By Shawn D. Allison, II
What’s good family? It’s time to relax and end the dependence of the work week because “The Rundown” and your weekend is in full effect! There’s lots to do as our city is dripping with sauces, sounds and flavors that’ll put all of your senses in a state of euphoria. As always, I’m hitting the culture trail this weekend, and if you want to hang out with The Black Ferris Bueller, check out my “Hot List” just below!
- THURSDAY — Play MARSports Turf Takeover Summer 2018 Turf Kickball League
- THURSDAY – Laff It Up Thursdays at Stats Restaurant & Bar
- FRIDAY — Mosaic Live First Fridays – July Edition Family Reunion
- FRIDAY-SATURDAY – Jazz at the Bechtler presents Maria Howell w/ The Ziad Jazz Quartet
- FRIDAY – Blow Your Head – July Edition at Salud Cerveceria
- SATURDAY-SUNDAY – Official Throwback Reunion
- SATURDAY — 1st Annual Crown Town Get Down at Heist Brewery
- SATURDAY – Summer in the Sky Rooftop Day Party
- SATURDAY – Moxie Society’s “Friends With Benefits” 7 Year Celebration at Firehouse Bar & Lounge
- SATURDAY – DJ Preach Jacobs at Tip Top Daily Market
- SATURDAY – Jazz Around Town and The Sol Kitchen presents “Sisters in Song: Saluting Music’s Greatest Divas” at The McGlohon Theater
- SATURDAY – The JETA Team presents Off The Wall – 7 Year Anniversary w/ J. Scienide at Petra’s
- SUNDAY – LG Productions’ Live Jazz Sunday Brunch w/ guitarist Paul Dozier at The Peculiar Rabbit
- SUNDAY — Summer Salads & Wine Series at Advent Coworking
- MONDAY – Stacey Rose’s “The Danger: A Homage to Strange Fruit” performance workshops
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 5——-
Relive one of your favorite childhood pastimes with a healthy twist as Jumping Dreams Double Double invites you to Adult Double Dutch Fitness Class! This fun class is sure to take you on a trip down Memory Lane as instructors incorporate fun and fitness into various single and double-dutch jump rope exercises! Men and women are encouraged to join. Admission is $5 per person and tickets can be purchased at the door or here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/adult-double-dutch-fitness-tickets-47352385259. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Venue @ 1801. 1801 N. Tryon St.
This evening, join Dominion Partners as they the invite you to their Family Wealth Empowerment Series: Family Wealth – Family Inc. course. Family Inc. is for individuals and families to have a structure for managing accounts and a family order of roles for running the family financial and business affairs. Learn from experts on how to run household with more structure and achieve greater financial success. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/family-wealth-empowerment-series-family-wealth-family-inc-tickets-46918388162. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. at 525 N. Tryon St. in the 16th Floor Conference Room.
The wait is over – some new turf has been marked in the QC and it’s time to witness the inaugural presentation of the first-ever Play MARSports Turf Takeover Summer 2018 Turf Kickball League! It’s the same hi-octane energy as before, only this time teams will test their kickball skills on an AstroTurf surface. If you want to witness this historic and trailblazing venture, head out to Charlotte Soccer Academy at Ortho Carolina Complex and cheer on the greatness to beheld! If you’re interested in joining a team, please send an e-mail to: info@playmarsports.com or be sure to register at: http://www.playmarsports.com. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. The field is located at 13301 Dorman Rd. in Pineville. #MARS #Funletics
Get ready to lose yourself in laughter at Stats Restaurant & Bar this evening as they proudly present the July edition of, “Laff It Up Thursdays!” This first-Thursday-of-every-month comedy jam is full of nonstop humor with a list of comedians and comediennes ready to clear your heart’s cholesterol with laughter. Tonight’s headliner is the riotous Mario Tory from Kevin Hart’s “Hart of the City” & Comedy Central’s “The Next Level.” Your evening will be hosted by none other than homegrown and legendary funnyman Tone-X with sounds provided by DJ Tab D’Biassi. Tickets can be purchased here: https://yspros.com/product/general-tickets/. Doors open at 7 and the show will begin promptly at 8 p.m. Stats Restaurant & Bar is located at 3425 David Cox Rd. in the University Area.
—–FRIDAY, JULY 6——-
This weekend, Theatre Charlotte invites the entire family out for a special presentation of “Seussical Jr.!” This dazzling stage play honoring the late, great Dr. Seuss features many of his beloved characters as their stories collide in this entertaining production starring some of the most talented young people in the area! This is a family friendly, not to be missed event! Show times and tickets can be purchased here: http://theatrecharlotte.org/show-2018-seussical-jr.shtml. Today’s performance will begin at 10 a.m. Theatre Charlotte is located at 501 Queens Rd. in the Cherry Neighborhood. #TheatreCharlotte
Local grassroots initiative collective TheAgenda is back for Summer 2018 to give you some soul presenting “Mosaic Live First Fridays – July Edition Family Reunion!” Come and engage and interact with your fellow constituents as you network, fellowship, shop and eat from local vendors, scope some fresh art, boogie to some live music from DJ B-1 and much more! Your host for the evening is local funnyman NuffCed. Admission is FREE to attend and the fun starts at 6 p.m. The event will be held at Mosaic Village 1601 W. Trade St. near JCSU.
This weekend, The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art invites you out for a very special edition of “Jazz at the Bechtler” as vocalist/actress Maria Howell reunites with the Ziad Jazz Quartet for a special two-night performance! Maria has been on several stages and featured in a number of films showcasing her classic artistry. She also has been known to leave audiences mesmerized with her powerful, sultry, smooth voice, mixing R&B, gospel and soul into her renditions of jazz classics. This is a rare performance that you do not want to miss! Tickets can be purchased here: https://30796a.blackbaudhosting.com/30796a/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=751b1a14-6b61-4653-b71c-20791ead5cbf. There will be three shows this weekend – Friday (7/6) at 6 and 8:15 p.m. and Saturday (7/7) at 6 p.m. The Bechtler Museum is located at 420 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome acclaimed motivational speaker and poet Ace Metaphor as he returns to the QC with his newest seminar entitled, “The Future Wife Tour 2: Are You Ready For Him?” this evening. If he came today, are you ready for him? Do you love yourself like you want him to love you? Can you give all that you hope to receive? Or, are you still carrying baggage from the last guy? Join National spoken word artists and life coach Ace Metaphor and special guests for an up close and personal night of poetry, laughter, music, and conversation about life, love, and the pursuit of happiness. Prepare your hearts and open your minds for a night that’s sure to change how you view and experience love! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-future-wife-tour-2-are-you-ready-for-him-tickets-41513123871. The event will begin at 8 p.m. at Sheraton Charlotte Airport Hotel. 3315 Scott Futrell Dr.
For some different sonic flavor in the QC this weekend, come out to Salud Cerveceria for the July session of “Blow Your Head!” Join local musicians and cultural activists DJs Flock of Slagles and Jah Freedom spinning an entire vinyl set of Funk, Soul, Boogie, Garage, House and Rare Grooves for your listening pleasures! Also, be sure to be camera ready as renowned photographer Jonathan Cooper will be abroad snapping fun still shots throughout the night! Admission is FREE to attend and be ready to dance! The event starts at 8 p.m. Salud Cerveceria is located at 3306 N. Davidson St., Suite “C” in the NoDa District. #BlowYourHead
Jazz N’ Soul Music is ready to jump start your July as they proudly present First Fridays featuring Willie Walker & Conversation Piece this evening! Come experience one of Charlotte’s finest instrumental collectives filled with rousing melodies and pulsating grooves guaranteed to make you feel good! There will be drink and meal specials available to enhance your experience. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/first-friday-willie-walker-conversation-piece-the-summer-kick-off-concert-event-tickets-47520636503. The event will begin at 9 p.m. at The Morehead Tavern. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #JazzNSoulMusic
The weekend has arrived and now it’s time to relax as Buck Long & Friends proudly presents another installment of Feel Good Fridays featuring Michael Porter! Step into the world of woodwinds as this classically trained flautist sets the mood for your Friday. Admission is $10 per person. Doors open at 8 and the band strikes at 9 p.m. The show will be held at ROC’s Jazz Bar. 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd. near Uptown.
The Sol Kitchen invites you out to ‘Stache House Bar & Lounge this evening for the July edition of #ThankGawdIts1stFriday! Relax with some Hip Hop and R&B tunes of today and yesteryear with DJ Ngenius on the wheels of steel. There will be drink specials all night long and the event jumps off at 10 p.m. ‘Stache House is located at 1520 South Blvd. #TheSolKitchen
——-SATURDAY, JULY 7——-
Ladies, did all of that Fourth of July feasting cause you to become a little sluggish? This morning, come put some physical fireworks back in your life and join Turning Point Dance Creations for the Hip Hop Heat Dance WERKshop this morning! 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! No matter your dance level, everyone is welcome to join. Admission is $12 per person and will begin at 11:30 a.m.
Ladies of all generations, you’re invited to the Mini-Me Meltdown Dance WERKshop this morning! From lil’ mama, to mama all the way to Big Mama, come and feel lifted with an empowering and interactive workout session led by the extraordinarily beautiful Melissa McDaniel. Admission is $10 per adult and $5 per child. No dance experience is necessary and there will be appropriate exercises for all ages. The event will begin at 12:45 p.m. Both sessions will be held at LacedWell. 5221 Equipment Dr., Suite “D”.
Quality Conversations Brunch Club is poised and pleased to proudly present to you the Brunch & Branding social this afternoon. This event is curated to give the creative mind an opportunity to connect with likeminded individuals, as well as gain knowledge and tools to running a successful business. Enjoy an afternoon of networking, great tunes, brunch and mimosas at this exclusive meetup. Brunch & Branding is open to all current/future entrepreneurs and young professionals in the QC! Special guest speaker includes the lovely Ashly Lori Lofton of Prosocialites and music will be delivered by DJ Bezzy. The brunch menu will be prepared by Chef C, TheDealer. Secure your spot and don’t forget those business cards! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brunch-and-branding-tickets-47152673917. The event will begin at 12 noon at BLKMRKTCLT located at Camp North End. 1824 Statesville Ave.
Get ready to slide back in time to when the music was hip, life was a trip and unity was the tip at the Official Throwback Reunion! This 2-day festival that celebrates 50 years of fashion, hairstyles, dances, automobiles, food, games and legendary entertainment that the entire family will enjoy! Artists include Lakeside, Evelyn “Champagne” King, Norman Connors, The Whispers, The Bar-Kays, Bobby Lyle, Jean Carn, The Emotions, Peaches & Herb, Ronnie Laws, Loose Ends along with special guest hosts and comedians Jimmie “JJ” Walker and Shucky Ducky. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-official-throwback-reunion-day-1-classic-rb-funk-charlotte-tickets-45016474487. The gates will open at 1 and the show will begin at 3 p.m. on both days. All shows will be held at Symphony Park at South Park Mall. 4400 Sharon Rd.
Parents, do you want to give your youth a taste of how we did Hip Hop back in the day? Head on down to The Gantt Center and get ready for the Family First Workshop Series entitled “Digital Beats + Rhymes: An Interactive Experience” this afternoon! Do you love Hip Hop? Want to learn what it takes to make an epic track? Go behind the scenes in this interactive panel and performance workshop of DJs, poets and hip hop artists to learn how technology is used in today’s hip hop music. Take a spin on the turntables with members of With These Hands DJ Academy and learn how to write your own lyrics from local pros. Tickets can be purchased here: https://61686.blackbaudhosting.com/61686/Hip-Hop-Tech-An-Interactive-Experience?_ga=2.258155529.268137567.1530640131-1634142400.1530640131. The workshop begins at 2 p.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
It’s all things music and local at Heist Brewery this afternoon as Velvet Productions invites you to the 1st Annual Crown Town Get Down! Come and experience a bevy of local bands strutting their stuff, stringing and singing good vibes and giving you some true, authentic Queen City music flavor! Bands include The Queen’s Guard feat. Blanche J., The Hawthornes, Menastree, Open Soul Project, Hipgnostic, Radio Lola, School of Rock Charlotte and many more! Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/crown-town-get-down-at-heist-brewery-tickets-46996283148. The jammin’ starts at 2 p.m. Heist Brewery is located at 2909 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
What’s the perfect edition to a beautiful Summer afternoon? Music! If you want a strong dose of it, head down to The Imperial for the Summer in the Sky Rooftop Day Party! Gather your crew, colleagues and older cousins and come relax to the sounds of Hip Hop, Neo-Soul, R&B and House grooves from my brothers DJ FoundACEtion, Concrete Kash and DJ Chance! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-in-the-sky-rooftop-day-party-tickets-7719901433. The event will begin at 2 p.m. The Imperial is located at 300 N. College St. in Uptown.
Ladies, are you tired of the average networking shindig and want to have some fun with it? Join OutenLove Events at Recess CLT for the Speed Friending: Network & Meet New Girlfriends Social this afternoon! Gather all your girlfriends, business cards and get ready to slay the afternoon away as you partake in a unique remix of speed dating and networking! It’s the same rules as speed dating, only this time, you don’t have any men to critique, cat or caw about. So if you’re serious about networking, wanting to explore new things or new to the city, this is definitely the event for you! There will be vendors and complimentary drink samples all night for you to enjoy. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/speed-friending-network-meet-new-girlfriends-tickets-47111123639. The event will begin at 4 p.m. Recess CLT is located at 832 Seigle Ave. in the Belmont Neighborhood. #OutenLoveEvents
Calling ALL Chocolate sorors and frats — come fellowship, united as one, at the annual Greek Family Reunion this afternoon! Relive the days of your college years on “the yard” as DJ 06 spins out some Hip Hop and R&B hotness from multiple eras. Feel free to don your alma mater’s apparel, your Divine Nine gear and be sure to get your stomp on as well! You are free to bring your own grills and beverages and there will be some food trucks out there as well. FREE admission and school will be in session starting at 4 p.m. at Camp North End. 1824 Statesville Ave.
Moxie Society has been in the game for a strong seven years now, and today they invite you to Firehouse Bar & Lounge to celebrate as they host the “Friends With Benefits Day Party!” Come groove and chill with DJ Weatherman as he rocks out with the best of Hip Hop and R&B jams of today and yesteryear. The bar is fully stocked with drink specials and the Firehouse Food Truck will be loaded with lots of tasty treats and meals. Don’t miss this! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/friends-with-benefits-7-years-of-moxie-tickets-46936853392. The party starts at 4 p.m. Firehouse Bar & Lounge is located at 320 W. Carson St. in Uptown. #MoxieSociety
Catch your evening groove over at Tip Top Daily Market and experience the sonic dopeness of DJ Preach Jacobs spinning LIVE! If you’re feenin’ for that underground sound, this is where you need to be! Step into a world of experimental frequencies in the realms of House, Deep House, Downtempo, Funk, Soul, Hip Hop, Garage, Rare Grooves and more! Also, be sure to scope, scour and scoop some vinyl while you’re there! The jam session is $FREE.99 and starts at 5 p.m. Tip Top Daily Market is located at 2902 The Plaza Rd. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
The good people of Jazz N’ Soul Music invite you out to The Red Diamond Event Center for a special performance with an island twist—get ready for the cosmic melodic roar of Astral Lion! It’s pure and organic Reggae grooves that will definitely ease your soul, free your mind and fuse your spirit with joy! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/astral-lion-a-jammin-live-reggae-event-tickets-47304684585. The show starts at 8 p.m. The Red Diamond is located at 11021 Downs Rd. in Pineville. #JazzNSoul
Get ready for a night of vivacious vocals as Jazz Around Town and The Sol Kitchen invite you to experience “Sisters in Song: Saluting Music’s Greatest Divas!” Spend your evening with four top-notch and critically acclaimed female jazz vocalists — Dionne Farris, Julie Dexter, Kathleen Bertrand and Rhonda Thomas as they pay homage to legendary R&B/Jazz greats through song. These contemporary legends will honor R&B and Jazz icons Phyllis Hyman, Anita Baker, Billie Holiday and Nina Simone. It’s a show that you don’t want to miss! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/sisters-in-song. Doors open at 7:30 and the show will begin promptly at 8 p.m. at The McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. in Uptown. #JazzAroundTown #TheSolKitchen
Put some African spice in your Italian entrée this Saturday night and head down to Vapiano for the Signature Saturdays — International Summer 2018 Kickoff Edition! Eddietainment and Africana Connections have joined forces once again to bring you a tropical twist as my brethren The Dynamic DJ Kato and DJ Heff spins a delightful and energetic arsenal of Hip Hop, Afrobeat, House, Soul, R&B, Reggae, Dancehall, Soca and more! Also, get your picture game on with a fun Selfie Photo Booth provided by The Selfie Spot. For birthdays or group celebrations contact eddietvip@gmail.com to reserve. Admission is FREE before midnight. The party starts at 9 p.m. Vapiano is located at 201 S. Tryon St. in Uptown. #Eddietainment #AfricanaConnections
Back in 2011, a crew of two dope DJs ignited a fire to fill a void that Charlotte was missing, and today, their mission for staying true to our culture is than ever before – join the mighty JETA Team at Petra’s for Off The Wall – The 7 Year Anniversary! It’s all things true school as my friends and Soul Brothers DJ Aking Allah and DJ Justice hit the wheels of steel for an unparalleled night of Golden Era Hip Hop, R&B, House, Soul, Funk, Pop, Rock, Reggae, Dancehall and much more dopeness across the sound spectrum! Also, get ready for a special live performance from a supremely-gifted MC, J. Scienide spitting the science from his most recent projects and a couple of stanzas off the dome! And while the music is flowing, make sure you are showing your stomach some love as She The Chef will lay out some delicious, exotic and healthful flavors for you to enjoy with delicious and fulfilling jerk chicken plates (plant-based and vegan options will be available for purchase). Admission is $5 before 10 p.m. and $10 after. The party starts at 9 p.m. 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District. #TheJETATeam #OffTheWall
The tides have turned and some new flavor has hit the streets of the QC – this evening gather your crew and head down to Crown Station for their second session, WAKANDA! Join the all-new collective, Unified Souls as they give your Saturday night a jolt of sonic juice with the best of House, Deep House, Downtempo and Soul cuts all night long! Also, since this is a glow party, experience the fluorescent funk as you party all night in you white and neon threads adding more excitement to this occasion! Your sound providers are DJs Marcus Wade, Badala B and special guest Brian Howerton. Your host for the evening is my girl, the ever-fine and fly Brooklyn Stace! $10 admission all night long. The jump off is at 10 p.m. Crown Station is located at 3629 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
——-SUNDAY, JULY 8——-
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 here: http://www.cbcc.us. Today’s drive will begin at 1:30 p.m. at CHS Pineville 10628 Park Rd.
Come and satisfy your multisensory appetites at Tip Top Daily Market and experience the delicious vinyl grooves of Scrambled Eggs! Join local music enthusiasts, cultural activists and dope record dealers — Flock of Slagles and DJ Luke Stemmerman as they spin your Sunday into the vivid world of Jazz, Reggae, Dub and Rare Grooves on an all-vinyl set! Be sure to grab some brunch and also scoop some records while you’re feeling the music! FREE admission. 2 p.m. Tip Top Daily Market is located at 2902 The Plaza Rd.
If you’re in the mood for some more soothing sounds, join LG Productions at The Pecuilar Rabbit for the Live Jazz Sunday Lunch! Enjoy a delicious brunch menu with cocktail specials and some mellow smoothness from acclaimed jazz guitarist Paul Dozier. Tickets can be purchased at the door or here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sunday-live-jazz-tickets-47686361190. The event will begin at 2 p.m. The Peculiar Rabbit is located at 1212 Pecan Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Summer is a time to enjoy the fruits of nature to the fullest – cool people, fresh wine and delicious vegetation. This afternoon, you’ll get to experience all three as Step N Style Special Events & Catering cordially invites you to the first installment of the Summer Salads & Wine Series! The astoundingly beautiful chef Natalie D. Joseph will demonstrate how to prepare some crowd-pleasing, appealing Summertime salads to share. She will also help you choose the perfect wine to pair with your amazing salad choice. This is perfect for the person that can’t cook but would love to prepare something different and amazing for their significant other, or just a date night. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-salads-wine-series-tickets-46885049445. There will be no purchases at the door. The event will begin at 5 p.m. at Advent Coworking. 933 Louise Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
——-MONDAY, JULY 9——–
Tonight, step into the mind of reality set in prose and come experience some interactive workshops of the all-new and all-original “The Danger: A Homage to Strange Fruit.” Written by local award winning playwright Stacey Rose, “The Danger: A Homage to Strange Fruit” is a theatrical symphony structured into four movements. The play examines the legacy of white supremacist patriarchy and violence against Black bodies through the eyes of lost souls in a dilapidated railroad waiting room. Over the course of this week, Stacey will be working on refining the plays structures and some to the characters stories. Admission is FREE, but donations are always accepted. Please be sure to RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSevrCozW8hIvhvrS5OQUhhEnH50MfrqyiCCiFYlsVqYNjCZ9A/viewform. There will be various workshops throughout the week, with tonight’s session beginning at 5 p.m. All workshops will be held at the Arbor Glen Outreach Center located at 1520 Clanton Rd.
COMING SOON…
7/10 – 7/15 – The Color Purple
7/12 – Thursty Thursday Brewery Tour
7/12 – 7/14 — 2nd Annual CineOdyssey Film Festival
7/14 – The Sol Kitchen presents “A King & A Prince” w/ Mad Skillz
7/21 — 5th Annual AHB Fundraising Gala-Supporting Veterans
7/25 – The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 20th Anniversary Concert
7/27 – Black Food Truck Friday
Everyone find some joy in your life and spread it among the masses. Peace & Blessings.
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #EarsToDaSkreets #CommunityFirst