By Shawn D. Allison, II
Peace family. We made it to another weekend and boy is it
jam-packed! There’s a lot of festivals happening in our town and once you read what I have scribbled down, you’ll be thinking about heading to the nearest laboratory to clone yourselves to experience them all at once! As for me, I’m taking things lightly this weekend, but if you want to know where all the true dopeness lies, check out my “Hot List”!
- THURSDAY – Dapper Street Productions presents “Piano Jazz: The Intimate Series” at Sugar Creek Library
- THURSDAY – Potions & Pixels Adult Game Night at Petra’s
- FRIDAY – Reclamation of Space Art & Culture Community Social
- FRIDAY – “Ready, Set, Vinyl!” feat. DJ FoundACEtion at Tip Top Daily Market
- FRIDAY – The Blackest Coffee Art & Community Showcase at The Morehead Tavern
- FRIDAY – PLAYER MADE: An Ode To Southern Rap of All Eras at Snug Harbor
- SATURDAY – Family First Workshop “Callaloo Kids Puppeteers + Performance” at The Gantt Center
- SATURDAY – Puerto Rican Festival 2018
- SATURDAY – The Charlotte Renaissance at New Era Music House
- SATURDAY – OutenLove Events & SociaLight presents “The Sunhats & Cigars Brunch” at Secret Society Cigar Bar & Lounge
- SATURDAY –
- SUNDAY — Beauty Brains & Books’ 4th Annual Cupcake Brunch at Advent Coworking
- SUNDAY – Classic Black Cinema Series screening of “A Raisin In the Sun” at The Gantt Center
- SUNDAY – WEPA! – A Sun-Day Party feat. DJ Native Sun at Petra’s
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, AUGUST 9——-
Get your peepers ready for an evening of cinematic fun at the FAM Fest International Film Festival 2018! Come experience a special exhibition of film, animation and music from over 50 countries around the world! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fam-fest-international-film-festival-2018-tickets-47712895555. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at Ayrsley Cinemas. 9110 Kings Parade Blvd.
Dapper Street Productions returns to kick off your weekend with an all-new feature, Piano Jazz: The Intimate Series! Join the alluring vocalist Nicci Canada as she pays homage to jazz legends and current contemporary jazz artists, spotlighting their influences and contributions to the world and jazz culture. Admission is FREE to attend and all ages are welcome to attend. This event is sponsored by the Arts & Science Council’s Culture Blocks Initiative. The performance will begin at 6 p.m. at the Sugar Creek Library. 4045 N. Tryon St.
Relive one of your favorite childhood pastimes with a healthy twist as Jumping Dreams Double Double invites you to Adult Double Dutch Fitness Class! This fun class is sure to take you on a trip down Memory Lane as instructors incorporate fun and fitness into various single and double-dutch jump rope exercises! Men and women are encouraged to join. Admission is $5 per person and tickets can be purchased at the door or here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/adult-double-dutch-fitness-tickets-47352386262. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Venue @ 1801. 1801 N. Tryon St.
For some true adult fun, head over to Petra’s this evening for another round of “Potions & Pixels: Video Games, Board Games and Community.” This time around, in addition to all of your favorite retro, modern and indie video and board games, they invite you to step into the vivid world of virtual reality! Admission is only $8. 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
——-FRIDAY, AUGUST 10——-
Get a relaxing start to your weekend and bring your friends out Friday Nights at Camp North End! Chill out by the fire pit, play some games, grab some grub from some food trucks and meet someone new as my good brother DJ That Guy Smitty provides some soulful Downtempo, House, Funk and R&B #EarholeGoodness! Admission is “positive vibes.” The kickoff is 5 p.m. Camp North End is located at 1824 Statesville Ave.
This evening, slide out to the West Side, have your face in the place and get ready to experience Reclamation of Space! Presented by the League of Creative Interventionists, this art showcase will feature artists who’ll be adding their creative touches to the Manifest Future Mural in the reclamation portion of the mural. While they are expression their visions on the concrete wall, come and mingle with the community with a selection of food trucks, vendors, music, visual art performances, a drum circle and more elements that are #ForTheCulture. This event is presented by Black Business Owners of Charlotte (BBOC), DRC ApeParel and Mosaic Live. 6 p.m. 1600 W. Trade St. near JCSU.
Diggers Delight & Premium Sound invites you to experience some vibrant energy on the wax tip this evening as they proudly present “Ready, Set , Vinyl!” Enjoy a calm Friday evening with your crew as my good brother and one of Charlotte’s most talented maestros, DJ FoundACEtion rocks out a very special set of Hip Hop, Neo-Soul, R&B and House on an all-vinyl set! Admission is FREE to attend. The event will begin at 7 p.m. at Tip Top Daily Market. 2902 The Plaza Rd. #DiggersDelight
Things there’s a strong yet sweet musical stench wafting around Uptown this evening and if you want to experience a strong dose of sonic dope, gather your friends, gear your ears to the stage and come experience Sounds on the Square featuring Menastree! Filled with grooves and energy unlike any other, the institution of sound known as Menastree is poised to present a kaleidoscope of vibrant and colorful frequencies rich in flavor and originality – and the rhythm section? Straight bananas! Admission is FREE and everyone is welcome. The jam starts at 7 p.m. at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
My friends at the Single Saved & Serious Movement are switching things up a little bit this Friday night as they invite you out to the Single & For Real Community Discussion! Join SSS along with special guest Chanda Pilson for an evening of fellowshipping, fun, food and some thought-provoking reflective interrogative introspection about singleness. Admission is FREE and the event will begin at 7:30 at the Grier Heights Community Center. 3100 Leroy St. #SSSMoves
Enjoy a smooth and soulful beverage at The Morehead Tavern and get ready to experience the mellow flavors of The Blackest Coffee this evening! The Blackest Coffee is a progressive movement full of progressive artist taking one big step to give you a spoonful, or taste of your own medicine. This showcase will feature live visual artists, singers, dancers, actors, and poets. The overall goal of The Blackest Coffee is to improve the human condition through networking, truth, positive artistry and hands-on community engagements. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-blackest-coffee-tickets-48321171926. The event will begin at 8 p.m. The Morehead Tavern is located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #TheBlackestCoffee
The weekend has arrived and now it’s time to relax as Buck Long & Friends proudly presents another installment of Feel Good Fridays featuring The Tre King Band! Spearheaded by the beautiful and multitalented Tre’jae, you’re in for a special treat as she rocks your soul with timeless and energetic vocals that will not only leave you speechless but begging for more! The band is as sharp as a crease with a rhythmic institution giving them a sonic aura of true professionalism. Admission is $10 per person. Doors open at 8:30 and the band strikes at 9 p.m. The show will be held at ROC’s Jazz Bar. 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd. near Uptown.
Join my friends at Jazz N’ Soul Music as they welcome you to experience a fresh, new sound this evening – Band Definition! This hot collective of musicians is poised to deliver a delightful night that takes you on a journey through the world of music from Contemporary Jazz, Inspirational, smooth rhythms, The Blues, Funk and much more! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/band-definition-a-jazzy-soul-welcome-concert-tickets-48783945093. The event will begin at 9 p.m. at The Morehead Tavern. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.
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! Your host is local MC Elevator Jay along with Jaboi B Rab, A-Huf and special guests the Deep Fried Family! 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.
Get your Friday night fix with a vibrant tropical mix of sound, community and culture at Lagos Bugalú this evening! This brand new cultural showcase celebrates African Pop music and culture while simultaneously debuting the latest tunes and music videos from across The Motherland! Vibes include but not limited to Afrobeats, Afro-house, Afrofunk and much, much more! Sounds will be provided by The Dynamic DJ Kato and some possible special guests! Who? You have to be there so see for yourselves! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lagos-bugalu-august-edition-2018-afrobeats-afro-house-afrofunk-tickets-48525065778. The event will begin at 10 p.m. at Crown Station. 3629 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
This evening, slide down to one of the coolest digs in the city, better known as New Era Music House and Yo! CLT Raps invites you to enjoy a night of organic and soul-stirring cyphers, instrumentals and fellowship at The Lyricists Lounge! Whether you’re an artist, influencer or enthusiast this is the perfect Friday night chill out to mellow out to. $5 admission all night long. 10pm. 5814 Old Concord Rd. #NewEraMusicHouse #YOCLTRaps
For some more Friday night flavor, stick around or swing back around to Tip Top Daily Market as Diggers Delight hosts the 2 Shadez DEEP Album Release Party! Experience some new QC sonic funk as Luc MacNumera and Ecco E. Cleezy of GNG Ent. Present their newest project which is sure to have heads bobbing with the seriousness! Also, be sure to fellowship, grab some vinyl and grab a copy of their new album or two! Admission is FREE to attend and the party starts at 10 p.m. 2902 The Plaza Rd.
——-SATURDAY, AUGUST 11——-
Do you need a balance in life? Join Soul Liberation Yoga & Wellness for Kemetic Yoga 101 this afternoon. Based on the culture and hieroglyphics of Egypt (originally named Kemet), Kemetic Yoga renews mind, body, and soul through controlled breathing and conscious movements. Rooted in the YogaSkills School of Kemetic Yoga system, this 101 beginner class explores principles, poses, and sequences of Kemetic Yoga grounded in African-Egyptian mythology and history. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kemetic-yoga-101-registration-44461082294. The class starts at 10 a.m. at Queen City Yoga Studio. 8514 McAlpine Dr., Suite #125.
It’s time to wake and shake things up this morning as the beautiful ladies of SocaFit USA welcome you out to the SocaFit LIVE Caribbean Fitness Class! Get ready to “wuk up” that waist, mash up da’ place and get some sweat on your face as you enjoy and endure a morning of nonstop, hi-octane dancing and exercise with a fresh and vibrant Soca soundtrack provided by The Dynamic DJ Kato. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/socafit-live-original-soca-fitness-class-featuring-the-dynamic-dj-kato-tickets-48377829390. Light refreshments will be provided. The class will begin promptly at 10:30 a.m. at 2332 Mount Harmony Church Rd. in Matthews. #SocaFit
It’s time for another Family First Workshop at The Gantt Center and today get plugged in with the Callaloo Kids Puppeteers + Performance! Enter the world of the Callaloo Kids – Winston, Marisol and Zoe in a magical performance workshop and interactive book reading that explore puppetry and improvisation theater. Th e creators of the Callaloo Kids children’s book series, Marjuan Canady (writer) and Nabeeh Bilal (illustrator), will lead two action-packed sessions based on the final book in the Callaloo Kids trilogy, Callaloo: The Trickster and the Magic Quilt, which takes readers on a journey from the Gullah Sea Islands to the imaginary island of Sankofaland. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.ganttcenter.org/calendar/callaloo-kids-puppeteers/. The event will begin at 10:30 a.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
The lovely ladies of OutenLove Events and SociaLight have joined forces one mo’ gin’ to put some star power in your Saturday as they proudly present the Sunhats & Cigars Brunch! Everyone throw on your freshest threads and call your crew, colleages and older cousins to come out for an afternoon of fun, food, sophistication and relaxation! DJ Unspok3n will be serving the sonic flyness on the 1s and 2s and Chef Clarence Boston will be whipping up some scintillating and savory sustenance for your stomach. Also, be sure to gather on the patio to enjoy some fresh rolled stogies, drink specials and the company of some of the city’s coolest cats! Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sunhats-cigars-brunch-tickets-48449126642. The get down starts at 11 a.m. at Secret Society Cigar Bar & Lounge. 2415 W. Morehead St. #OutenLoveEvents #SociaLight
The Deltas are in town and Moxie Society is poised to give these divas a dose of Charlotte’s best brunch experience as they proudly present the I Still Love the 90s DeSTination Brunch Party! Bring your crew down to Sports One Bar & Lounge for this special crimson and crème affair featuring DJ C-Rob and DJ Puff spinning a devastatingly dope mix of classic 90s Hip Hop, R&B, Soul, House, Reggae, Dancehall, Go-Go and much more! The kitchen will be hot serving up a delicious Southern-inspired brunch menu and the bar will be fully stocked with some delightful cocktail options. Admission is FREE to attend. The jump off is at 11 a.m. 521 N. College St. in Uptown. #MoxieSociety
This afternoon, bring the family out to Symphony Park for Puerto Rican Festival 2018! Hosted by the Puerto Rican Cultural Society of Charlotte, everyone is invited to come and fellowship with some beautiful and jubilant Boricuas and partake in some Latino dancing, enjoy authentic Puerto Rican cuisines, games, live music from Luis Sanz, Orquesta Mayor, El Shakarengue, Milton Giraldo and much, much more! Admission is $5 and the festival begins at 12 noon. Symphony Park is located at 4400 Sharon Rd. in the South Park Area.
The India Association of Charlotte invites you and your entire family to experience the 2018 Festival of India! Come and take in all of the sights, sounds and tastes of this country’s vibrant culture! Filled with two days full of performances, vendors, fellowship, activities and some of the most delicious foods you’ll ever eat in your life, it’s definitely a festival that you do not want to miss! The festival will begin at 12 noon and will run through Sunday (8/12). The festival will be in Center City along Tryon Street in Uptown.
Join my friends of The Underground as they bring our arts movement to the light this afternoon as they proudly present The Charlotte Renaissance! Come experience 360 degrees of Black art, music, culture, poetry, music, dance and the power that resides within our souls! Everyone is welcome to attend. Yes, EVERYONE – but watch out, because you may get some melanin rubbed off on you! Admission is FREE to attend. The celebration starts at 1 p.m. at New Era Music House. 5418 Old Concord Rd. #NewEraMusicHouse #TheRenaissance #TheUnderground
The Queen City LowCountry Group is proud to invite you, your friends and family out to the 2018 A Taste of the Lowcountry this afternoon! Come out for this Summertime family reunion featuring a live DJ and a low country buffet complete with fried fish, crabs, rice, gumbo, several vegetables, chicken, hot dogs and much more! This event is an annual back-to-school fundraiser for students and families in need. Tickets can be paid here: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=5qhWub16puehHDC-KlGl3KKIR2tCCXAEf_vglVe8NT6T3Vihd4qhmnNNfa6UefqKmHxU6W&country.x=US&locale.x=US. Also, up to two children aged 18 and under will be admitted FREE. The event will begin at 1 p.m. at Reedy Creek Park. 2900 Rocky River Rd.
Come and boogie old school style at The Morehead Tavern as Jazz N’ Soul Music proudly presents “The Old School Concert & Day Party!” Gather all your friends and get ready to jam just like you did back in the day with DJ Stacey Blackman rippin’ and rockin’ classic tunes from yesteryear and a special live performance from Willie Walker & Conversation Piece! Your host is none other than the lovely Chirl Girl. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-old-school-day-party-concert-jam-august-inout-edition-hosted-by-chirl-girl-w-conversation-piece-tickets-48541911163. The get down starts at 3 p.m. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.
Prive Marketing Group & The Open Book Foundation invite you to step out in style this Saturday as they proudly present Colours: a Seers & Sundress Day Party! They’ve raised the bar for the Summer by creating an experience you just can’t miss. This relaxed, yet chic and colorful atmosphere along with friends, great music and weather, help make the QC even more beautiful. This event is benefitting TOFB’s continuous fight against illiteracy. Proceeds from this event will be donated to TOBF to fund their upcoming literacy programs for the 2018-2019 school year. Ladies, find the most vibrant sundress and pair of stilettos to wear. Gentlemen are asked to wear collared shirts however, seersucker suits/jackets, linen, bowties are requested, not required. Sounds will be provided by DJ Shaun Nyce aka The Blend King and DJ Phalse ID and the event will be sponsored by No Grease Barbershop. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-open-book-foundation-presents-colours-tickets-47916785395. The party starts at 3 p.m. at Ink & Ivy. 222 S. Church St. in Uptown.
Take a load off and enjoy some soothing sounds in the comforts of Mother Nature as Mecklenburg Country Parks & Rec proudly presents the Summer Jazz Series! Bring your family and friends out for a delightful evening of Smooth Jazz, Blues, R&B and Soul instrumentations from acclaimed sax man Adrian Crutchfield and bass groove master Gerald Veasley! Admission is FREE. You will be allowed to bring your own food, drinks, blankets and lawn chairs. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at Freedom Park. 1900 East Blvd. in the Dilworth Neighborhood.
Join my friends Diggers Delight and the Vacation Pay Crew as the proudly present another round of “Repainted Tomorrow” this evening! This half beat show/half live painting hybrid showcase will feature the sonic stylings of Prof. Logik and NahhG along with the visual vibrations of Josh Henderson. Additional sonic frequencies will be provided by resident musicians Axnt, FLLS and Simon SMTHNG. Admission is FREE but donations will be accepted. The event will begin at 8 p.m. at Tip Top Daily Market. 2921 The Plaza Rd.
Charlotte Nightlife Entertainment is ready to give your Saturday a serious jolt of energy as they present a special installment of “Swagga Saturdays – The 1913 Edition!” Enjoy some delicious drinks with the devastating divas of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. as you feel the energy from Charlotte’s premiere Go-Go Band—Uptown Swagga and sound selector DJ Johnny Kaydee! If you have never heard them jam before, you are definitely missing out! Impeccable and infectious rhythms guaranteed to make you dance! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/swagga-saturdaythe-1913-edition-tickets-48467715241. The party starts at 9 p.m. and will be held at Loft & Cellar. 305 W. 4th St. in Uptown.
——-SUNDAY, AUGUST 12——-
Ladies, join my beautiful friend Nastacia Hollington at Advent Coworking this afternoon as she hosts the Beauty Brains & Books’ 4th Annual Cupcake Brunch! In honor of the upcoming school year, you’ll have a chance to learn what Beauty Brains & Books is all about from Ms. Hollington and other women in the community all while enjoying a delightful cupcake brunch set in high tea style. There will be a discussion of the new program editions such as tutoring, events, seminars and workshops. Also, a giveaway of swag bags and school supplies will be in service. Admission is FREE to attend. The event will begin at 12:30 p.m. Advent Coworking is located at 933 Louise Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District. #BBB
This afternoon, join Mr. Felix Curtis at The Gantt Center as he hosts the August segment of Classic Black Cinema Series! Today’s feature is the 1961 classic “A Raisin In the Sun.” Walter Lee Younger (Sidney Poitier) is a young man struggling with his station in life. Sharing a tiny apartment with his wife, son, sister and mother, he seems like an imprisoned man. Until, that is, the family gets an unexpected financial windfall. There will be refreshments provided. The film screening is FREE along with museum admission. 2 p.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
This afternoon, the lovely creative wonder Jasiatic is back with some new Afrofuturistic flavor as she proudly presents the August installment of WEPA! – A Sun-Day Party! Fashioned as the Su Casa remix, join special guest DJ Native Sun for a gumbo pot-flavored soundscape featuring the frequencies of Dancehall, Soca, Bachata, Afro-Swing, Gqom and more! Admission is $5 all night long. The party starts at 4 p.m. at Petra’s. 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Queen City, some of your most talented orators are off to battle and they need your support – this afternoon, bring yourselves down to the Legacy Event Venue for the SlamCharlotte Sendoff Showcase! It’s all love in this warmup before these multitalented creatives head to Chicago for the National Poetry Slam but today, Jahbu Ourinde, Jay Ward, Breeze the Poet, Jordan Bailey and the lovely Kia Flow are asking for your presence as well as some presents to assist them on their journey to competition. Admission is FREE and there will be refreshments on hand too. The event will begin at 6 p.m. 4217 South Blvd.
COMING SOON…
8/16 — Soul Junction Bars & Beats Jam Session No. 6
8/17 – Black Food Truck Friday
8/18 – Youth Entrepreneur Networking Expo
8/18 – The Vulnerable Black Man Film Series – “Moonlight”
8/18 – AfroPop Charlotte Vol. 24
8/22 – Brand New Sheriff Productions’ “Eclipsed”
8/28 – Media Matters: Let’s Talk!
9/1 – Bearden Birthday Bash
9/1 – Off The Wall: Best of the 80s V.15
9/2 – Natural Hair Fest
9/14 – 9/15 – 3rd Annual Soul Junction Music Festival
Everyone have a wonderful weekend! Spread, peace, love and joy to all!
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #EarsToDaSkreets #CommunityFirst