The Rundown: Things to Do Thursday, December 1 – Monday, December 5

By: Shawn D. Allison, II

Greetings family–December is finally here! 2016 has been quite a ride and to kick off the last month, I’ve got tons of holiday-themed goodies mixed in with some street flavor, all which is good for your soul! If your mind inquires to know what trouble I’ll be getting into this weekend, check out my “Hot List”!

  • Thursday –“Red, Red Wine” at Vin Master Wine Lounge
  • Friday—“Jingle Bell Jazz” at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
  • Friday—“A Saxy Holiday with Jeff Sparks & Band” at The Tavern
  • Saturday—“Holiday Dazzle: Black & White Party” at The Venue @ 1801
  • Saturday—“Off The Wall: Wu-Tang Forever V.4 featuring Cappadonna” at Petra’s
  • Sunday—“Self-Care Day Celebration” at The Gantt Center

  

——-THURSDAY 12/1——-

Everyone come out to Myers Park Baptist Church this evening for a viewing of the all-new and critically-acclaimed documentary from filmmaker Ava Duvernay, “13th.”After the film, everyone will break into diverse small groups for a discussion and everyone will be tasked with creating an “Individual Engagement Plan” along with your very own personalized action plan for furthering positive change in Charlotte.   Admission is FREE and there will be dinner provided. Tonight’s session is hosted by The Red Boot Coalition and it’ll begin at 5:30 p.m. Myers Park Baptist Church is located at 1501 Queens Rd. in the Myers Park Community.

Kick back and relax at Coco and the Director this evening and get ready for Throwback Movie Night! Grab your friends, coffee, hot tea and delicious treats as the live-action adaption of “Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch” screens for an audience! Admission is FREE and the event will begin at 5:30 p.m. Coco and the Director is located at 100 W. Trade St. in Uptown.

Join local grassroots initiative Educate to Engage this evening at The Third Place: Coffee, Community & Common Ground this evening for a discussion of the newly-released book “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness” by Michelle Alexander. For tonight’s session, you will discuss Chapters 4 and 5. Admission is FREE to attend and the discussion begins at 6 p.m. The Third Place is located at 1609 E. 5th St. in Uptown.     #NoMoreBystanding

Kick off your Thursday evening in an island-themed cool down known as “Red, Red Wine.” Join S. Kehinde & DJ Corporate at Vin Master Wine Lounge with your friendsto network, enjoy great drink specials and let the sounds of Caribbean, Reggae, African, Soca and Lover’s Rock tunes soothe you. Admission is FREE. 6 p.m. Vin Master Wine Lounge is located at 2000 South Blvd. in Historic South End.

The Charlotte Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce (CMBCC) invites you out to Friendship Missionary Baptist Church this evening for their 2016 Annual Meeting. This gathering will celebrate successes (and lessons learned) this year, an opportunity to share their vision for the future and include a keynote address from Maggie Anderson, author of “Our Black Year”. Tickets can be purchased here: https://20161201.eventbrite.com/. The event begins at 6 p.m. Friendship Missionary Baptist Church is located at 3400 Beatties Ford Rd.

Care to exhibit your creative side this evening? If so, head over to The McColl Center for Art + Innovation for a special art class entitled, The Monotype Prints Workshop. Join class instructor, 2015 McColl Center alumnus artist Erik Waterkotte as he show you how to use the layering effects of printmaking inks to create unique, multicolor monotype prints. Tickets can be purchased here: https://53393.blackbaudhosting.com/53393/McCollResponse-Monotype-Prints-Workshop-with-Erik-Waterkotte. The class begins at 6 p.m. The McColl Center is located at 721 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.

Slide out to The Last Word and throw some express the colors in your soul at “Paint & Sip: Art From the Heart” this evening. Gather your friends and come out to unleash your inner artist with some after-work relaxation and creativity. Painter Christopher Clarke will be on hand to guide your hands through a sequence of color, pattern, stroke and technique to help you create your very own take home masterpiece. Admission is $20 and can be purchased here: https://www.paypal.me/artfromtheheart. All materials will be provided. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. The Last Word is located at 5744 N. Tryon St.

It’s time for The Abstract Painting Party at The Mint Museum this evening! Go on an after-hours tour of Women of Abstract Expressionism, enjoy an adult beverage with a friend, and create your own abstract action painting. This is not your grandmother’s “sip & paint” class! The paint just might be flying- plan to dress for a mess, and bring your own beer or wine! Registration includes admission to the special exhibition, art materials, and instruction. Admission is $30 for Mint members and $40 for nonmembers. The fun starts at 6:30 p.m. The Mint Museum is located at 500 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.

Need some inspiration this holiday season? Get a big dose this evening at The Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center as Donovan Livingston presents: Education, Inspiration & Dreams.” Come hear how this 2016 Harvard School of Education graduate shares his ideas on how education should inspire children to dream, lift their voices and realize their potential. Mr. Livingston will speak and then join a panelof selected journalists, students and educators in a Q&A session. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door. The event begins at 7 p.m. The Booth Playhouse is located at 130 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.

If you’re in the mood for some eclectic music flavor on this Thursday, head down to The NeighborHood Café for another funky edition of Kareo-Funk! For tonight’s showcase, there will be a tribute party for soulful violinist and vocalist Bri Blvck as she embarks on a new creative chapter in her life. There will also be a groovy selection of music from Blu House, Stereo Academy and 7th Soana. Admission is FREE to attend and the music starts at 8 p.m. The NeighborHood Café is located at 1635 W. Trade St. near the JCSU Main Campus.

——-FRIDAY 12/2——-

Are you an art lover or do you desire to have more pieces in your home? Look no further! Come down to Behailu Academy for the December All Arts Market! Add some pizzazz in your life from a creative and colorful selection of over 30 local artists. This event is FREE to attend. Hosted by Nodarioty and Behailu Academy. The market will be tonight from 6-10 p.m. and Saturday (12/3) from 12 noon-6 p.m. Behailu Academy is located at 451 E. 36th St. in the NoDa District.

Make a joyful noise at Victory Christian Center this evening because it’s time for the 2016 Queen City Praise Jam! Enjoy some new school flavor of Gospel music from Briana Babineaux, Jermaine Dolly, Trip Lee and Wiliiam McDowell. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.redreigndrops.com/praise-jam-concerts.html. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the concert will start at 7 p.m. Victory Christian Center is located at 7228 Kings Ridge Dr.

Kick off your jazzy holiday season as the Ziad Jazz Quartet presents “Jingle Bell Jazz” at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. Enjoy classic holiday favorites such as “Winter Wonderland”, “Deck the Halls”(arranged by Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea), “Sleigh Ride” and the John Coltrane version of “Greensleeves” will be performed alongside other jazz holiday renditions that are quickly becoming new classics. Tickets can be purchased here: http://30796a.blackbaudhosting.com/30796a/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=102ae463-0069-42d5-b03b-d5ef5f0017b3. There will be two performances: 6 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. The Bechtler is located at 420 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.

Color and art invades South Park this evening as Charlotte Lit proudly presents, “4×4 CLT”a celebration of art, poetry and community. Spoken word artists Morri Creech and Richard Garcia will provide some rhythmic readings, and painter Robert Langford will speak about his art work. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/4x4clt-december-release-party-poetry-reading-tickets-29415725226. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and will be held at the Robert Langford Studio. 720 Governor Morrison St., Suite #180.

Unplugged and Stage Lights Charlotte team up this evening and proudly present for you, “Stage Lights II: Shining Light From A Distance.” This Christian-themed art showcase will feature comedy, poetry and music from local creatives. Stage Lights values faith-based art, and wants to reflect the gifts that God has bestowed on His children. Tonight’s acts include Charles McMurray, Arsena Schroeder, Curtis Lavon, A Poet Named Superman and more. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stage-lights-charlotte-ii-tickets-27053414491. The event will begin at 7 p.m. and will be held at Project 658. 3646 Central Ave.

Join the people of LaCa Projects this evening as they invite you out for “Grooves, Vibes & Good Times: A Poetry & Art Exhibition!” Artists from around the QC are proud to exhibit their crafts in an evening filled with drinks, food and fellowship. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/grooves-vibes-good-times-tickets-29538740167. The event begins at 7 p.m. LaCa Projects is located at 1429 Bryant St. near Uptown.

Everyone come out to C3 Lab this evening and get ready for the “Thingamajig Shindig Short Film Festival & Screening Party!” Enjoy a private screening of short films from local filmmakers and a feature premiere of “Memento Mori” as the main attraction. Come do some networking, see some great art and savor delicious cocktails. Admission is FREE to attend. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. C3 Lab is located at 2525 Distribution St. in Historic South End.

Theatre Charlotte’s holiday tradition is back in full effect for its 10th anniversary season and to kick off the festivities, prepare yourselves for the QC-flavored edition of the Charles Dickens’ classic, “A Christmas Carol!” It’s the classic tale of the cold-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge making a drastic alteration from his stingy ways ultimately becoming a man of genuine charity. Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit, Fezziwig, Jacob Marley, Nephew Fred will all be there and you should be too! Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/a-christmas-carol-3. Tonight’s show begins at 7:30. All performances will be held at Theatre Charlotte. 501 Queens Rd.  #TheatreCharlotte

Get down and groove with Moxie Society this evening as they present another cool down session of “Groove Theory!” Take a load off from the work week and let the sounds of one of Charlotte’s hardest working bands, Affectual, bring your earholes some bliss. Also, be sure to stick around and get busy on the dance floor with DJ C-Rob rockin’ on the wheels of steel. Admission is FREE before 10 p.m. and there will be drink specials all night long. The event begins at 8 p.m. and will be held at Club One. 950 NC Music Factory Blvd.   #MoxieSociety

The Rumbao Latin Dance Company hosts another fun and festive edition of “Mint to Move: Cultural Dance Night” at the Mint Museum this evening. No matter your level of rhythm, come make your mark on the floor as you move to steps ranging from Bachata, Salsa, Cha-Cha and other Latin-inspired dance moves. Or if you choose not to bust a move, then stick around and listen to somegreat Latin music! Tickets for museum members are $8.50 and nonmembers are $12 and can be purchased at the door. The event begins at 8 p.m. 500 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.

Jazz N’ Soul kicks off their holiday season with a very special performance entitled, “A Saxy Holiday with Jeff Sparks & Band!” Feel the groove and holiday spirit with acclaimed saxophonist Jeff Sparks fusing the spirit of Jazz, Funk with some hand-clapping Gospel grooves in the mix! Come and see why Mr. Sparks is not only a standout musician, but a crowd pleaser as well. Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jazz-n-soul-music-presents-a-saxy-holiday-with-jeff-sparks-and-band-tickets-29288388358. The performance begins at 9 p.m. and will be held at The Tavern. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.

The curvaceous ladies of CurviQueens QC invite you out to The Venue @ 1801 this evening for a special Friday night groove entitled, “Fire & Ice!” Get down with the sounds of DJ Khaos in honor of celebrating the birthdays of Jeronica, Marisha and Red. There will also be performances from WB—“The Country Boy”, Annie Adams and more! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/curviqueens-presents-fire-ice-tickets-28487956244. The party starts at 9 p.m. The Venue @ 1801 is located at 1801 N. Tryon St.   #CurviQueensNC

Ring in the holiday season at Charlotte Art League this evening and get ready for The Tacky South End Holiday Party!   Grab your friends, grab a drink and enjoy an evening of community and laughter from holiday-themed comedy from Improv Charlotte! The admission for this event is a brand new unwrapped toy to donate to Kids First of the Carolinas or $10 donation. Please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tacky-south-end-holiday-party-tickets-29394550893. The event will begin at 9:30 p.m. Charlotte Art League is located at 1517 Camden Rd. in Historic South End.

Get ready for one of Charlotte’s most popular cultural jams as Africana Connections invites you out to Apostrophe Lounge to celebrate the 1-year anniversary of “Diasopora: The Eclectic Afro-Caribbean Experience!” Join sound engineer The Dynamic DJ Kato as he takes you on a whirlwind tour of music in the flavors of Afrobeat, Salsa, Reggae, Soca, House, Latin, R&B and Hip-Hop grooves! Admission is $5 and can be purchased at the door. The party starts at 10 p.m. Apostrophe Lounge is located at 1440 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.

——-SATURDAY 12/3——-

Parents! Wake the young ones up and bring them down to The Discovery Place for another fun edition of Innovate 301 Workshop! For today’s lineup, your child(ren) will get to join Mr. Jared from Reynolds Advanced Materials as you’ll discover how to create casts and molds using silicone and other materials. This workshop is FREE to attend and all ages are welcome. The session begins at 9 a.m. 301 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.

The Single Saved and Serious Movement (SSS) rolls into December with the spirit-stirring “Christian Lounge Experience All Red Holi-DAY Party!” Grab your crew in your fly red threads and get ready for an afternoon of fellowship, food and fun! For your entertainment, the acoustic duet of guitarist Mayhue Bostic and ivory tickler John Simmons will be on hand to set the mood in the best of holiday jazz rhythms. Also, be sure to stick around as DJ Phassad rocks the best inspirational and seasonal jams for you on the 1s and 2s. Admission is $5. The party starts at 1 p.m. and will be held at The Doghouse Bar & Grill. 7200 Albemarle Rd.   #SSSMovment

The ladies of Revolution EGO realize the importance of community, and collective efforts to support the other women owned businesses in our community. This afternoon, they invite you out to the Grier Heights Community Center for the Ujamaa Holiday Maker’s Market. Come and support local women-owned businesses this holiday season ranging from garments, accessories, body care products, services and more! There will be a food truck rally on the outside to service your stomach’s needs. Admission is FREE to attend and the event will begin at 2 p.m. The Grier Heights Community Center is located at 3100 Leroy St.

This afternoon, The School of Jai & Collective invite you to Studio 1212 for “Healing All Relations—A Benefit Fundraiser for Standing Rock.” Let’s unite together during this important shift in our world and stand in solidarity with our Brothers and Sisters for Native rights, liberation, and the prosperity of the land. This festival will feature an array of DJs, MCs, spoken word artists, visual artists, yoga and healing sessions, a silent auction, photography, breakdancing, food and more! Admission is FREE to attend, however a $10 donation is asked of you. The event begins at 2 p.m. Studio 1212 is located at 1212 E. 10th St. near Uptown.   #SchoolOfJai   #LOVEInAction

Get your taste buds ready this afternoon because it’s time for CLT’s MACdown Macaroni N’ Cheese & Craft Brew Tasting! Over 12 local and regional craft breweries and culinary institutions will compete in this all-you-can-eat competition filled with fun, fellowship and of course—food! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.freshtix.com/events/clt-smacdown-mac-n-cheese-competition-and-craft-beer-tasting?platform=hootsuite. The event begins at 2 p.m. and will be held at Sugar Creek Brewery. 215 Southside Dr.

Google Fiber invites you out to their Charlotte hub for “Winter Wonderland @ Fiber Space!” Bring the family out to celebrate the holidays with super-fast Internet, holiday movies, live ice sculpting and treats from the gourmet hot chocolate bar! Admission is FREE—the entire family and dogs are welcome too! The fun starts at 2 p.m. Google Fiber is located at 301 E. 7th St. in Uptown.

Parents and kids, head down to ImaginOn this afternoon for another fun round of Story Explorers! For today’s unit, your child(ren) will get to enroll in Maker School where they will be building S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Archtecture & Math)!   Explore books and stories in creative ways through interactive activities including math, science, games, and more! Join us as we learn to build, design and create with a variety of materials and our maker kits. This workshop will be great for society’s future architects and engineers. Admission is FREE to attend and the session begins at 2 p.m. ImaginOn is located at 300 E. 7th St. in Uptown.

The Red Pump Project invites you out to LaCa Projects for the 8th Annual Red Pump/Red Tie Affair this evening. This annual affair is geared towards commemorating World AIDS Day and to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS among women. The affair will include live entertainment, cocktail reception with a silent auction, runway show and more. So ladies, break out those red pumps, gentlemen break out those red ties and enjoy a party with a purpose! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-8th-annual-red-pumpred-tie-affair-tickets-28483417669. The event starts at 7 p.m. LaCa Projects is located at 1429 Bryant St. near Uptown.

The fabulously beautiful Ms. LaVonndra Johnson invites you out to The Venue @ 1801 as she hosts the “Holiday Dazzle: Black & White Party!” Come ring in the holiday season with stylish and sophisticated individuals from around the Queen City filled with delicious food, fellowship, fashion and festive music. The dress code by request is black and white formal/semi-formal attire. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.ellevj.com/p/holiday-dazzle.html. The event begins at 7 p.m. The Venue @ 1801 is located at 1801 N. Tryon St.   #ElleVJ   #TheOnlyWayToDressIsUp

Do the holidays stress you out? Need to free yourself for a while? Head out to The Tavern this evening for the December edition of RELEASE! Classic & Soulful House Party! Join the Deep House Providers (DJ Marcus, Gary “Jackmaster” Wallace, Badala B and DJ Tony Cutlass) along with special guest turntablist, DJ Terry Hunter as they jack your body with the best of House, Downtempo, Soul and Funk grooves. Early bird tickets can be purchased here: https://squareup.com/store/ReleaseCLT. The party starts at 8 p.m. The Tavern is located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.   #HouseMusicLives

If you are in the mood for a mellow music vibe, head out to Heist Brewery for another chilled-out edition of “The Big Heist: The Ol’ Skool Retreat!” Your sonic pilot for the evening is none other than DJ BesKep rockin’ out the best of true school Hip Hop, Neo-Soul, House, R&B and other classic jams of yesteryear! Admission is FREE to attend and the tables start turning at 9 p.m. Heist Brewery is located at 2909 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.

It is the month of “Wucember” and this evening, join the mighty JETA Team in collaboration with Awesom & E.O.C. So Street Ent. As they present “Off The Wall: Wu-Tang Forever Edition V.4. feat Cappadonna!” Sword style raps, lyrical gun claps, and subliminal cranial twist backs all provided by DJ Aking Allah & DJ Justice with a live performance from legendary Wu-Tang Clan member Cappadonna!Come relive Wu projects, solo joints, affiliates, collaborations mixed in with the best of Golden Era Hip Hop & more! Tickets can be purchased here: http://offthewall704.brownpapertickets.com/. The party starts at 9 p.m. and will be held at Petra’s. 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.   #TheJETATeam   #RoughRuggedAndRaw #ProtectYaNeck

——-SUNDAY 12/4——-

At The Gantt Center this afternoon, bring the family out for Charlotte’s inaugural Self-Care Day Celebration! What is self care? Self care is a holistic approach to how we identify and address our social, economic, artistic, physical, mental and emotional well-being. This movement is meant to inspire and empower us to become self care activists in our own lives by accessing tools and events that promote ongoing self care.  Activities for today include workshops, lectures, an AfriSalsa dance class and more! Admission is FREE to attend and the festivities begin at 2 p.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.

 The Guerrilla Poets rock into December this evening and invite you out for their newest creative experience, “Off The Wall Paint Off!” How this operates is that artists will have a bucket next to their easel for the audience to put their suggestions in on what the artists should paint. Artists will pick blindly from the bucket to determine what they will paint, and will have 1 hour to complete. For the poets, the only catch is you have to write a poem on what the artists are painting. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/off-the-wall-paint-off-tickets-29313392145 and a portion of the proceeds will fill up bookbags with supplies for homeless teens in Charlotte. The event begins at 2 p.m. and will be held at Wired Coffee Espress. 459 N. Cannon Blvd. in Kannapolis.   #GuerillaPoets

This evening at UNC Charlotte, come enjoy an evening full of live entertainment, charity, community, commemoration and solidarity with the “#SayHisName Concert & Fundraiser.” The purpose of this event is to raise funds for the family of Keith Lamont Scott and show solidarity to all people who have been victims of social injustice. Acts include Jason Jet, LeAnna Eden & the Garden Of, Celeste Moonchild, Lala Specific and more. Admission is FREE to attend but a minimal donation of $10 is asked of everyone in attendance. The event will begin at 8 p.m. and will be held at The Cone Center at UNCC Main Campus. 9201 University City Blvd.   #SayHisName

——-MONDAY 12/5——-

Are you in the mood for some Monday evening wordplay? Head over to Don Julio this evening and get ready as Respect Da’ Mic presents “The Winner Take All Poetry Slam!” Come see a dozen of the city’s baddest lyricists war with words for a grand cash prize. The event will be hosted by Jst Jah SayWord of Grannae’s Boyz. Admission is $5 for audience members and $10 for slam participants. The event begins at 8 p.m. Don Julio is located at 3133 E. Independence Blvd

 

COMING SOON…

 

  • Thursday, 12/8—Historic West End Holiday Gathering
  • Monday, 12/12—Jazz Workshop & Improv
  • Friday, 12/16—The Sean Mason Trio – “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
  • Saturday, 12/31—Karibu Fete New Year’s Eve Party

 

“Freedom and justice cannot be parceled out in pieces to suit political convenience. I don’t believe you can stand for freedom for one group of people and deny it to others.” -Coretta Scott King

Have a fantastic weekend everyone! Inspire change, be the change and keep the change flowing. Peace.

 

 Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.

#WeekendWarrior   #TheBlackFerrisBueller