By Shawn D. Allison, II
Happy Thursday everyone! I hope you all have had a great week but here we are – the weekend! There’s lots to do and the city is bursting with all sorts of infectious cultural energy. I’ll definitely be out and about taking in everything I possibly can and if you want to tag along with me, check out the flavor of my “Hot List” just below!
- THURSDAY – Legendary Wings Cookout at Abari Game Bar
- THURSDAY – Words, Wine & Weirdos at The Weirdo Lounge
- FRIDAY – 2 Piece & A Biscuit at ROC’s Jazz Bar
- FRIDAY – Karaoke Game Night at Recess CLT
- SATURDAY – Brisket & Biscuits: A Community Breakfast at Koffee Kup Cafeteria
- SATURDAY – ImagiCon 2018 at ImaginOn
- SATURDAY – Aquatek : Heatwave at Craft City Social Club
- SATURDAY – Chosen Life CLT at Crown Station
- SATURDAY – The Legacy Theatre Production Co. presents “Blood Ties” revised reading at NoDa @ 28th Creative Arts Studios
- SATURDAY — AfroPop! Charlotte: Tribal-Palooza — Two Year Anniversary at The Fillmore
- SUNDAY – Jerk Chicken N’ Waffles Sunday Brunch at Mango’s Caribbean Restaurant
- SUNDAY – The Afro Cool Fest at Camp North End
- MONDAY – OutenLove Events & SociaLight presents the Networking Scavenger Hunt at 204 North Kitchen & Cocktails
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, JULY 19——-
The fine folks of Abari Game Bar invite you to their Legendary Wings Cookout this evening! Inspired by the classic 1980s arcade game Legendary Wings, bring your friends out for an evening of nonstop fun with wings, vegetarian/vegan options, cocktail specials and video game play! Admission is FREE and the event will begin at 6 p.m. Abari Game Bar is located at 1721 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Head down to The McColl Center for Art + Innovation for an evening of desserts and dialogue at one of their most popular events, the Community Pie Social! Community Pie Social at McColl Center is a time of neighborly fellowship and dialogue about topical issues that affect people’s daily lives. We’ll discuss the lack of access to fresh, healthy food for many people in Charlotte, and how we can work together to make more options available in our communities. As a starting point, we’ll explore exhibiting artist-in-residence Sam Van Aken’s exhibition here at McColl Center, The Open Orchard, which addresses threats to food security and loss of diversity. Van Aken’s attempt to preserve heirloom and antique fruit varieties before they disappear is simultaneously aesthetic, community-based, educational, research-oriented, and, ultimately, a form of conservation. You’re invited to bring a fresh-baked sweet or savory pie to share with others. We’ll listen to each other as we talk about who we are as individuals, where we are as a city and a nation, and what steps we can take to affect change. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-pie-social-tickets-47922502495. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. The McColl Center is located at 721 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Give your palates a jolt of joy at the Vegan Mac Down CLT this evening! Join hosts Nourish, Cotton Branch Farm Animal Sanctuary and Vegan Outreach for an evening of community, conversation and sampling of some local vegan macaroni & cheese dishes from some creative chefs in the area! Filled with all-organic recipes, your taste buds will not be able to taste the difference. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mac-down-charlotte-tickets-47189062757. The event will begin at 7 p.m. at C3 Lab. 2525 Distribution St. in Historic South End.
Take a cool ride out to Gastonia and prepare your minds for an evening of unfiltered oddity at “Words, Wine & Weirdos!” Join host Jaycee the Poet as he brings forth his creative swagger and setting the stage for the stanzas of some of Charlotte’s boldest and brightest creative talents! Also, be sure to get your boogie on with DJ Taz Infinite rockin’ out on the wheels of steel and enjoy some special glasses of Muscadine and Moscato for $3.00 and some fish and chicken plates provided by Three Kings Kitchen. The event will begin at 8 p.m. at The Weirdo Lounge. 420 W. Main Ave. in Gastonia.
Three Bone Theatre is back to set the stage for your weekend as they proudly present their latest piece, “Appropriate.” Every estranged member of the Lafayette clan has descended upon the crumbling Arkansas homestead to settle the accounts of the newly-dead patriarch. As his three adult children sort through a lifetime of horded junk, they collide over clutter, debt, and a contentious family history. But after disturbing discoveries surface among their father’s possessions, the reunion takes a turn for the explosive, unleashing a series of crackling surprises and confrontations. Playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins examines dealing with family’s legacy of white supremacy in his new play, blending dark comedy with mystery. This play is directed by Sarah Provencal. “Appropriate” is rated “R” for adult language and content and is not recommended for those under 18. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/appropriate-by-branden-jacobs-jenkins. There will be three performances this weekend: Thursday (7/19), Friday (7/20) and Saturday (7/21) all starting at 8 p.m. at the Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
—–FRIDAY, JULY 20——-
The Discovery Place is setting the stage for grand fun of mythological proportions as they invite you to Science on the Rocks: A Night on Mount Olympus this evening! Come party with the gods at their July adults-only night at the Museum that is fit for an Olympian. Let the Siren call you and your friends down for a night of fun that you really “Odyssey!” Gaze at constellations in the StarLab planetarium, try your hand at lightning bolt throwing, test your Greek mythology in a fun trivia game, conquer the Minotaur in the mechanical bull riding challenge and much more! Tickets can be purchased here: https://science.discoveryplace.org/explore/events/science-on-the-rocks-a-night-on-mount-olympus. The event will begin at 5 p.m. Persons 21+ with proper I.D. will be admitted. The Discovery Place is located at 301 N. Tryon St. in Uptown. #SOTR
Enjoy some outdoor fun in the comforts of the setting sun as Blumenthal Performing Arts invites you to Sounds on the Square featuring Biscuit Miller & The Mix! Biscuit MIller is known for his high energy shows and blazing million dollar smile. He is a born entertainer and is at home on the stage where he connects with his audience through a fun and funky approach to the Blues. But don’t let the fun and food songs fool you — this is a dedicated group of musicians with an amazing depth of talent. Admission is FREE and the music starts at 7:30 p.m. at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
Moxie Society is ready to kick your weekend off on a cool, relaxing note presenting Havana Nights this evening! Join one of Charlotte’s finest leisure firms as they turn the heat up with positive vibes, fresh-rolled Cuban cigars and delightful Mojito specials to put yourselves at ease. And for your audible amusement, Charlotte’s own DJ Shogun will blend some spicy, classic and contemporary Hip Hop and R&B jams to enhance your experience! Admission is FREE and the dress code is mature and classy. 8 p.m. at Secret Society Cigar Lounge. 2415 W. Morehead St. near Uptown.
Are your ears starving for some nourishment? Join Buck Long & Friends at ROC’s Jazz Bar and help yourselves to a funky serving of 2 Piece & A Biscuit performing live! One of Charlotte’s most boldest and beautiful voices reemerges from the shadows to give you some of her Detroit-bred soul – the one and only GiGi Mack is back! Spend your Friday with this voluptuous vixen as her vocals take you on a soothing and soulful ride across many genres performing classic covers and some of her original grooves! Admission is $10 per person. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. ROC’s Jazz Bar is located at 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd.
The Peace and Love Band has been on several stages in the QC and now, they add some spice to your Friday night at The Morehead Tavern as Jazz N’ Soul Music proudly presents their showcase entitled, “A Night of Funky Soul and Dance Music!” If you’ve never seen this band of Brothers jam before, get ready for an unbelievable time of impeccable musicianship with a round of yesteryears greatest covers and a few surprises in between! Also, be sure to stop by the bar and kitchen and grab some delicious drink and meal specials! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-peace-and-love-band-a-night-of-funky-soul-and-dance-music-tickets-47837357825. The show starts promptly at 9 p.m. The Morehead Tavern is located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #JazzNSoulMusic
Get ready to cut loose this Friday as OutenLove Events, Mr. 305 Events and High Society CLT proudly present Karaoke Game Night this evening! It’s some new flavor with a funky twist as you try sing your sober or sloshed hearts out with karaoke songs, play a wide variety of games and party into the night with a special guest DJ rockin’ out all the dope tunes of today and yesteryear! Admission is FREE with RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/karaoke-game-night-tickets-47953474132. The event will begin at 9 p.m. at Recess CLT. 832 Seigle Ave. in the Belmont Neighborhood. #OutenLoveEvents
——-SATURDAY, JULY 21——-
The sweet essence of fresh fruit arises in the morning at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market for their annual Peach Day Celebration! Come explore some the area’s vendors as they pass out free peach recipes and some may even hand out free samples of peaches. There will be peach desserts, jams, and of course fresh North and South Carolina peaches for sale. It will be a perfect day for the whole family to come out and see why peaches truly deserve their own day at the market! The market opens at 8 a.m. 1801 Yorkmont Rd.
Rise, shine and head down to Koffee Kup Cafeteria as Chef Greg Collier invites you out to Brisket & Biscuits: A Community Breakfast this morning! Everyone come and gather ‘round the table for some goodhearted conversation and delicious food featuring Atlanta pitmaster Bryan Furman of B’s Cracklin BBQ and Atlanta chef Erika Council (a.k.a. Southern Souffle), maker of #BombAssBiscuits. Your ticket includes a brisket, eggs, biscuits, Southern sides, a slice of pie, and choice of coffee, tea, or juice. Admission is $20 per person and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brisket-biscuits-a-community-breakfast-tickets-47486798292. The event will begin at 9 a.m. Koffee Kup Cafeteria is located at 1520 West Blvd.
Kids, gather your friends and parents and fly over to Discovery Place Nature for “The Buzz About Bees” exhibition this morning! It’s a day all about the prolific pollinators as you enjoy special programs and activities focused on the importance of honeybees and beekeeping. You’ll get to meet their beekeepers, learn about beekeeping and the benefits of bees and watch us inspect their bee hives. As a special bonus, celebrate the launch of the very first honey produced by Discovery Place Nature. Al imited supply will be available for sale. Tickets can be purchased here: https://nature.discoveryplace.org/explore/events/the-buzz-about-bees. The event will begin at 10 a.m. Discovery Place Nature is located at 1658 Sterling Rd.
Kids, I’ve got some more fun for you this morning! Head on down to ImaginOn for ImagiCon 2018! ImagiCon is a family-friendly library mini comic con that celebrates the culture surrounding comic books, graphic novels, manga, anime, fandoms and gaming. The program is for ages 0-18 and their families, and its aim is to provide a safe space for those interested to explore their interests, inspire creativity and learn about local industry careers and artistry opportunities. Activities include a LEGO Panel discussion, Comic Drawing 101, DIY Costumes and Cosplay, video game stations, a costume showcase, superhero storytime and much more! Admission is FREE to attend and the fun starts at 10 a.m. ImaginOn is located at 300 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
Calling all ladies – join the beautiful and majestic Mrs. Majesty Acheampong as she cordially invites you to the Ignite Your Influence Workshop this morning! Come out and get engaged with some keynote convos, panel discussion, lunch, networking, giveaways and a special lineup of all-female vendors. Panelists include beauty and lifestyle influencers Melissa Chanel, Marche’ Robinson and Shauntel Greene, branding strategist and digital marketer Emmelie de la Cruz, fashion stylist Stacee Michelle and web developer Tiffany Jones. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ignite-your-influence-registration-46428327377. The event will begin at 11 a.m. at camp North End. 1824 Statesville Ave.
Ladies, are you in need of a fun method to get in shape? This evening, come put some physical delight back in your life and join Turning Pointe Dance Creations for the Hip-Hop Heat Dance WERKshop! Come and learn some fly dance routines as well as getting yourselves in shape with a soundtrack of some fun and funky Hip Hop tunes that’ll definitely have those sweat beads glistening with Black Girl Magic! Your host for this class is the lovely Melissa McDaniel. No matter your dance level, everyone is welcome to participate. Admission is $12 per person and will begin at 11:30 a.m. The class will be held at LacedWell. 5221 Equipment Dr., Suite “D”.
Get your midday boogie on and free your mind at Aquatek : Heatwave dance jam this afternoon! Join sound architects M80, DJ That Guy Smitty, MalFunkShun, James Wyler, b2b and Nat Black for a day of heat relief on the beautiful pool deck of Craft City Social Club and cool off to the sounds of Downtempo, House, Funk and more! Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased here: https://www.eventnation.co/event/Aquatek_July21. The event begins at 12 noon. Craft City Social Club is located at 555 S. McDowell St. in Uptown.
Queen City Events invites you down to the Carole A. Hoefener Center for the 2018 Queen City Summer Festival this afternoon. This festival will feature 40 vendors with the latest products, brands, giveaways and more. There will be food, bounce house, kid activities, an outdoor workout station, coupons, discounts, entertainment and Fitness Guru’s “Be Great Guys” will be offering FREE exercise training sessions. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2018-queen-city-summer-festival-tickets-45936939623. The event will begin at 1 p.m. The Carole A. Hoefener Center is located at 615 E. 6th St. in Uptown.
Join The S&L Lounge this afternoon as they host Fight The Stigma – Minority Mental Health Conference. In 2008, Minority Mental Health Month was created to bring awareness to the unique struggles of people of color in the United States. Lead by author and activist, Bebe Moore Campbell, she was a champion for mental health education and support among individuals of diverse communities. Come and get engaged in panel discussions, stories of triumph and solidarity and learn how we can change how minority communities view mental illness. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fight-the-stigma-conference-tickets-47297796984. The event will begin at 3 p.m. at Elemental Healing Charlotte. 5200 Park Rd., Suite “200-C”
Brothers and Sisters, you’re invited to NoDa @ 28th Creative Arts Studio as AfricStyle Initiatives proudly presents the Wakanda Resorts Wear Summer Fashion Show! AfricStyle (African-Style) Initiatives and Beauty Impact Accessories are both feature authentic Ankara fashions. The two social enterprises strive to expose the truth beauty in multicultural fashion. This fashion show will take our guests to Wakanda island with tropical inspired fashions from swimwear to fantasy cruise approved style! You will embrace your African heritage with your unique styles in African Print. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wakanda-resorts-wear-summer-fashion-show-tickets-43268287613. The event will begin at 6 p.m. 2424 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Need more House? Not to worry, I got you! Head on down to Crown Station and join The Hit Agency in conjunction with RELEASE! Classic & Soulful Ent. and Chicago Clique CLT for the inaugural jam session Chosen Life CLT! Experience 360 degrees of hard-hitting, soul-snatching House, Deep House, Funk, Soul and Downtempo grooves from Global House Movement’s Johnnie Davis, RELEASE!’s own “Jackmaster” Gary Wallace and Chosen Few DJs Alan King who will all add a touch of Afro Deep House flavor to the mix! So gather your friends, your whistles and tambourines and get ready to party! The jump off is at 6 p.m. Admission is $5 before 9 p.m., $10 before midnight and $15 after midnight. Crown Station is located at 3629 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
The Legacy Theatre Production Company invites you to NoDa @ 28th Creative Arts Studios for a special revised reading of their acclaimed stage piece, “Blood Ties.” It’s the story of three estranged siblings reunited after their father’s recent passing as old grudges are revisited, resentment and hostility boils over, feelings are hurt as the notion of forgiveness seems impossible. That is, until one of the siblings discovers a diary of their deceased mother catapulting some communal healing and togetherness. This play will feature some revisions in a live, scripted reading adding more intensity, passion, drama and dialogue to the story. Whether you have or have not seen “Blood Ties”, you need to be there! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/blood-ties-revised-stage-reading-tickets-47440466713. The event will begin at 7 p.m. 2424 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
It’s all things Rock, Soul and Funk at Petra’s this evening with an artist showcase featuring LeAnna Eden & the Garden Of, Dentist and Radio Lola! Boasting a totally organic vibe, paired with a strong depth of lyricism and awe-inspiring arrangements, LeAnna Eden & the Garden Of is a force to be reckoned with giving the term “alternative rock” a completely new definition. Hailing from New Jersey, Dentist’s sound combines the freedom of the beach atmosphere and the urgency of the city into a fuzzed out, surf punk-tinged brand of indie pop with hooks and infectious melodies to spare. Brought together, the members of Radio Lola found a common vision and passion for bringing a new take to the fundamentals of music today, Rock infused with a touch of soul made fresh. Admission is $8 per person. The show starts at 8 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
It’s all things Africa on a grand scale this evening as Africana Connections and No Limit Ent. Worldwide LLC proudly present AfroPop! Charlotte: Tribal-Palooza — Two Year Anniversary! Come out and celebrate the QC’s fastest growing cultural movement in a vibrant kaleidoscope of culture, art, dance, fellowship and Blacknificence! Join chief tribesman The Dynamic DJ Kato along with DJ Kev and a host of live performers, dancers, drumming, vendors and many more that will sure show the QC “Wakanda” movement AfroPop is all about! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www1.ticketmaster.com/event/2D0054EBCD1C67C5. The event is presented by The Culture Cooperative, AfroPop Nation and DRC ApeParel. The party starts at 10 p.m. at The Fillmore. 820 Hamilton St. in the NC Music Factory. #AfroPopCLT #WelcomeToTheTribe
——-SUNDAY, JULY 22——-
The Blood Center of the Carolinas invites you to donate your time and blood at the Non-Profit Community Blood Center Drive this afternoon. Blood is in high demand for people across greater Charlotte and the BCC is calling upon you to be a vessel of life for those in need. If you choose to donate, please fill out your form here: http://www.cbcc.us. Today’s drive will begin at 9 a.m. at YWCA Central Carolinas – Charlotte in the Myers Park Neighborhood. 3420 Park Rd.
The energy from AfroPop still carries on into today as The Culture Cooperative invites you out for the all-new Jerk Chicken N’ Waffles Sunday Brunch! Enjoy this tropical spin on your Sunday brunch as sound crafters The Dynamic DJ Kato and DJ Heff blend a sonic cocktail of Afrobeats, Hip Hop, House, Soca, Reggae, Dancehall and much more! There will be a special Caribbean-inspired brunch menu, mimosas and other drink specials and lots of other goodies! Please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jerk-chicken-n-waffles-sunday-brunch-mangos-at-noda-tickets-47954211337. The event will begin at 11 a.m. at Mango’s Caribbean Restaurant. 3112 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Come one, come all, come on down and experience one of the many shades of Brown at the 2018 Charlotte Peruvian Festival! Enjoy an incredible lineup of musical artists, dance performances, a diverse selection of Peruvian food, handmade crafts, visual artists and more activities for the whole family. Admission is $5 per person and children $10 and under are admitted FREE. The event will begin at 12 noon at Camp North End. 1824 Statesville Ave.
Bring the family out to Plaza-Midwood for the Cops on the Block + Midwood Market this afternoon! The sky is the limit for local law enforcement preparing to raise the volume on acceptance and inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities. This year marks the 50-year anniversary of inclusion and the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics North Carolina has launched a 50 for 50 fundraising event. By supporting this campaign, you are helping nearly 40,000 athletes compete in 19 different types of sports. Departments across the state are teaming up with businesses and community members to raise money for this awesome milestone. Attendees will enjoy a day filled with fun activities, food and fellowship. CMPD officer will be hanging out to connect with everyone and to raise funds. Admission is FREE. The event will begin at 12 noon on the streets of Central Ave., Thomas St. and Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Also at Camp North End, the power of clothes, culture and community collide as Power In One and Empowering Lifestyles Weekend proudly presents to you The Afro Cool Fest! Come and kick it with all the cool cats in Charlotte in an afternoon full of art, music and lots of Blacknificence! The artist showcase will include live performances from Indigo JO, Ryan Lucas, Kolpeace, Dee Dray, Reliable Brother Twins and several others. Cuisine will be provided by Chef James Murchison of WhenYouGonCookForMeJames? and the afternoon soundtrack will be provided by my man DJ Steel Wheel! Admission is either FREE with RSVP or $20 for entry with a Power In One graphic t-shirt. Please RSVP or pay here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/afro-cool-fest-presented-by-power-in-one-tickets-47004966119. Proceeds from all Empowering Lifestyles Weekend events will be donated to local youth empowerment organizations and mental health awareness service organizations. The jump off starts at 12 noon and will be held at BlkMrktCLT located at Camp North End. 1824 Statesville Ave.
This afternoon, slide out to Tip Top Daily Market for a special sonic brunch entitled Scrambled Eggs! Come and relax as DJs Luke Stemmerman and Flock of Slagles sets the mood with a selection of avant-garde Dub, Reggae, Fusion, Soul and Jazz tunes from their own personal vinyl collections. Also, be sure to grab a tasty mimosa from the bar, enjoy some fresh-grilled food and be sure to scoop some sounds from the newly-minted record store in the back! Admission is FREE and the event will begin at 2 p.m. 2902 The Plaza Rd. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
——-MONDAY, JULY 23——–
Two of Charlotte’s fastest-growing lifestyle firms, OutenLove Events and SociaLight have tag teamed to present to you the Networking Scavenger Hunt! Bring your co-workers, colleagues and get engaged in this fun way of networking and community empowerment in the mode of a scavenger hunt! There will be prizes given to the winners of scavenger hunt along with food and drink specials to keep the atmosphere in a lighthearted mood. They are requesting a small donation of teacher supplies to attend the event. Teacher supplies include but not limited to: copy/printer paper, pens, highlighters, Kleenex, Expo markers, small notebook pads, sticky notes, Scotch tape and similar items. Please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/networking-scavenger-hunt-tickets-48012759456. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at 204 North Kitchen & Cocktails. 204 N. Tryon St. in Uptown. #SociaLight #OutenLoveEvents
COMING SOON…
7/25 – The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 20th Anniversary Concert
7/27 – Black Food Truck Friday
7/28 – Su Casa: The July Edition
8/2 — Dapper Street Productions Presents: Jazz In The Key of Coltrane
8/3 – Liberate Your Palate CLT presents Caribbean Flavors Cocktail Class
8/4 – Poetry vs. Hip Hop Pt. III
8/4 – Off The Wall: Annual Michael Jackson Tribute feat. DJ Shakim
8/12 – Classic Black Cinema Series presents “A Raisin in the Sun”
Have a great weekend Brothers & Sisters! Peace.
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #EarsToDaSkreets #CommunityFirst