By Shawn D. Allison, II
What’s good everyone? I hope you all have had a wonderful week. But now, it’s time to relax and enjoy a couple extra days off for Independence Day! There’s tons of fireworks being set off in the QC streets this weekend and if you want to know what’s really going to make the sparks fly, check out the “Hot List” just below!
- THURSDAY – Performance of The Beo String Quartet and The Difficulties at Google Fiber Space
- THURSDAY – Hip Hop After-Work at 360 Lounge
- FRIDAY – The Sound Christian Open Mic at The Third Place
- FRIDAY – Jazz N’ Soul Music presents Astral Lion at The Morehead Tavern
- FRIDAY – Sessions @ Twenty-Two at Twenty-Two Bar & Lounge
- SATURDAY — “The Intersection: A Conversation About Hip Hop Culture & Education” with JAHI of PE 2.0 discussion and performance at The Gantt Center
- SATURDAY – 4th Annual Carolina Veterans Expo at Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology
- SATURDAY — #IssaVibe Day Party at Firehouse Bar & Lounge
- SATURDAY – RELEASE! Classic & Soulful House Party at The Morehead Tavern
- SATURDAY – “Off The Wall – 6!” at Petra’s
- SATURDAY – LG Productions’ “Pre-4th of July Dance Party” at East African Restaurant Bar & Lounge
- SUNDAY – Sippin’ On Sundays – Independence Weekend Edition at Firehouse Bar & Lounge
- SUNDAY – QC Sounds of Summer Concert Series at Hattie’s Tap & Tavern
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 6/29——-
Kids, I’ve got something cool for you to do this afternoon! Drag your parents down to the Beatties Ford Library Branch and get ready for “Think It, Plan It, MAKE IT!” In conjunction with Discovery Place, join the MAKE movement as you create, build, innovate, design, improve, hack, push boundaries and solve problems. Embark on a series of projects that highlight STEM concepts, allow for self-expression, foster teamwork and improve critical thinking. Experience a different make project each week. Please be sure to RSVP here: http://events.cmlibrary.org/eventsignup.asp?ID=261176. The workshop starts at 4 p.m. The library is located at 2412 Beatties Ford Rd.
Are you a long-time hobby board gamer? Are you new to the hobby? Have you ever played a board game before? No matter how you answered these questions, all are welcome out to GoodRoad CiderWorks Brewery for “Game Night with Draft Mechanic!” They’ve supplied a big pile of games and everyone is welcome to bring anything you’d love to play as well! They’ve got party games, dice games, card games, word games, strategy games, dexterity games and more! Also, be sure to fill up your tummy with fine eats provided by Almost Homecooking Food Truck. Admission is FREE and the games begin at 5:30 p.m. GoodRoad CiderWorks Brewery is located at 117 Southside Dr.
Everyone head over to the Hickory Grove Library Branch for a special family event entitled, “Music At My Library.” For tonight’s entertainment, come hear the cultural melodies of A Sign of the Times band! Led by Composer/Director/Trombonist, Tyrone Jefferson, A Sign of the Times’ ensembles perform music from the African Diaspora, including Latin, Jazz, Classic Rhythm & Blues and Funk! The organization’s core musicians are committed to the mastery and preservation of Jazz – the first born American genre of music. All ages are welcome to this performance and admission is FREE. Please RSVP by calling (704)-416-4400. The program starts at 6 p.m, sharp. The library is located at 5935 Hickory Grove Rd.
Head down to Google Fiber Space for a different and unique musical adventure with The Beo String Quartet and The Difficulties! The Beo String Quartet is a classically-trained foursome who are endlessly passionate about their artistry playing a wide variety of tunes from many artists, genres and eras. Today, they will perform Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 10. Next up, an anti-meta, neo-beat electronic garage gospel, trio called The Difficulties will rock the house fusing laptop wizardry, and ironist wordsmith and a saxophonist/chamber-music-rock star. It’s truly a different show that you should experience! Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beo-string-quartet-the-difficulties-charlotte-new-music-festival-tickets-34900718990. 7 p.m. Google Fiber Space is located at 301 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
Are you feenin’ for some true Hip Hop flavor, come out to 360 Lounge this evening for “Hip Hop After-Work!” My brothers DJ FoundACEtion and DJ Chance will be giving you nothing but that good, street-flavored, soulful, gritty Hop Hop that you and I love so dearly! Also, be sure to grab some drinks, wings and things in a variety of specials! Admission is FREE and the tables start turning at 8 p.m. 360 Lounge is located at 3060 Smith Corners Blvd. in the Northlake Area.
Set your weekend off at Studio Movie Grill and come out for the all-new #4LitThursdays! Wind down and then turn up with the best of today’s jams from a special guest DJ! There will be lots of drink specials, so come out, bring your friends and feel the energy! This event is hosted by CharLitt Agency, Fulltime Ent. and Gurutru Domain. Admission is FREE all night long and the dress code is “fly.” 10 p.m. 210 E. Trade St. in Uptown.
——-FRIDAY 6/30——-
Calling all aspiring entrepreneurs and budding business professionals—head down to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library Main Branch for a special workshop entitled, “Creating Work Opportunities.” This program will center on how to prepare, pitch and land entrepreneurial / contract opportunities. Learn tips from seasoned professionals, network and gain new knowledge of the business world. The session is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: http://events.cmlibrary.org/eventsignup.asp?ID=268158. Any further questions, please call Alexandra Arrington at (704)- 416-0500 or send an e-mail to: jobhelpcentercml@gmail.com. The Main Branch is located at 310 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Feast Food Tours & Culinary Events aim to give your stomach some smiles this Friday night as they host the “Soul of the South Uptown Food Tour!” On this walking food tour, we sample and sip our way through some of Uptown Charlotte’s best representations of the region and hear chefs and restaurant owners explain the influence of Southern heritage on their cuisine and menus. Many of their recipes are Southern family traditions, others are inspired by fresh local produce, and some are a modern twist on traditional dishes. We will get a taste of local craft beers and stroll along city streets to explore examples of Charlotte’s historical past. Tickets can be purchased here: https://feastfoodtours.com/events/soul-of-the-south-uptown-tour-135/. The event begins at 4 p.m. and the meeting place will be revealed upon ticket purchase.
Bring the family out to Spirit Square this evening and enjoy the new Summer series, “Sounds on the Square.” For your entertainment pleasure tonight, come experience the timeless vocal stylings of the the beautiful and multitalented Nicci Canada. Admission is FREE to attend and the music starts at 7 p.m. Spirit Square is located at 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
Head out to Charlotte Art league this evening for “The Street Art Showcase!” This trippy exhibition features extravagant and colorful artwork created by Reese Striker with themes of skate deck, graffiti and street-themed art. You can also satisfy your stomach with Vic Wearney aka “The Chili Man” serving up the hot goodness. Admission is FREE to attend. Donations will also be taken up and the proceeds will go to the nonprofit organization, The Shred. 7 p.m. Charlotte Art League is located at 1517 Camden Rd. in Historic South End.
Relax at The Third Place this evening and get ready for another round with The Sound as they host their “Christian Open Mic!” Singers, MCs, instrumentalists, poets, comedians and artists come out to showcase your talents for a family-friendly audience! 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.
The Hit Agency and The SoulJunkies have combined forces to bring you the all-new Unity Classic & Soulful House Party! It’s Friday and it’s time to let the troubles of the work week disappear. Come and get busy with DJ Jazzy Bee, Gary “Jackmaster” Wallace and feel the energy from special guest House vocal powerhouse Kenny Bobien! Admission is $10 all night long and the party starts at 8 p.m. at Mooney’s Lounge. 2525 N. Graham St. #TheHitAgency #SoulJunkies
The good people of Jazz N’ Soul Music invite you out to The Morehead Tavern 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-reggae-event-tickets-35546739254. The show starts at 9 p.m. The Morehead Tavern is located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #JazzNSoul
Let loose at Petra’s this evening and take a musical journey into yesteryear with “Mirror Moves: The Free Alternative Dance Party!” DJ’s Cody Hare and Jason Herring will be dropping the best of 80s & 90s Pop, New Wave, Techno, House, Synth Pop, EDM and more! Admission is FREE to attend. The party starts at 9 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Need a downtempo groove for your Friday evening? Head over to Twenty-Two Art Lounge as Dance In the Park CLT proudly presents “Sessions @ Twenty-Two!” Relax in a calm and eclectic atmostphere with some cool House, Deep House and Soul grooves provided by DJ Mister M and DJ SPK. Admission is FREE all night and there will be plenty of drink specials. 9 p.m. 1500 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
All my mature people, head out to Vibrations Nightclub and get ready for another round of “Grown Folks Fridays!” Bring your crew out to relax, unwind and boogie with Charlotte’s premiere Go-Go band, Uptown Swagga! Then be sure to stick around as DJ Lamb rocks out a hefty portion of danceable tunes. The event will be hosted by the lovely comedienne Coco Fresh. Admission is $10 all night long. For birthday parties, tickets, tables or VIP seating, please text or call (704)-614-6214. The party starts at 9 p.m. Vibrations Nightclub is located at 5237 Albemarle Rd.
——-SATURDAY 7/1——-
Hey kids, wake your parents up and bring them out to the West Boulevard Library Branch for FREE! Art & Music Workshops! Hosted and curated by The Guerilla Poets, the goal for these workshops is to empower the community through the skills they will learn and to enrich the community in culture and togetherness building stronger neighborhoods and more successful individuals. Today, your youth will get to participate in a fun music workshop and then an Art & Mixed Media with Writing segment. Admission is FREE and these workshops are for youth ages 10+. The first workshop begins at 10 a.m. with the second beginning at 12:30 p.m. The West Boulevard Library Branch is located at 2157 West Blvd. #GuerillaPoets
Novant Health and The Gantt Center have teamed up to bring you a special edition of the Family First Series. For today’s interactive installment, get ready for “The Intersection: A Conversation About Hip Hop Culture & Education.” Underground Hip Hop musician, lecturer and educator JAHI of PE 2.0 will utilize a variety of media tools in this interactive workshop demonstrating how to blend culturally responsive, family-friendly and life-affirming elements of Hip Hop culture in the community, the classroom and your home. Also, my beautiful penning contemporary and creative Kia O. Moore will lead participants in learning the basic fundamentals of pulse, beat and composition to create unique and distinctly mixed songs of their own. The workshop is FREE with museum admission. Please be sure to RSVP here: https://61686.blackbaudhosting.com/61686/July-Family-First. The workshop begins at 11 a.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Get down and get busy with Moxie Society late this morning at Sports One as they host another fly edition of “I Still Love the 90s Brunch & Day Party!” Enjoy a delicious Southern-style brunch with all sorts of drink specials including $5 mimosas. Your groove master for this event is none other than Charlotte’s own, DJ Shaun Nyce aka “The Blend King” rockin’ nothing but the hotness of the 90s and artist Deseray Flores expressing her soul on the canvas! Admission is FREE to attend. The party starts at 11 a.m. Sports One is located at 521 N. College St. in Uptown. #MoxieSociety
Bring the entire family out to Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology this afternoon for the 4th Annual Carolina Veteran Expo. Vendors, volunteers, and veterans come out and enjoy a day full of community full of live music, interactive activites, food trucks, 30+ vendors and lots more! Admission is FREE to attend but $5 donations will be accepted. The fun commences at 12 noon. Phillip O. Berry is located at 1430 Alleghany St.
The Jazz N’ Soul Music family invites you back to The Morehead Tavern for some more weekend flavor as they present another installment of the Old School Patio Concert & Day Party! Join host and radio personality Chirl Girl for an afternoon full of fun along with DJ Stacey Blackman rockin’ out on the turntables. For your main entertainment, get ready to experience to sounds and stylings of D’Yenna Dukes & Soul X’posed! There will be drink specials and a special backyard BBQ menu to satisfy your stomach’s desires! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-jam-patio-concert-day-party-hosted-by-chirl-girl-with-dj-stacey-blackman-tickets-35364749919. The party starts at 3 p.m. The Morehead Tavern is located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #JazzNSoul
Celebrate the two-year anniversary of one of the hottest social functions in the QC this afternoon at Firehouse Bar & Lounge as OutenLove Events and WGOIC presents “The #IssaVibe Day Party!” Bring your crew out to mix and mingle with other blossoming young professionals and cultural enthusiasts as DJ Tramare aka Hot Rod bangs out the baddest beats in the streets today! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/issavibe-day-party-tickets-35349040933. The get down starts at 3 p.m. Firehouse Bar & Lounge is located at 320 W. Carson Blvd. in Uptown. #OutenLoveEvents #WGOIC
This evening back at The Gantt Center, come out for part 2 of “The Intersection of Art + Culture” with JAHI of PE 2.0. During the evening presentation of The Intersection, JAHI will broaden the conversation around how we can preserve and elevate Hip Hop for the culture. JAHI will also include a special performance of Hip Hop classics coming to life right in front of your eyes. Admission for this showcase is $5 for Gantt Center members and $10 for nonmembers. Please be sure to register here: https://61686.blackbaudhosting.com/61686/The-Intersection-with-JAHI-of-PE20. The event begins at 6 p.m. at The Gantt Center. 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
The Deep House Providers have given the reigns over to some of New Jersey’s finest in the July edition of RELEASE! Classic & Soulful House Party! Free yourselves with Garden State legends DJ Badala B, Jazzy Bee, Johnnie Davis and Paul Croom giving you nothing but that good ol’ House music for your soul! Admission is $10 all night long and the party starts jumpin’ at 9 p.m. at The Morehead Tavern. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.
Step, dance and boogie on over to East African Restaurant Bar & Lounge as LG Productions presents the Pre-4th of July Dance Party! This funk-tion for strictly the grown and mature crowd of Charlotte will feature DJ L-Gee and DJ Gee-M on the 1’s and 2’s bustin’ out with some Rare Old School, House, Soul and R&B cuts. There will be plenty of food and drink specials all night. By request, the attire is grown and mature. Admission is FREE before 9 p.m. and $10 after. The party starts at 8 p.m. 3200 Monroe Rd. #LGProductions
This Saturday night, head down to Apostrophe Lounge for another throwback jam session of “I Love the 90s!” Get down with DJ Freedom aka “Mr. Energy” and DJ Chance as they bang out all the hits from Hip Hop, Reggae, House, R&B, Go-Go and more! Doors open at 9 p.m. Admission is FREE until midnight. Apostrophe Lounge is located at 1440 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Get ready to move and groove this Saturday night at Oneaka Dance Company and come out for Kiz-Salsa Dance Night Black & White Affair! Interact, network and socialize with people of different cultures through Kizomba music of Angola/Cape Verde , Salsa music of Latin America, Semba music of Brazil and Zouk music of Guadeloupe/French-Caribbean. Before the party gets started, you’ll be able to partake in a 15-minute class learning the basics of Kizomba with body movements and rhythms. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kizsalsa-dance-night-black-white-tickets-35016254560. 9 p.m. Oneaka Dance Company is located at 4450 The Plaza Rd., Suite “A”.
For six years, the mighty JETA Team has been giving the Queen City all sorts of dope true school memories, flavors and flyness. Tonight, come celebrate their longstanding success as they present “Off The Wall ‘6’!” Join soul brothers DJ Aking Allah, DJ Justice and the very beautiful DJ D/K as they rock out with all the best Golden Era Hip Hop, R&B, Soul, Reggae, Pop, Rock, Rare Grooves, Funk and more all night long! Admission is $5 before 11 p.m. and $10 after. The party starts at 9 p.m. at Petra’s 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District. #TheJETATeam
——-SUNDAY 7/2——-
Moxie Society invites you out to Firehouse Bar & Lounge as they resurrect one of their previous get-downs with an updated twist, “Sippin On Sundays – Independence Weekend Edition!” Relax in this new Uptown QC venue with delicious food, drink specials, hookah, music from DJ Louie Vee and fresh-rolled stogies from Tailored Smoke. Admission is FREE but if you’re interested in VIP seating, please register and pay here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sippin-on-sundays-iii-feat-dj-loui-vee-tickets-35143739872. The event begins at 3 p.m. Firehouse Bar & Lounge is located at 320 W. Carson St. in Uptown.
It’s the first Sunday of the month at The Morehead Tavern and that means it’s time for the Charlotte Jazz Orchestra! Join the finest classically trained, innovative, jazz musicians in the QC playing upbeat traditional Jazz, Bossa Nova, Big Band and Swing! Admission is FREE and be sure to arrive early for dance lessons. The music starts at 3 p.m. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.
This Sunday gets real soulful at Riverview Raw Bar & Chill as VKC Productions and Tailored Work Productions hosts their 1st Sundays Live Series! Come cool out with the beautiful and multitalented Gena Chambers performing with the VKC Band! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gena-chambers-1st-sundays-live-series-tickets-35157425807. The event begins at 3 p.m. Riverview Raw Bar & Chill is located at 10012 Moores Chapel Loop.
This morning at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, come out for the Civics 101—A Roadmap to Voter Empowerment course. For today’s session, join hosts Shaun Corbett and Attorney Harold Cogdell, Jr. discussing “The New Jim Crow: The Prison System.” There will be one class today at 3:30 p.m. in room #359. Friendship Missionary Baptist Church is located at 3400 Beatties Ford Rd.
The creative forces of Radio Rehab Carolinas and FUNK SHUN have teamed up one mo’ gin’ to present another installment of the “QC Sounds of Summer Concert Series!” Come feel the energy of some of the region’s most gifted, innovative, creative up-and-coming musical talents! For your cultural fix, experience the vibes of Black Linen, Foxture, Swan Mega and Wearve4. Also, be sure to stick around as DJ SPK gives a “Supa Dupa Fly” musical mix tribute to Missy Elliott on her birthday with hits, remixes and collaborations. There will be plenty of local vendors for you to shop from, so please be sure and buy local. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/radio-rehab-funkshun-concert-series-supa-dupa-fly-theme-party-tickets-35559539540. The get down starts at 4 p.m. at Hattie’s Tap & Tavern. 2918 The Plaza Rd. #RadioRehabCarolinas #FUNKSHUN
——-MONDAY 7/3——-
This evening, head down to CM Main Library for a special discussion entitled, “Fake News, Real News & Reliable Sources.” This monthly reading and discussion group goes inside to examine the major stories and investigate the reporting being done across media, from newspapers to cable to personal blogs with these thought-provoking questions: How do we evaluate the headlines? How is reporting being done when our world has fewer and fewer newspapers? Do we understand the original sources and data of the stories that capture our attention? This session is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: http://events.cmlibrary.org/eventsignup.asp?ID=254265. The session begins at 6 p.m. 310 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
COMING SOON…
7/7 – Jazz at the Bechtler: Maria Howell
7/8 – Summer SOUL JAM
7/27 – 7/29 – CineOdyssey Film Festival
8/5 – Dance In the Park CLT
Everyone please be careful if you are using fireworks, don’t drink and drive and always show love to your neighbors! Peace.
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #CommunityFirst