By Shawn D. Allison, II
What’s good everyone! “The Hawk” may be out. Jack Frost is giving people the cold shoulder. However, we still keep cool under all the atmospheric pressure, you dig? Check this out, I know it’s rather chilly out there, but your man—The Black Ferris Bueller has found all sorts of goodies this weekend to heat your spirits up and bring warmth to your heart! If you want to check out what’s really smokin’ out here in the QC this weekend, peep my “Hot List” just below!
- THURSDAY – “A Historic West End Holiday” at The Wadsworth Estate
- THURSDAY – Word of Mouth at Dupp & Swat
- FRIDAY-SATURDAY – OnQ Productions’ “A Soulful Noel” at The McGlohon Theater @ Spirt Square
- FRIDAY – Single Saved & Serious Movement’s “All-Red Holiday Party” at Grier Heights Community Center
- FRIDAY – “I AM HER Concert Series” at The Morehead Tavern
- SATURDAY – I Still Love the 90s Brunch & Day Party w/ DJ Loui Vee and DJ DK at Sports One Bar & Lounge
- SATURDAY – Book Release Party for Marie Watkins’ “Infatuation Pt. 2 – Dareen’s Revenge” at Apostrophe Lounge
- SATURDAY – Life Line Poetry presents “The Inkblot Slam” at The Fresh Shop
- SATURDAY — AfroPop Charlotte Vol. 17 – The Holiday Edition at The Morehead Tavern
- SUNDAY – Screening and Community Discussion of “Blood Done Sign My Name” at ImaginOn
- SUNDAY – Soul Holiday at Snug Harbor
- SUNDAY – The Christmas Christian Queens of Comedy at Word of Truth Ministries
- MONDAY – Squad Up Slam Team Building Pt. III 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, 12/14——-
This evening, join The Plug and other fellow Black techies for the final #BLKTECHCLT experience of 2017! Charlotte’s only interactive tech experience is dedicated to the advancement of diverse founders and technologists. So for all of you developers, software engineers, startup founders, tech employees, gamers, business professionals, marketing and communications consultants, graphic designers, web designers, incubator program managers, co-working space owners and tech enthusiasts, this is the joint for you! There will be refreshments, live music, giveaways, tech swag bags and more! Your featured speakers for the evening are Emmelie de la Cruz, George Acheampong, Jr. (Makes Sense to Me), Garret Tichy (Hygge Co-working), Shaun Andrews (creator of the InspireInYou app), Queen City FinTech and Stephanie Cudle. Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/blktechclt-presents-the-road-map-tickets-38892276847. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at AvidXChange Music Factory. 1011 Hamilton St.
Join the Historic West End Initiative as they invite you to come and celebrate all community successes, groundbreakings and the joy of community as they host the “A Historic West End Holiday!” Bring your friends out and partake in honoring the spirits of the past, present, and future at this family-friendly affair! The community will reflect on the accomplishments of 2017 and look toward the future as you will enjoy each other’s company. There will be delectable foods, cocktails and live entertainment to savor this joyous occasion. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-historic-west-end-holiday-tickets-40951804951. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at The Wadsworth Estate. 400 S. Summit St. in the Wesley Heights Community. #WestSideBestSide
If you desire some soulful sounds on this Thursday evening, join the good people of Jazz Around Town and Ebb N’ Flow Aficionados at ROC’s Jazz Bar as they proudly present, “Sips & Sounds of Christmas!” Relax with your friends as your weekend begins and get ready to feel the holiday melodies of pianist Marcus Johnson! Internationally acclaimed jazz keyboardist, pianist and entrepreneur Marcus Johnson has emerged as one of the young lions of the music world. Hiss unique self-taught style of piano play has earned him distinction among his peers, praise within the media and accolades across the music industry. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sips-and-sounds-christmas-ft-marcus-johnson-at-rocs-jazz-bar-tickets-40100422443. Doors open at 6:30 and the show will begin at 8 p.m. ROC’s Jazz Bar is located at 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd.
One of Charlotte’s most beloved open mic spoken word showcases is back in full effect at Dupp & Swat this evening—everyone, get ready for the return of Word of Mouth! From poets, to artists and all sorts of creatives, come and give your Thursday an extra boost of dopeness as Greg Murray sets the hosting vibe off right preparing you for the feature for the evening, Rome D’Carlo! Admission is $5 per person. The event will begin at 8 p.m. Dupp & Swat is located at 2521 The Plaza Rd. in the Plaza-Midwood District. #duppandswat #WordOfMouth
——-FRIDAY, 12/15——-
Black Singles in CLT and OutenLove Events wants to add some tropical spice to your Friday night as they are proud to present Reggae Vibes at FLO! Kick off your weekend with all of your friends in this upscale atmosphere with all sorts of meal and drink specials, networking, mingling, a ton of fun games to play and some Reggae, Reggaeton, Soca, Dancehall and other international flavors for you to enjoy! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reggae-adult-game-night-tickets-41131624797. The event will begin at 7 p.m. at FLO Bar & Lounge. 440 E. McCullough Dr. in the University Area. #BlackSinglesCLT #OutenLoveEvents
Head out to Spirit Square this evening and get ready for an evening of words in rhythm—it’s time for the BreatheINK Youth Poetry Slam—December Edition! These young lyricists are ready to express their minds as they spit hot fire in the final competition of 2018. If your youth desires to compete, the registration open at 7 p.m. and closes at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $5 to the slam and it begins at 8 p.m. Spirit Square is located at 345 N. College St. in Uptown. #BreatheINK
My dear friends at the Single Saved & Serious Movement (SSS) have been going strong all year long with several outings, seminars, networking workshops and more! Tonight, take a load off, celebrate the Reason for the Season and each other as they proudly present the All-Red Holiday Party! Whether you’re single or coupled up, come and enjoy an evening of vendors, fellowship, fun and food! Rock your best red threads and turn the dance floor into shreds as DJ Infinite spins the best of holiday tunes and inspirational grooves. Admission is $5 per person and the tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2017-all-red-holiday-party-tickets-41216571876. The event will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Grier Heights Community Center. 3100 Leroy St. in the Grier Heights Community. #SSSMoves
Jazz Around Town is back for some Friday flavor as they invite you out to CPCC Main Campus for Kirk Whalum Presents: A Gospel According to Jazz! Come enjoy an evening with Grammy Award-winning recording artist Kenneth Whalum on tour with his namesake award-winning album. For this year, the special guests are the incomparable Jonathan Butler along with Shelea, Kevin Whalum and John Stoddart who will deliver memorable performances to insure it is the first of many! Tickets can be purchased here: https://tickets.vendini.com/ticket-software.html?t=tix&e=db8400f359e405bb6adcca876dda2db1&vqitq=7453d088-5196-4522-b207-0507a225aeac&vqitp=1649b279-9697-41b0-8954-b89d72986f4c&vqitts=1512488180&vqitc=vendini&vqite=itl&vqitrt=Safetynet&vqith=f4b4fd4e2c8eab92c7908f9f82ad5300. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. The show will be held at The Halton Theater at CPCC Main Campus. 1206 Elizabeth Ave. in Uptown.
One of Charlotte’s best known chocolate-covered culture collectives, OnQ Productions is back one mo’ gin’ with their acclaimed seasonal jam this weekend, “A Soulful Noel!” Join host and performer Mr. Quentin Talley along with drummer/musical director Tim Scott, Jr. as they take you on an energetic ride with several of your favorite Christmas melodies performed by an all-Black cast! The singing will leave you speechless, the music will leave you begging for more and you’ll be up dancing during a lot of the show so be sure to ask Santa to bring you some pain meds if you get sore, you dig? Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased here: https://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/a-soulful-noel-2. There will be three performances this weekend: Friday (12/15) at 8 p.m. and Saturday (12/16) at 2 and 8 p.m. All shows will be held at The McGlohon Theater in Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. in Uptown. #YouAreNowOnQ
This evening, celebrate the women who inspire all facets of culture around them as Tiger Eye Management proudly presents the “i AM HER Concert Series!” Cheer on and support these brave, bold and beautiful women as they exhibit their enchanting magic in an illustrious spectacle of sound and soul. Your “ent-her-tainment” for the evening includes: House Band Inferno, a fashion show featuring the stunning works of Dyfined Beauty, live performances from Tiffanie McCall and Emerald Sarter, some sonic boogie provided by DJ Pahri and a live painting from Jade the Artist. The event will be hosted by Gia Roxx. Tickets can be purchased here: https://moreheadtavern.primetix.com/Tickets/?perfid=1021. Doors open at 8:30 and the show will begin at 9 p.m. at The Morehead Tavern. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.
——-SATURDAY, 12/16——-
Calling all Black aspiring and established entrepreneurs—head out to Camp North End this morning and join the Carolina Small Business Development Fund as they host Black Entrepreneurship Day Charlotte! In partnership with the Women’s Business Center of Charlotte, this is a day of thought-provoking talks, panels and networking opportunities that spur innovation and promote entrepreneurship in our community. There will a number of panel discussions, networking segments, pitch competitions and more included into the day’s festivities. Breakfast and lunch will be served, along with an evening Happy Hour session. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-entrepreneurship-day-charlotte-tickets-40907183487. The event will begin at 9 a.m. Camp North End is located at 1824 Statesville Rd.
Rise, shine and join Charlotte native and 2017 Guggenheim Fellowship recipient Mr. John W. Love, Jr. at Sozo Gallery as he presents a fun and creative art session entitled, “Grinding Paper Diamonds” this morning. This is a multifaceted workshop where participants are encouraged to explore and experience through writing, meditation and object making. Discover new dimensions of yourself while creating unique, one of a kind art full of unlimited possibility. Doors open at 9:30 and the session will begin at 10 a.m. Admission is $50 per person. To reserve your spot, please call: (704)-575-6777. SozoGallery is located at 214 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
The JCSU Community Dance Program invites you and your loved ones out for their Annual Christmas Performance this morning. From dance to song to improvisational acting, there’s something in store for everyone to enjoy! Admission is FREE with a brand new Christmas toy or a $5 donation. The event will begin at 10 a.m. and will be held at Arts Factory @ JCSU. 1545 W. Trade St. near JCSU Main Campus.
This morning, join the Charlotte-Mecklenburg NAACP and local grassroots group U2U as they host the Equity Community Discussion at Little Rock A.M.E. Zion Church. Bring everyone out and together learn how you all can learn to solve the disadvantages in your life and eradicate them starting now! Admission is FREE to attend and the event will begin at 10:30 a.m. 401 N. McDowell St. in Uptown.
Join Moxie Society at Sports One Bar & Lounge as they up the ante at the “I Still Love the 90s Brunch & Day Party” this afternoon! Bring all your friends out and get ready to party a little while longer as they have extended the party time! Two maestros—DJ Loui Vee and my girl, the lovely DJ DK will be ready to rock the house from the morning all the way into the evening with the best of 90s Hip Hop, R&B, House, Soul, Reggae and lots more! Also, the beautiful canvas engineer Jaianna McCants will be on hand creating another one of her decadent and colorful masterpieces. The jump off is at 11 a.m. Sports One is located at 521 N. College St. in Uptown. #MoxieSociety
Back once again after a successful first run, head over to The Fresh Shop to participate in “Stories & Sneakers” this morning! In the spirit of community over competition, Put Feet 2 Faith has linked up with BeYounique Women, SHAE Movement African Arts and Sheletics RunWithMeToFashion to collect new and used books for children and sneakers for women. Get engaged, give back, support the cause, fellowship, dance, walk and jog and rock out to some live drumming all while donning your best ugly holiday sweater! The event will begin at 11:30 a.m. The Fresh Shop is located at 1720 Pegram St. in the NoDa District.
Treat your eyes to a wall full of color schemes and themes as acclaimed creative Sevin Nakima presents her grand Mural Reveal at Warehouse 242 this afternoon! This gorgeous young lady has been captivating hearts, minds and all senses in between with her all-original, awe-inspiring creations. This afternoon, Sevin invites you out to celebrate her newest accomplishments, yourselves and the community in an afternoon of fellowship and art. There will be plant-based refreshments available with accompanying grooves provided by SativaSlcts. Admission is FREE to attend and the event will begin at 3 p.m. Warehouse 242 is located at 2307 Wilkinson Blvd.
Join noted author Marie Watkins at Apostrohe Lounge as she celebrates the release of her newest work, “Infatuation Pt. 2 – Dareen’s Revenge” this evening! What’s in store for this sensuous thriller? Grab a copy of her book and get ready to hang on to your pages! Also, be sure to be on the lookout for raffle prizes, door giveaways, vendors, desserts, drink specials, complimentary swag bags and lots more! Tickets are $5 each and the event will begin at 5 p.m. Apostrophe Lounge is located at 1440 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Get those ugly sweaters out and get ready to rock n’ roll because it’s time for the “Ugly Sweater FUNK SHUN!” Enjoy an evening with tons of other cool peeps in their hideous holiday daps under a funky soundscape featuring holiday classics, jazz, 808’s and downtempo from artists like Sade, Sonder, Daniel Ceasar and several regional newcomers. Also, be sure to grab some delicious food, fresh cookies and some “holidaze punch” to lift your spirits. Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ugly-sweater-funkshun-tickets-39925304661. The get down starts at 6 p.m. and will be held at PRIVY. Address will be provided upon ticket purchase.
The Konnected Foundation invites everyone out to The Oasis Shriners Hall this evening for the 11th Annual Queen City Awards Show! Charlotte, this is your chance to take a gander and congratulate all of the tremendous talents within the region. Bring your entire family to see these and other entertainers recognized for their hard work. Tonight’s honorees include Grammy Award-winning Soul Brother Anthony Hamilton with the Trendsetter Awards and local radio staples Ace & TJ with the Community Service Award. You will also be blown away by the performances, including this year’s Battle 4 A Cause winners Dance Rhythm & Cheer! This event will be televised, so come dressed to impress! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/11th-annual-queen-city-awards-tickets-39785233705. The event will begin at 6 p.m. The Oasis Shriners Hall is located at 604 Doug Mayes Pl. in the University Area.
From the lyrics of Life Line Poetry comes an all-new spoken word experience this evening—head out to The Fresh Shop for “The Inkblot Slam!” This unique slam will highlight the continual usage of inkblots that poets witness and write what they see. Or, from an audience’s point of view, inkblots may be given to the audience to interpret and get an idea of how the poets feel about things subliminally or intentionally. It’s a multisensory exhibition that you must experience! There will be a $10 buy-in for all competitors with cash prizes given to poets who have placed. The event will be hosted by Breeze The Poet. 7 p.m. The Fresh Shop is located at 1720 Pegram St. in the NoDa District.
While the day party is coming to a near close, another party is brewing in another corner of Uptown—join Moxie Society and Black Wall Street CLT as they host “Spread Love: Holiday Mixer & Toy Drive!” Come through with your crew and donations of unwrapped toys for kids of all ages and party during this sophisticated holiday mixer! Admission is FREE to attend. The event will begin at 7 p.m. at Firehouse Bar & Lounge. 320 W. Carson St. in Uptown. #MoxieSociety
The spirit of the Motherland merges with the spirit of the holiday season as The Bantu Fête Team proudly presents “AfroPop Charlotte Vol. 17 – The Holiday Edition!” Come represent your dancing spirits as my good brothers The Dynamic DJ Kato and DJ Steel Wheel bust out with the best of Afrobeat, AfroHouse, Soca, DanceHall, Afro-Trap, and so much more! Also, be sure to get there early and learn some quick and easy Kizomba dance moves from surprise Kizomba instructor/DJ David Campos from the DMV! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/afropop-charlotte-vol17-holiday-edition-ft-david-campos-tickets-40175995484. The party starts at 9 p.m. The Morehead Tavern is located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #AfricanaConnections #WelcomeToTheTribe
——-SUNDAY, 12/17——-
This afternoon, join Democracy NC and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library as they host a special film screening of the 2010 film “Blood Done Sign My Name.” Based on the acclaimed book of the aforementioned title, this tells the true story of the 1970 murder, which takes place in rural North Carolina, of Henry Marrow by Robert Teel and his sons. The aftermath of the murder and the eventual acquittal of the Teels by an all-white jury, in spite of multiple eye witnesses to the murder. The film will be followed by a panel presentation by Democracy NC, Tim Tyson (author of the book), Braxton Winston, Bree Newsome, and Ajamu Dillahunt. 2018 is the year we elect, and hold accountable, those who represent us in the areas of crime, punishment, and justice. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: http://org2.salsalabs.com/o/6601/p/salsa/event/common/public/?event_KEY=86573. The event will begin at 1:30 at ImaginOn. 300 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
Deck the halls will funky music and fellowship at Snug Harbor and come out for a special edition of Soul Sunday entitled “Soul Holiday!” We’re in a time where there’s a ton of sociopolitical instability abroad and one of the things that brings people together is some really good music! This afternoon, join expert sound selectors DJs Sir Chocolate Milk and Elon as they fill your ears with all sorts of funky frequencies with an all-vinyl playlist. If you’re in the mood to take home some sounds, my friends, Diggers Delight and Premium Sounds will be in the house with crates fully stocked with various grooves ready for purchase and to make some supersonic stocking stuffers! Admission is FREE to attend and the party starts at 2 p.m. Snug Harbor is located at 1228 Gordon St. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Listen, I know you all have already jotted down what you want for Christmas this year, and I bet it’s full of your favorite things. However, this evening, come and hear some of your favorite local artists express their desires for this holiday season and get ready for the “My Favorite Things Christmas Special feat. John Dillard & Friends!” Experience the fly, smooth grooves of acclaimed bassist John “JD” Dillard along with Mr. Bonejazz himself—Buff Dillard, sax man Mr. Dante Lewis and the sweet vocals of songstress extraordinaire, the beautiful Gena Chambers! With R&B, Jazz, Soul and holiday classics played all night long, it’s the holiday jingle jam that you do not want to miss! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/my-favorite-things-christmas-special-wjohn-dillard-friends-tickets-40741609250. There will be two performances this evening: 6 and 8:30 p.m. Both shows will be held at Sydney’s Martini & Wine Bar. 401 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Words of Truth Ministries Pastor George Floyd and First Lady Vanessa Floyd invite you to come out with your family for a night of laughter, entertainment, ministry, praise and worship with The Christmas Christian Queens of Comedy! This hit show returning from last year will minister on two relationships–one being the most important with Jesus Christ and then relationship with your mate all while relieving your stress with a hearty dose of love and laughter. Tickets are $18 per person. The event will begin at 6 p.m. Words of Truth Ministries is located at 1205 S. Marietta St. in Gastonia.
For some true adult fun, head over to The Peace Pipe this evening for “Potions & Pixels: Video Games, Board Games and Community.” There will be a wide variety of multiplayer games from all eras and for all skill levels. From Mario Kart, Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, Super Smash Bros., Love Letter, Click Clack Lumberjack and more! Admission is only $5. Be sure to bring all of your friends and wear your holiday gear for even more fun! The games begin at 7 p.m. The Peace Pipe is located at 204 W. Woodlawn Rd., Suite “H”. #PotionsAndPixels
——-MONDAY, 12/18——-
Calling all Jazz Arts Initiative Alumni and friends–it’s that time of year again! Come out for the JazzArts Alumni JAM at The Morehead Tavern this evening! This eclectic jam session will feature some impromptu improvisations of sound, melody and rhythm making this all-organic event much more worthwhile. Even if you were not a part of JAI, you’re still invited to come and showcase your skills! From vibraphones, 88 keys, the rhythmic heartbeat, glaring brass, the boom bap of the bass and vocal abilities, all talents are welcome to participate. Admission is FREE to attend and the event will begin at 7 p.m. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #JAI
It’s a new season and local poet and cultural activist Jah Smalls invites you out Petra’s for the third installment of the Squad Up Slam Team Building Slam! Get your words in order and ready to rhyme it out in a few rounds to see who will make the slam team for the new season! All poets will compete for a grand cash prize at the end of the night—winner takes all. There will be three rounds of competition with eliminations in each round. The final four poets will advance to the last round and compete for the prize winnings. Admission is $10 for the poets and $5 for general admission. Doors open at 7, the slam drawing will be at 7:20 p.m. and the event will begin at 8 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District. #SayWord #RespectDaMic
COMING SOON…
12/23 – The BLACK Christmas Party
12/23 – An Afrobeats Christmas Affair
12/26 – 1/1 – Kwanzaa 2018
12/27 – 12/30 – The Hip Hop Nutcracker
12/31 – NYE 2018 Extravaganza Charlotte
1/6 – “Off The Wall: Best of the 80s V.13 + Slow Wine Edition V.4”
1/13 – I Got Life: The Music of Nina Simone
Everyone have a fantastic and festive weekend, peace and love to you all and a special “May The Force Be With You” shout out too all my fellow Star Wars enthusiasts!
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #CommunityFirst