By: Shawn D. Allison, II
What’s good family? This weather, for one! I know you all are still reeling from the energy of Black Panther last weekend, but guess what…there’s more dopeness goin’ down this weekend! There’s lots of Black History Month events for everyone to indulge in, a very riveting stage play, networking and gaming events and some truly funky music for you to dance to! If you want to keep up with my footprints, check out my “Hot List” just below!
- THURSDAY — Goddess Central Digital Magazine Launch Party & Model Search at Kanvas Gallery & Lounge
- THURSDAY-SUNDAY – Three Bone Theatre presents “King Liz” at Spirit Square
- FRIDAY – Black History Fridays screening of “I Am Not Your Negro” at Char-Meck Main Library
- FRIDAY – Black Fathers ROCK! at CPCC Main Campus
- FRIDAY – I Am Her Concert Series at The Morehead Tavern
- SATURDAY – Black History Quiz Bowl at West Charlotte High School
- SATURDAY – “Lit. For the Culture” at CPCC Cato Campus
- SATURDAY — 2018 Queen City Black Heritage Festival at Carole A. Hoefener Center
- SATURDAY – The Males Place All-Black Tie Dinner & Gala
- SATURDAY – The Ideal Cocktail Party
- SATURDAY — Su Casa – Diasporic Soul: The Black History Edition at Petra’s
- SUNDAY – The Sun Dipped In Black at New Era Music House
- SUNDAY – Verbal Expressions presents “Rhyme and R&B” at Nest Restaurant & Lounge
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, FEBRUARY 22——-
Join the good people of Infinite Pawn as they invite you out to 7th Restaurant & Lounge to do it “For the Culture – Trivia & Game Night!” Bring your friends out for an evening of nonstop fun as you test your best knowledge of multiple facets of Black culture complete with a fly accompanying soundtrack of tunes to set the mood! It’s go hard or go home—don’t choke and get your Black Card revoked! There will be door prizes and raffles with a chance to win two exclusive luxury and spa grooming gift bags! Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/for-the-culture-tickets-42976567069. The fun starts at 5 p.m. 7th Restaurant & Lounge is located at 321 N. Caldwell St. in Uptown.
SoulFyah Movements & Urban International invites you out to Sydney’s Martini & Wine Bar for “Reggae Fusion – Martini & Wine!” Take a mental trip to an island paradise as a special guest DJ spins some of the best Caribbean, Reggae, Calypso and Dancehall tunes while you sip on something delicious and tangy on this vibrant Thursday evening. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door or here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reggae-fusion-martini-wine-tickets-43077724634. The event will begin at 6 p.m. Sydney’s Martini & Wine Bar is located at 401 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Join my good friend, photographer and Radio Rehab Carolinas comrade Damany “Smiley” Mayfield at Kanvas Gallery & Lounge as he hosts the Goddess Central Digital Magazine Launch Party & Model Search! GCD Magazine has been building and planning a media outlet that centers around the exposure and showcasing of the finest talent, creative skills, and entrepreneurship in the Carolina’s and Surrounding Areas. The vision for GCD magazine is to highlight and notice the positive efforts and drive of individuals in pursuit of their goals and dreams with a focus on models, entertainers and entrepreneurs. Be a part of this historic moment and show your love for one of Charlotte’s finest seeds! Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/goddess-central-digital-magazine-launch-party-and-model-search-tickets-42776989126. The event will begin at 7 p.m. Kanvas Gallery & Lounge is located at 525 E. 6th St., Suite #117 in Uptown.
Three Bone Theater invites you to sit courtside at Spirit Square to experience their newest stage production from Fernanda Coppel entitled “King Liz!” Sports agent Liz Rico has money and an elite client roster but a woman in a man’s industry has to fight to stay on top. She’s worked twice as hard to get where she is and wants to take over the agency that she’s helped build. Enter Freddie Luna, a high school basketball superstar with a troubled past. If Liz can keep this talented yet volatile young star in line, she just might end up making not only his career, but her own as well. But at what price? Featuring an all-star cast of some of Charlotte’s most talented stage luminaries, it’s sure to be a slam dunk! King Liz contains adult language and content, not recommended for persons under 18. The play is directed by Dr. Corlis Hayes. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/king-liz-by-fernanda-coppel. There will be three performances this weekend: Thursday (2/22), Friday (2/23) and Saturday (2/24) all beginning promptly at 8 p.m. Spirit Square is located at 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
Put some island spice in your Thursday night and get ready for Thirsty Thursdays at Mango’s Restaurant & Lounge! Join On Track HD as he releases your workload with a tropical mix of Reggae, Dancehall, Calypso, House and R&B while you enjoy a delightful selection of delicious drink specials. Admission is FREE to attend. 8 p.m. Mango’s Restaurant & Lounge is located at 3112 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
This evening, experience a special fusion of Neo-Soul and spoken word as Sir Abstraxxx and Keeyen Martin proudly presents, “The Soul Club Concert!” Come and relax as these two magnificent masters of their craft provide a relaxing but invigorating paradox of soothing poetry and musical magic. Admission is $10 per person. Doors open at 8 and the event will begin at 9 p.m. at Petra’s. 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
——FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23——-
Come and honor of Hip Hop’s greatest minds this evening at Repo Records as Jazz Hop Village proudly presents, “A Homage To Jay Dee!” DJs BlackSmith Sundays and Drew Prince will honor the late, great J-Dilla with a special selection of his hits, B-sides, rarities, remixes and more! Admission is FREE to attend. 5 p.m. Repo Records is located at 3325 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Black OURstory Month is still in effect and tonight, come out for an evening of film and dialogue as the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library proudly presents the final installment of Black History Fridays! For tonight’s experience, you will view the acclaimed documentary, “I Am Not Your Negro.” In 1979, James Baldwin wrote a letter to his literary agent describing his next project, “Remember This House.” The book was to be a revolutionary, personal account of the lives and assassinations of three of his close friends: Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. At the time of Baldwin’s death in 1987, he left behind only 30 completed pages of this manuscript. Filmmaker Raoul Peck envisions the book James Baldwin never finished. Join host Angel Truesdale for an evening of community and conversation as we dissect the current dialect of Black sociopolitical livelihood in America. Refreshments will be provided. Admission is FREE to attend. 6 p.m. at the Main Library Branch. 310 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Create Amazing, LLC is back one mo’ gin’ this Friday at Apostrophe Lounge and they have pulled out all the stops to present to you Paint & Play – HBCU Edition! Calling all current or alumni of any HBCU – join host, Power 104.4’s Coco Lenell for an evening of live painters, spoken word, comedians, massages, cupcakes, giveaways, hookah, games, and much more! Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paint-play-hbcu-edition-tickets-41919927632. The event begins at 6 p.m. Apostrophe Lounge is located at 1440 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Each year, Levine Museum of the New South hosts one of Charlotte’s most anticipated and friendliest fundraising events, Taste of the New South. During Taste, over 500 enthusiastic guests enjoy distinctive food and drink, unique entertainment, and transformative décor. Taste is a Southern-style, casual event and a welcome departure from the formal black-tie fundraisers. In addition to the inspired menu and creative cocktails Taste is known for, this year will also feature a new Taste After Dark event to appeal to the late-night crowd. Our theme will celebrate signature neighborhoods throughout Charlotte, highlighting what makes them unique. Tickets can be purchased here: https://38686.blackbaudhosting.com/38686/After-Taste-2018. The festivities begin at 6 p.m. The museum is located at 200 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
Energetic and inspiring Gospel radio show host Willie Moore, Jr. is in town for the Charlotte segment of his “Happily After All: A Night of Love” interactive conversation series! Relationships these days are harder now because conversations have become text messages, arguments have become public information and feelings have become social media status updates. Here is a relationship solution you do not want to miss. This experience is a unique night for couples and serious singles to strengthen their thoughts and approach towards relationships and love. Join Willie for an evening of live music, comedy, games, informative presentations packed with local and national celebrities and lots more! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/happily-after-all-a-night-of-love-charlotte-nc-tickets-41219541759. The event begins at 6 p.m. at The Harvest Center of Charlotte. 2225 Freedom Dr.
Relax at The Third Place this evening and get ready for the CIAA Edition of The Sound — Christian Open Mic! Before the tournament takes over the QC, all creatives — singers, MCs, instrumentalists, poets, comedians and artists of various avenues are invited to come out and showcase your talents for a family-friendly audience honoring The Most High! Admission is $5 per person. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. The Third Place is located at 1609 E. 5th St. in Uptown.
Media personality, author and Charlotte Champion Ryan Jor El invites out to CPCC Main Campus for a celebration of America’s unsung hero—the Black patriarch with a special tribute entitled, Black Fathers ROCK! This ceremony will highlight stories of amazing fathers who exist in the Charlotte community as well as provide resources for fathers who are in need of guidance. In conjunction with No Grease, Inc., the 90-minute awards ceremony will feature the presentation of six honorees and two entertainment performances. With this initiative, Ryan aims to help change the narrative that all black fathers are absent. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-fathers-rock-tickets-37716646505. The event will begin at 8 p.m. at the Pease Auditorium at CPCC Main Campus. 1206 Elizabeth Ave. in Uptown.
This weekend, Cartage Theatre is proud to present the all-original “Odd Tales” performance show! This unique showcase will feature four original Science Fiction audio dramas performed live with accompanying sound effects. Come on out and experience some cerebral tales with stories about alien invasions, expeditions to the fourth dimension, international cooperation in space, and of course, post-apocalyptic scavenger hunts! These pieces are original Sci-Fi audio dramas, written by Charlotte authors and performed by Charlotte actors. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.cartagetheatre.com/productions. There will be two shows this weekend: Friday (2/23) and Saturday (2/24) both starting at 8 p.m. at Free Range Brewing. 2320 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Charlotte, come honor our Queens this evening at The Morehead Tavern as J Macks proudly presents the February edition of the “I Am Her” Concert Series! This monthly celebration of women who inspire our culture features a bevy of beautiful singers, musicians, painters and other multitalented creatives. Tonight’s special guests are Nia Zhane and D’yenna Dukes with DJ Phari on the 1s and 2s. Your host for the evening is none other than the ever-fly Gia Roxx. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/i-am-her-concert-series-tickets-43132231666. The event will begin at 8:30 p.m. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.
Get your laugh on this evening as the Queen City Omegas present another hilarious round of Comedy Night! It’s Black History Month and tonight, bring your friends out to get ready for some side-splitting humor and history from comedians Zack Johnson and Fen Guillame! Then, be sure to stick around as DJ 06 burns of the speakers with a hot mix of Hip Hop and R&B tunes. The host for the evening is Brother Tito. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queen-city-omegas-present-comedy-night-tickets-42683022068. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m. The Omegas of Charlotte Fraternity House is located at 3301 Statesville Ave.
Urban International invites you and your crew out for some Friday night spice as they proudly present “Hip Hop, R&B and Afrobeats!” Get on the dance floor as DJ Chopstickz hits you with a blend of Hip Hop & R&B, DJ Quee handling things with Afrobeats & Dancehall rhythms and DJ Squiddly giving you that “dutty wine” with some Caribbean Vibes! There will be a tropical blend of drink specials all night long to give you some more dancing energy. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hiphop-rb-afrobeats-tickets-42600505258. The party starts at 10 p.m. at Bakadi Lounge. 4205 Monroe Rd.
——-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24——-
This morning, gather at West Charlotte High School as Project LIFT invites you out to The Black History Quiz Bowl! Project LIFT schools in CMS collaborate to celebrate Black history and execute innovative ways to drive student achievement. Six middle school teams will face-off for jaw dropping prizes, bragging rights and pride in this Black History quiz bowl designed by West Charlotte IB students, with support from Charlotte City Councilman James “Smuggie” Mitchell and retired NASA astronaut Joan Higginbotham. Admission is FREE to attend. The event begins at 9 a.m. West Charlotte High School is located at 2219 Senior Dr.
Everyone reach into your hearts and sow a seed of good will and measure as Dupp & Swat and The Urban Ministry Center (UMC) hosts “The Give Back x Februrary Finale Edition” this morning! Join with others as you all assemble a multitude of sandwiches and six Welcome Home Kits for our Brothers and Sisters of the UMC who are experiencing homelessness in Charlotte. There will also be food, music, games and free giveaways provided. Monetary donations are welcome as well. The event will begin at 10 a.m. at Dupp & Swat. 2521 The Plaza Rd. #duppandswat
This morning, head out to CPCC Cato Campus for a special page-turning party for the youth entitled “Lit. For the Culture!” This kid-friendly cultural event will feature four local African American children’s authors—Shimah Easter, Jessica McEachern, Kimberly Dixon, and Carmen Jimenez, who have recently published children’s books featuring Black characters. The event will also spotlight various local organizations with roots in Charlotte’s contemporary Black culture. These organizations include, Legacies of Light, Naomae Stitch, and Cara B. Natural. The event is FREE and open to the public, and welcomes young readers along with their families. Guests are encouraged to fellowship with the authors, learn about the publishing process, purchase books, and enjoy live readings of each of the works, all while celebrating Black History Month. 11 a.m. 6605 W. W.T. Harris Rd.
The captivating curvy queens of 4Thirty-Two are back in action and this morning, they invite you out for a special Body Werk dance aerobics session! Ladies, join 4Thirty-Two founder and leader Charity Holloway and crew for a hi-octane morning of fun, music and dance guaranteed to lift your spirits! This hour-long class is both fun and challenging so please encourage your girlfriends to come and “werk” up a sweat! Admission is $5 and can be paid at the door. The session will begin at 11 a.m. at Noda@28th Creative Arts Studios. 2424 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Ladies, CIAA 2018 is right around the corner and if you want your hair looking and feeling right, head out to Tisun Beauty Supply to experience the organic goodness of Pollynation Apothecary! Join host and founder Carlithea Abram for an afternoon of advice, insight, product sampling, networking and more! Products include Hair Milk, Strengthen & Stimulate Hair Butter, Nourishing Hair Butter and Inflamed Healing Balm. The session will begin at 12:30 p.m. Tisun Beauty Supply is located at 9011 S. Tryon St.
This afternoon, bring the family out for a cross-cultural experience as the Southeast Asian Coalition (SEAC) hosts the Grand Opening of their new community center! SEAC was founded in 2012 with the belief that more needed to be done for and by Asian Americans in the Southeast. Starting out with little, they have had our share of adversity and uncertainty — something many grassroots efforts face in the South. SEAC has worked out of coffee shops, public libraries, sublet offices, to most recently sharing space at a nail supply shop. They stand by the belief that people should always be valued over things and it is through the grit, help, and love from various people that they have made it this far and will continue to build and create! Come by and enjoy some food, fellowship and fun along with your Southeast Asian extended family! Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScD74Zwxm25BrIsuvtaTQa_p4S0Bp-w39nyN0K-yQMHKfj-yg/viewform. The event will begin at 1 p.m. with a special ribbon cutting ceremony. 4520 N. Tryon St.
Queen City Events is back once more at The Carole A. Hoefener Center and today come and end Black History Month with a bang as they proudly present the 2018 Queen City Black Heritage Festival! This afternoon, enjoy an afternoon of networking, community building and retail featuring over 40 local, Black-owned vendors. There will be special visual art presentations honoring our glorious heritage, our magnificent present and an inspiring hope of what the future will bring. There will also be food, free giveaways and lots more fun surprises in store! Admission is FREE to attend and the event will begin at 1 p.m. The Carole A. Hoefener Center is located at 615 E. 6th St. in Uptown.
Take your taste buds on a trip this afternoon as Evolution Through Chocolate teams up with Red Clay Ciderworks to bring you the Red Clay Cider & Chocolate Pairing event! Sample some homegrown ciders and tasty desserts giving your palates a pleasurable experience. Pairings include: South End Cider with a Cinnamon Truffle, Nor’ Easter Cider with a cranberry truffle, Cherry Bobbin’ Trolls Cider with a cherry truffle and Blackberry Cider with a blackberry truffle. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chocolate-cider-pairing-tickets-42593989770. The event will begin at 3 p.m. Red Clay Ciderworks is located at 245 Clanton Rd. in Historic South End.
This afternoon, Moxie Society is slightly switching up the sonic format as they present the “I Still Love the 90s Day Party: Bad Boy vs. So So Def Edition!” Join B-Man as he spins out the hits and remixes from these two powerhouse and groundbreaking record labels which gave our culture some much needed flavor. Drink and meal specials will be available so be sure to inquire the kitchen/bar staff. Bring your friends out and be prepared to get “Funkdafied” with all sorts of “Flava In Ya’ Ear” at 4 p.m. at Sports One Bar & Lounge. 521 N. College St. in Uptown. #MoxieSociety
This Saturday night, step out in your best threads and feel the power of youth, community and love as The Males Places hosts their All-Black Tie Dinner & Gala! This night of opulence will feature a delectable four-course meal provided by internationally-acclaimed chef and culinary activist Njathi Wa Kabui. In addition to your nutrition, you will also experience some extravagant dance routines and captivating conversations among your extended family. Your contributions will assist TMP in creating an intense travel experience for 20 young men as they journey to Ghana, West Africa to gain an understanding of what it means to be a citizen of the world and will create a context for learning from other cultures and applying newfound insights to life at home. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-males-place-all-black-tie-dinner-gala-tickets-41529523924. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at the Deltas of Charlotte House. 5408 Beatties Ford Rd.
Join my friends of Behind the Bar as they invite you to spend your Saturday evening at The Ideal Cocktail Party! Celebrate Black OURstory Month in substance and flavor as Chef Greg Collier creates some delightful hors d’oeuvres with cocktails inspired from Tom Bullock’s “The Ideal Bartender.” While you enjoy your spices and spirits, get your groove on as a special guest DJ sets the mood with a special blend of Classic Hip Hop, R&B and Soul grooves. Tickets can be purchased here: https://squareup.com/store/IdealParty. The event will begin at 8 p.m. The address of the venue is 219 S. Brevard St. in Uptown.
Charlotte, come take an interstellar ride deep into the uncharted world of music with the all-new Crown Town getdown “Last Saturn!” Join spaceship pilots and sound engineers DJ That Guy Smitty and DJ Ray as they take your mind, body and soul into a vast world of House, Deep House, Techno, Downtempo, Funk, Soul and lots of other otherworldly #EarholeGoodness! Admission is $5. The starship blasts off from Crown Station Coffeehouse & Pub at 9 p.m. 3629 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
February is nearing the end, however the celebration of Blackness doesn’t stop here! Tonight, step into a world of cosmic Chocolate Afrofuturistic proportions as Jasiatic proudly presents Su Casa – Diasporic Soul: The Black History Edition! Get down on the good foot with resident turntablists DJ Justice, DJ Steel Wheel & Loot-Tenant Trax setting off the rhythm with Afrobeat, House, Funk, Jazz, Downtempo, Brazilian Samba, Soul, Rare Grooves, Dancehall, Reggae and lots more! Then, be sure stick around for a very special live, hi-octane performance from Quentin Talley & The Soul Providers! Also, enjoy live canvassing from Dammit Wesley, face canvassing by Catherine and be sure to scoop up some fly trinkets and threads from the vendors in the building. Admission is $10 all night long at Petra’s. 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
——-SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25——-
This evening, join The Beauty Influencer, Joy Nichelle Randall for a special evening of musical conversation as she presents, “The Red Lip Chronicles.” Joy believes that social media is great for surface connection, but there is equal importance in connecting and discussing in person. She interviews a variety of grounded individuals that operate in their gifts and talents, then follows it up with a live conversation. The goal is to talk about challenging topics in a “no-judgement” zone. Tonight’s guest is Zeek da Superstar. Everyone will engage in an interactive dialogue to discuss his music, his journey through life and an exploration about his thoughts of unconditional love. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-red-lip-chronicles-tickets-42842565266. The event will begin at 4 p.m. at Hygge Coworking. 809 W. Hill St. near Uptown.
New Era Music House is bringing some new hotness into the atmosphere this Sunday—come out and experience the all-new Sun Dipped In Black social! Before your work week gets into gear, come get your mind, body and soul right with some soothing music from crooner Kyran McShaw, massages, holistic lifestyle tips from Jessika Shaunelle – The Optimist Farmer, food from Chef Justin Witherspoon (vegan options will be available) and local vendors to enhance your experience as you vibe to the soundtrack of your favorite neo-soul, R&B and jazz jams! Admission is $5 per person and the art affair begins at 5 p.m. New Era Music House is located at 5814 Old Concord Rd. #NewEraMusicHouse
Verbal Expressions is back with all-new sound and flavor for 2018 – and tonight, head over to Nest Restaurant & Lounge for “Rhyme and R&B!” Enjoy the cool, smooth jazz sounds from musician Ron Horn and scintillating spoken word from host, the beautiful Chosen the Poet. Be sure to inquire about drink and meal specials. FREE admission. Doors open at 6 and the event will begin at 7 p.m. Nest Restaurant & Lounge is located at 505 E. 6th St. in Uptown.
COMING SOON…
2/26 – 3/3 – 2018 CIAA Tournament Celebration
2/27 – Tournament Week Networking Mixer
2/28 – Tournament Week R&B Experience
3/1 – Soul Junction Bars & Beats Jam Session
3/2 – Black Food Truck Friday
3/3 – Off The Wall: Memory Lane Edition feat. DJ Shakim
3/4 – Charlotte Synth Meet #003
3/9 – “The Livest One” 7th Annual Notorious B.I.G. & Bad Boy Tribute
3/10 – Rhythmic Soul Dance Company presents “Broadway: The Remix”
3/10 – 2nd Annual Upcycled Fashion Show
3/12 – Soul Food Sessions CLT’s “Afrodisiac Dinner”
“There is something about boldness and fearlessness and being free enough to speak what is on one’s mind that warrants freedom.” -Dr. Cornel West
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #CommunityFirst