maker Tom Moody. Tom is the visionary for Studio GreyBlue, a Charlotte production company specializing in narrative filmmaking. For this seminar, Tom will lead a presentation with open discussion format. Experienced actors will join with aspiring actors to understand how to embody the character and present it to the camera. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/acting-for-the-48-hour-film-project-workshop-w-tom-moody-tickets-35797290660. The event begins at 7 p.m. The Light Factory is located at 1817 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Get ready to lose yourself in laughter at The Morehead Tavern this evening as they present to you, “Laff It Up Thursdays!” This first Thursday of every month comedy jam is full of nonstop humor with a list of comedians and comediennes ready to clear your heart’s cholesterol with laughter. The event will be hosted by none other than homegrown and legendary funnyman Tone-X. DJ Tab D’Biassi will provide some tunes on the 1s and 2s. Tickets can be purchased at https://tempocharlotte.primetix.com/Tickets/?perfid=1004. Doors open at 7 p.m. The Morehead Tavern is located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.
Feel the spirit of Africa in your feet as Mayela World Dance hosts their African-Reggae/Afrobeat Dance Workout Explosion! Come out for one of the greatest dance classes in the Carolinas for a night a fun set to a soundtrack of colorful and energetic rhythms! Everyone is welcome and all dance levels are encouraged to join in on all the fun too. Admission is FREE to attend and the event begins at 7 p.m. 4205 Monroe Rd.
The vibrant sounds of the Crescent City comes to the Queen City at The Neighborhood Theatre as Maxx Music presents the Grammy Award-winning Rebirth Brass Band! This institution of sound, hailing from New Orleans has long since graduated from the streets of their native hometown to theaters and festivals all over the world. Rebirth is committed to upholding the tradition of brass bands while at the same time incorporating modern music into their show. Their signature brand of heavy funk has placed them among the world’s top brass bands and they are the hands-down favorite among the younger generation. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1469084?utm_source=fbTfly&utm_medium=ampOfficialEvent. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show begins at 9 p.m. The Neighborhood Theatre is located at 511 E. 36th St. in Uptown.
——-FRIDAY 8/4——-
The Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Library invites you to the Main Branch this evening for a special screening of their Scenes of a Black Woman film series. For tonight’s feature, come and view the 2016 drama “Fences” starring Academy Award winners Denzel Washington and Viola Davis. Scenes of a Black Woman is a series of films about Black women, created by Black filmmakers and a celebration of Black cinema! There will be a short discussion of themes and aesthetics after the film. Admission is FREE to attend. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the film will start at 6 p.m. The screening will take place at the Main Library Branch. 310 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Local grassroots initiative collective The Agenda has been giving your Summer some much needed flavor on Charlotte’s Historic West End Corridor. This evening, bring the entire family out for the grand finale of “Mosaic Live First Fridays!” Come and engage and interact with your fellow constituents as you network, fellowship, shop and eat from local vendors, scope some fresh art, boogie to some live music from DJ Juanita, and Sista 6 Slayers Band and more! During the festival, Youth Hope International, Inc. will be holding a back-to-school supply drive so make sure to bring paper, pencils, and pens, and bookbags for students in need. Admission is FREE to attend and the fun starts at 6 p.m. The event will be held at Mosaic Village 1601 W. Trade St. near JCSU.
It’s time for another first Friday edition of Jazz at the Bechtler! For tonight’s listening experience, in-house soundmasters, The Ziad Jazz Quartet teams up with renowned trumpeter Justin Ray to the Bechtler stage to pay homage to jazz great Lee Morgan. Morgan played alongside some of the biggest names in the late fifties era of hard bop jazz, including John Coltrane and Art Blakey, before stepping out on his own and making a name for himself as one of the most indispensable names on the Blue Note Records lineup. Tonight, the quartet and Mr. Ray will cover many of Morgan’s most beloved songs, including “Sidewinder”, “Ceora”, and “Mr. Kenyatta”. Tickets can be purchased here: https://30796a.blackbaudhosting.com/30796a/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=a25bb461-70ba-44b1-96a4-735293ea44c7. There will be two performances this evening at 6 and 8:15 p.m. The Bechtler is located at 420 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
It’s Summertime and the livin’ is easy. This evening, take a relaxed stroll through South End and enjoy art from six galleries and art destinations throughout the neighborhood at the August South End Gallery Crawl. Each gallery will keep their doors open late to welcome guests and show a special collection of art for the evening. The event will begin at 5 p.m. and to see a list of the participating studios and galleries, please visit this link: http://historicsouthend.com/august-gallery-crawl-2/.
It’s time to say “goodbye” to the College Street location of Goodyear Arts. They are throwing a final showcase and party to celebrate the incredible art created, installed, shown, & performed during their one-year residence. Come and experience some riveting art creations and live performance from a bevy of local creatives. There will be fresh brews available too. Admission is FREE and the event begins at 6 p.m. Goodyear Arts is located at 516 N. College St. in Uptown.
Swing those hips down to The Mint Museum for a special Summer edition of “Mint to Move Cultural Dance Night!” Enjoy Afro-Cuban and Latin-American dance rhythms with a DJ and live musicians to celebrate ethnic and gender diversity, dance, visual and performing art. Admission is $8.50 for Mint members and $12 for non-members. The music starts at 8 p.m. The Mint Museum is located at 500 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Jazz N’ Soul Music invites you out to Ella’s Speakeasy at The Morehead Tavern for the special session of BreakOn’Em Davis! Spearheaded by one of Charlotte’s baddest rhythm masters, Mr. Ocie Davis, Jr., come and experience a night of progressive, straight-ahead jazz with a full band! If you dig The Roots, The Robert Glasper Experiment, Esperanza Spalding or anything with a Neo-Soul/Hip Hop groove, this is the jam session for you! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ocie-davis-presents-breakon-em-davis-fri-august-4th-two-shows-730p-and-10p-tickets-36161802926. Showtime is at 8 p.m. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.
The energetic, sultry and beautiful Reggae songstress Etana stops in Charlotte as part of her 2017 U.S. Reggae Forever Tour! Etana’s name means “The Strong One” in Swahili, and it’s a title she more than lives up to with her music and presence. Since debuting in 2006 with the thought provoking single “Wrong Address,” the Jamaican-born singer has established herself as one of the most powerful and distinctive voices in Reggae. Tonight, she’ll be performing live at Crystals Reggae Club and it’s a show that you don’t want to miss! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/etana-live-2017-reggae-forever-tour-tickets-35948812867. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. Crystals Reggae Club is located at 3018 The Plaza Rd.
Need a downtempo groove for your Friday evening? Head over to Twenty-Two Art Lounge as Dance In the Park CLT proudly presents “Sessions @ Twenty-Two!” Relax in a calm and eclectic atmostphere with some cool House, Deep House and Soul grooves provided by DJs Cody Hare and Tony Cutlass. Admission is FREE all night and there will be plenty of drink specials. 9 p.m. 1500 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
The Sol Kitchen invites you out to ‘Stache House Bar & Lounge this evening for the August edition of #ThankGawdIts1stFriday! Relax with some Hip Hop and R&B tunes of today and yesteryear with DJ Ngenius on the wheels of steel. There will be drink specials all night long and the event jumps off at 10 p.m. ‘Stache House is located at 1520 South Blvd. #TheSolKitchen
——-SATURDAY 8/5——-
Parents, bring those critters, better known as your kids down to Discovery Place this morning for a total hands-on, interactive field day of experimentation, exploration and anti-extermination at Arthropod Day! Join experts who will guide you through the world of Earth’s most populous group of organisms in a day full of creepy, crawly fun! The event starts at 9 a.m. The Discovery Place is located at 301 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Hey kids, wake your parents up and bring them out to the West Boulevard Library Branch for FREE! Art & Music Workshops! Hosted and curated by The Guerilla Poets, the goal for these workshops is to empower the community through the skills they will learn and to enrich the community in culture and togetherness building stronger neighborhoods and more successful individuals. Today, your youth will get to participate in a fun music workshop and then an Art & Mixed Media with Writing segment. Admission is FREE and these workshops are for youth ages 10+. The first workshop begins at 10 a.m. with the second beginning at 12:30 p.m. The West Boulevard Library Branch is located at 2157 West Blvd. #GuerillaPoets
Bring the entire tribe out to The Gantt Center for another installment of the Family First Workshop Series! Today’s unit entitled, “Animals of the Subconscious: Mask-Making”, current Gantt Center exhibiting artist, Sloane Siobhan has created an entire universe where she uses wild animals to explore human emotions and cope with the hardships of life. Sloane’s newly-installed exhibit is titled, “Archetypes of the Subconscious” and be sure to check it out. Join her and local artist, Dulce Tavares as they lead this animal-themed mask-making workshop for the entire family! Admission to the workshop is FREE with museum admission but please be sure to RSVP here: https://61686.blackbaudhosting.com/61686/August-Family-First?_ga=2.176801062.220955366.1501713132-1856091038.1501713132. The session begins at 11 a.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Get down and get busy with Moxie Society late this morning at Sports One as they host another fly edition of “I Still Love the 90s Brunch & Day Party!” Enjoy a delicious Southern-style brunch with all sorts of drink specials including $5 mimosas. Your groove master for this event is none other than Charlotte’s own, DJ Paradime rockin’ nothing but the hotness of the 90s and the beautiful Nikii Vonn expressing her creative soul on the canvas! Admission is FREE to attend. The party starts at 11 a.m. Sports One is located at 521 N. College St. in Uptown. #MoxieSociety
It’s here. It’s finally here! I need everyone to head out to Rolling Hill Park for the inaugural Dance In the Park Charlotte! From late morning to sundown, come experience 360 degrees of nothing but House, Deep House, Downtempo, Funk, Soul, R&B, Disco, Nu-Wave and more! Your sound pilots for the day are DJ Andy K, MalFunkShun, DJ Jason Brooks, Charles Gatling, Gary “Jackmaster” Wallace, DJ Justice, Badala B, DJ Marcus and hometown hero That Guy Smitty! Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed inside the park. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.wantickets.com/Events/220788/Dance-In-The-Park-2017/#StepOne. The fun starts at 11 a.m. Rolling Hill Park is located at 4340 Rolling Hill Dr. near the N. Tryon & W. Sugar Creek intersection. #DanceInTheParkCLT
The good people of MARS have got some cool tricks up their sleeve! This afternoon, they along with Queen City Social Group is proud to present the first-ever Dodgeball Tournament! Come relive one your favorite childhood competitions as you witness a bevy of teams battle it out for glory and a special $1000 cash prize! If you desire to play, registration is $25 per player and to register, please do so here: https://ryan3howell.wixsite.com/qcsgd. For all those who just want to be a spectator, admission is FREE and the action starts at 1 p.m. at Harding University High School. 2001 Alleghany St. #MARS
The spirit of Hip Hop culture is alive and kickin’ at Spirit Square this afternoon! Bring the family down and come experience the “Street Jam!” Presented by Blumenthal Performing Arts and Hip Hop Orchestrated, you and the tribe can and will enjoy free Hip Hop-related activities and performances from Morgan Gayla and Jason Jet. There will also be dance workshops led by Honey Rockwell, Fusion Force, AJ Glasco, and NC Dance District, graffiti tagging with DeNeer Davis, a live set from DJ Skills, and much more! Admission is FREE to attend. The event begins at 12 noon. Spirit Square is located at 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
Hip Hop knows no boundaries and it brings infectious energy wherever it reaches. That’s why this Saturday afternoon, the good people of The Single Saved & Serious Movement have invited you out to Doghouse Bar & Grill for their first-ever Gospel Hip Hop Open House! Calling all MCs—no matter your faith, come out to spit some uplifting rhymes honoring the community, the common good and The Most High! There will be live performance from various artists, networking with musicians, artists, producers, engineers, church parishioners and more! Also be sure to grab some great drink and meal specials from the kitchen and bar. Admission is FREE to attend and the fun starts at 12 noon. Doghouse Bar & Grill is located at 7200 Albemarle Rd.
The Jazz N’ Soul Music family invites you back to The Morehead Tavern for some more weekend flavor as they present the Summer Madness Concert & Day Party! Join host and radio personality Chirl Girl for an afternoon full of fun along with DJ Stacey Blackman rockin’ out on the turntables. For your main entertainment, get ready to experience to sounds and stylings of SPECTRUM! If there is any occurrence of rain, the party will be moved indoors to Ella’s Speakeasy. Also, be sure to grab some tasty food and drink specials from the staff. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-madness-concert-day-party-hosted-by-chirl-girl-with-dj-stacey-blackman-tickets-36290009395. The event begins at 3 p.m. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #JazzNSoul
The African Diaspora has celebrated this colorful and rousing festival called Carnival and if you’ve ever been curious as to what exactly it is, you’re in for a special treat! Join the people of Natural & Ting at The Light Factory as invite you out to their event entitled, “Celebrating Freedom: Why We Love Carnival.” All of your questions will be answered about this longstanding festival and then be sure to stick around for a mini-Carnival inside the facility! All music will be provided by G-Sounds. Admission is $20 per person and can be purchased at the door or here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebrating-freedom-tickets-35475481119. The event begins at 6 p.m. The Light Factory is located at 1817 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Ebb N’ Flo Aficianados is proud to present jazz guitarist Terence Young performing live at ROC’s Jazz Bar this evening! Back by popular demand, come and hear this soulful stringer serenade you with a special selection of original tunes and some classic covers! Also, please be sure to enjoy some signature cocktails along with some delicious treats. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/terence-young-live-at-rocs-jazz-bar-tickets-36252506222. Doors open at 7 p.m. ROC’s Jazz Bar is located at 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd. near Uptown.
The Deep House Providers have been rockin’ all day at Dance In the Park, and now they going to turn up the heat some more at Morehead Tavern with another energetic edition of RELEASE! Classic & Soulful House Party! For your pleasure tonight, DJ Badala B, Gary “Jackmaster” Wallace and DJ Tony Cutlass set things off properly. Then Stan Zeff returns with his Tambor House groove and finally The Dynamic DJ Kato brings his signature Afrobeat flavor to combine with the power of House in an unforgettable night of dance and unity! The party starts at 9 p.m. and admission is $10 all night long. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.
The JETA Team is back for the month of August and they invite you out to Petra’s for one of their most popular jam sessions, “Off The Wall: The Annual Michael Jackson Tribute!” Come and shake your body to the ground as sound providers DJ Justice and special guest DJ Chance rock out with the King of Pop’s hits, B-Sides, remixes, collaborations, Jackson 5 joints and more musical magic from all of the Jackson Family dynasty! Also, The JETA Team will be sure to give you a special dose of Golden Era Hip Hop, R&B, Soul, House, Funk, Dancehall, Reggae, Rare Grooves and more! Admission is $5 before 11 p.m. and $10 after. The party starts at 9 p.m. 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District. #TheJETATeam
——-SUNDAY 8/6——-
This morning at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, come out for the Civics 101—A Roadmap to Voter Empowerment course. For today’s session, Atty. Charles Jones and Atty. Rob Harrington will discuss The 1964 Civil Right Act at 12:15 p.m. Friendship Missionary Baptist Church is located at 3400 Beatties Ford Rd. Register at www.friendshipcharlotte.org
Start your Sunday fun day off on the right foot at Red Clay Ciderworks as they host their ! PepperBox Doughnuts returns with their amazing doughnut creations and The Breakfast Food Truck will be serving up brunch with a dynamic and diverse menu. In addition to the food, try some some special craft cider cocktails including Cidermosas, Bellinis and the wonderfully roasted, cold-brewed nitro Pure Intentions Coffee! Admission is FREE and all ages are welcome. The event begins at 12 noon. Red Clay Ciderworks is located at 245 Clanton Rd. in Historic South End.
Moxie Society invites you out to Firehouse Bar & Lounge for the afternoon cool-down, “Sippin’ On Sundays Pt. IV!” Relax in this new Uptown QC venue with delicious food, drink specials, hookah, music from DJ Louie Vee and fresh-rolled stogies from Tailored Smoke. Admission is FREE but if you’re interested in VIP seating, please register and pay here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sippin-on-sundays-iv-feat-dj-loui-vee-tickets-35889466360. The event begins at 3 p.m. Firehouse Bar & Lounge is located at 320 W. Carson St. in Uptown.
This evening at The Neighborhood Theater, come witness some musical delight as RC & The Gritz aka Erykah Badu’s Band takes the stage performing live! Comprised of some of Texas’ finest, talented, versed and acclaimed musicians, you’ll get to experience an eclectic Hip Hop-based groove unlike any other! Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.neighborhoodtheatre.com/event/1523799-rc-gritz-aka-erykah-badus-charlotte/. 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.
NLUV Enterprises & Grannae’s Boyz invite you out to Studio Movie Grill as they present “Erotic Rhymes & Rhythms.” Come out for a sensual evening of live music from Nitara & The NLUV Band a special performance from SMAJ and scintillating spoken word from Lady V, Mr. Witz and Luvleeh Poetiklocks. The dress code is “uptown sexy.” Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door. Doors open at 8 p.m. Studio Movie Grill is located at 210 E. Trade St. in Uptown.
COMING SOON…
8/18 – Science On the Rocks: Carnival After Dark
8/20 – UNITE International Dance Concert
8/22 – 9/9 – The Lion King on Broadway
8/27 – Queen City Makers Market
8/31 – 9/9 – Rory D. Sheriff’s adaptation of August Wilson’s “Jitney”
Everyone please be sure to get out the house, make a new friend and spread love this weekend! Peace.
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #CommunityFirst