By Shawn D. Allison, II
Happy Spring Brothers and Sisters! Or is it Spring? Either way, it’s a new season, a new opportunity to explore and a new weekend loaded with lots of fun! Despite the cold weather in the forecast, there’s some hotness going down and I’m the one to deliver all of the cultural heat in the QC streets. But if you really want to know where the temperature is rising, check out what I got in store on my “Hot List” and explore for yourselves!
- THURSDAY-SUNDAY – The Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte presents “The Mountaintop”
- THURSDAY – Classified Ad Mingle & Schmooze at Bar Louie
- THURSDAY – Race & Justice Community Discussion at Reeder Memorial Baptist Church
- FRIDAY – CrownKeepers presents #ImAnArtistDammit featuring Jay Smith at Dupp & Swat
- FRIDAY – Diggers Delight presents FLLS and Juan Hoozy Lenin at Camp North End
- FRIDAY – Black Linen Album Release Party 3.0 at Petra’s
- FRIDAY – Radio Rehab Carolinas presents “Sounds & Sixteens RDU”
- SATURDAY – Single Saved and Serious Movement’s 2nd Annual Single Parent Forum at Koffee Kup Cafeteria
- SATURDAY-SUNDAY – Abari Game Bar 2nd Anniversary Block Party Celebration
- SATURDAY – Family First Children’s Film Festival at The Gantt Center
- SATURDAY – Su Casa – The March Edition at Petra’s
- SUNDAY — NC Sheroes “Nevertheless, She Persisted” Awards Ceremony at Beatties Ford Regional Library Branch
- SUNDAY – The Sun Dipped In Black at New Era Music House
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, MARCH 22——-
Start your weekend off and join the beautiful Jennifer Cook of Fashion the Mind, Fashion the Figure as she hosts The Classified Ad Mingle & Schmooze social this evening! SHIFT happens and there’s no time like the present to SHIFT by coming offline and hobnob with your Fashion the Mind, Fashion the Figure family along with others yet to become a part of this change agent organization. If you’re looking to foster deeply rooted, long lasting business and personal relationships, you’re encouraged to attend. Admission is FREE to attend. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at Bar Louie. 8760 J.M. Keynes Dr. in the University Area.
The William C. Friday Fellowship for Human Relations invites you out to JCSU for a special screening of “Chairman Jones: An Improbable Leader” this evening. This historical documentary film details the visionary leadership of James Henry Jones who became a trailblazer during the 1969 desegregation crisis in Northampton County. His journey from sharecropper to North Carolina’s first black school board chairman inspires audiences and offers lessons for today, if we are willing to listen. A post-show panel discussion and dialogue will be moderated by WBTV Reporter Steve Crump. Anna Jones — the producer, daughter, and narrator of Chairman Jones, will be present at this screening. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: http://www.fridayfellowship.org/event/chairmanjones. The event will begin at 6 p.m. JCSU is located at 100 Beatties Ford Rd.
Charlotte District Attorney Spencer Merriweather invites you out to Reeder Memorial Baptist Church for a Race & Justice community discussion. This conversation featuring an esteemed panel will highlight solutions of an overabundance of Blacks in the penal and justice system. Panelists include: Judges Kimberly Best, Rickye McKoy-Mitchell, Donald Cureton, Elisa Chinn Gary, Attys. James Ferguson and Anita Earls, retired CMPD detective Gary McFadden and Charlotte City Councilmen Dr. Justin Harlow and Braxton Winston. This discussion will have a Q&A segment and will be moderated by Dee Rankin and Spectrum News Reporter, Kirsten Garriss. Admission is FREE and open to the public. 6 p.m. 3725 Beatties Ford Rd.
Charlotte Preparatory School will host a special and necessary community discussion entitled Parent Education: “Race and Religion” this evening. Passionate perspectives on identity and faith have profound implications for educators. How can parents and schools address them with young children? Of course, we cannot “solve” them, but the belief that igniting thoughtful conversations can be useful as we the people collaborate to educate our youth in these challenging times. Admission is FREE and open to the public, but be sure to RSVP here: http://www.charlotteprep.org/parented.cfm. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. 212 Boyce Rd.
The Actors Theatre of Charlotte is proud to present to you Katori Hall’s acclaimed piece, “The Mountaintop” this weekend. “The Mountaintop” is gripping re-imagination of events the night before the assassination of the civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. On April 3, 1968, after delivering one of his most memorable speeches, an exhausted Dr. King retires to his room at the Lorraine Motel while a storm rages outside. When a mysterious stranger arrives with some surprising news, King is forced to confront his destiny and his legacy to his people. This play is directed by April A. Jones and stars Gerard Hazelton and Erica Truesdale. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/the-mountaintop-1. Performances will begin Thursday (3/22) at 7:30 p.m. and Friday (3/23) and Saturday (3/24) at 8 p.m. and Sunday (3/25) at 2:30 p.m. All performances will be held at Hadley Theater on the campus of Queens University. 2132 Radcliffe Ave. in the Myers Park Neighborhood.
Touch One Productions sets your Thursday off in style at ROC’s Jazz Bar as they present “The Poetry Vibe!” Put your minds and souls at ease as host and creative Jaycee the Poet takes you on a ride away from all the hustle and bustle from life-related traffic with some of his riveting rhythmic wordplay. Also, stay tuned as he welcomes two of Charlotte’s finest lyricists – Jason and Chosen the Poet. Additional sonic accompaniment will be provided by DJ Swann MHZ. Admission is $FREE.99. The show starts at 8 p.m. ROC’s Jazz Bar is located at 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd.
——-FRIDAY, MARCH 23——-
The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art welcomes you as they proudly present their newest art exhibiton, “Wrestling the Angel” this morning. This collective explores and examines how religion and sacred art appears in work made by seemingly secular, avant-garde artists. The examples on view critically investigate the role of religion and spirituality as both a social component and as a visual language often implicitly present in daily life, even if the image is not explicitly referencing the original religious source. The museum open at 10 a.m. 420 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Join BlkTechCLT for an intimate conversation on hustle, entrepreneurship in a special Fireside Chat with BlkTechCLT founder Sherell Dorsey and Day Runner CEO, Marvin Walker. Come and hear how Walker relocated to Charlotte, built a multi-million dollar company powered by an app and has since grown his operations which now serves truck drivers and corporate accounts across the country. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/blktechclt-fireside-chat-with-marvin-walker-ceo-day-runner-tickets-44402594355. Tickets include light appetizers and an exclusive Jack Daniels tasting. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at Loft & Cellar. 305 W. 4th St. in Uptown. #BlkTechCLT
Ladies, I’ve got something special for you on this Friday night! Join my dear and beautiful friend and community activist Myra Foster of BlkOwnedCLT as she hosts “Women, Wine & Wealth” this evening. Bring all your friends and come out to build solid relationships with other women as you all discuss wealth building principles, investment opportunities, legacy building and all things pertaining to finances. There will be a special presentation this month by real estate rehabber Kelly Campbell, author of the bestseller “A Working Girl’s Guide to Rehab Houses”. There will be wine and refreshments served. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/women-wine-wealth-tickets-43851913253. The event will be held at Black Diamond Firearms & Training Facility starting at 7 p.m. 311 W. 24th St. in the NoDa District. #BlkOwnedCLT
Ladies, get ready to “werk” your way to a healthier lifestyle at the “Trap Out: The Werk Out” exercise session this evening! Now I bet you’re wondering what in the world is Trap Out – The Werk Out? It’s an interactive workout party fully stocked with Hip Hop, Soca, twerking and majorette-style dancing routines that’ll set your course to a healthier size-sexy fit lifestyle. What’s unique about this class is that you will be taught by four instructors at once who specialize in their designated field of dance. If you want to be healthy and have fun at the same time, this is the class for you! Please feel free to encourage your friends to join! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trap-out-the-werk-out-tickets-42767928024. The session will begin at 7 p.m. and will be held at Noda@28th Creative Arts Studios. 2424 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
CrownKeepers continues to make moves in the QC as they present their newest interactive series entitled, #ImAnArtistDammit! This showcase is a monthly series where one artist–despite their form of expression–is celebrated and provided a 2-hr time slot at Dupp & Swat to captivate an audience with their gifts. For tonight’s inaugural session, come and experience the vocal stylings of Jay Smith and feel how adds his own distinctive flavor to R&B. Admission is FREE, however, donations are accepted. The event will begin at 7 p.m. Dupp & Swat is located at 2521 The Plaza Rd.
Diggers Delight continues to rotate the tables of Charlotte culture and this Friday night, they’ve got something special up their record sleeve! Bring your crew out to their residency at Dupp & Swat Concept at Camp North End and come experience the musical vibes of FLLS and Juan Hoozy Lenin! FLLS is an up-and-coming beatmaker with an impressive display of soundscapes to his credit. Juan Hoozy Lenin will compliment these instrumentals with his creative rhythmic flow destined to take your mind away to the unknown. Admission is FREE and be sure to cop some classic sounds on wax while you’re there! 7 p.m. 1824 Statesville Ave. #DiggersDelight
Relax at The Third Place this evening and get ready for the March installment of The Sound Christian Open Mic! Calling all singers, MCs, instrumentalists, poets, comedians and artists of various avenues come out to 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.
SlamCharlotte and Blumenthal Performing Arts presents, the Power of SHE Slam hosted by the great Inkera Oshun this evening! It’s Women’s HERstory Month and tonight, come fill your Friday night with all sorts of riveting rhetoric celebrating the women we know and love. Slam attendance and participation is reserved for persons 21+. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at the door. The slam starts at 8 p.m. and will be held at The McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. in Uptown. #SlamCharlotte
One of Charlotte’s most unsung MC’s has been giving our ears the goodness of life through rhyme for some years and tonight, he welcomes you into a new dimension of the matric—everyone head out to Petra’s for a special album release for Black Linen and his newest project, “3.0.” If you’re unaware of Black Linen, he’s an MC who gives Hip Hop a different feel with energetic and earthy tones, but don’t label him “alternative”—he’s true to our culture and will always find a way to elevate your mind higher! Before the main feature takes the stage, get an earful of musical dopeness from some other multitalented local acts–Lily Tallent, Jah-Monte, Lillian Blanche, Goldie and Monty Mak! Admission is $10 per person. Showtime is at 8 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave.
Charlotte, come honor our Queens this evening at The Morehead Tavern as Jazz N’ Soul Music proudly presents the March 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 Brave, Finesse Michelle, Valentina Escobar 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/iamher-concert-series-march-edition-celebrating-women-in-arts-entertainment-tickets-44062276455. The event will begin at 8:30 p.m. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.
If you’re in the traveling mood, take I-85 N to Raleigh and join the coolest crew, Radio Rehab Carolinas for a special Sounds & Sixteens RDU Social! Radio Rehab aims to showcase the talents of some of the regions hottest producers, emcees, singers and musicians and our trademark event, “Sounds & Sixteens” has been dubbed “The Official Hip Hop Jam Session of the Carolinas.” This is an open format jam session where the machine meets the musician in a mashup of epic proportions. For tonight’s mixer, join local and regional beatsmiths The Mighty DJ DR, Will Wundah, Taylor Made, Trizzy Tracks, Mad Max and more as they sample some of their creative soundscapes for the audience and setting the stage for a host of MCs who are bold enough to charge the microphone with their electric wordplay. The event will be hosted by Bluz along with Loot-Tenant Trax and accompanying grooves provided by BeatNam. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sounds-sixteens-raleigh-tickets-44248365051. The jammin’ on the one starts at 9 p.m. at Imurj. 300 S. McDowell St. in Raleigh. #RadioRehab
Remember when Southen Hip Hop was “blinged out” and “takin’ ova’ for the 99’ & 2000s?” Tonight, relive that magic at Snug Harbor as Black Guys in Hats proudly presents “704 BOYZ: No Limit vs. Cash Money!” Join sound engineers A-Minor and DJ Trife as they resurrect the golden age of the New Orleans Hip Hop sound in this epic mashup of two of the Big Easy’s hottest record labels—No Limit Records and Cash Money Records! Gather your crew of soldiers and get ready to holler out “UUUGGHH!!” as you relive the soundtrack of your youth! Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.snugrock.tunestub.com/event.cfm?id=275926. The party starts at 10 p.m. Snug Harbor is located at 1228 Gordon St. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
It’s time to turn up this Friday night at The White House as Lady Promoter, Duwurk, King Bailey, Triando Stroud and Big Citi welcomes you to the Trouble Official Mixtape Release Party! Come and feel the live rhythmic mischief from Trouble — one of the QC’s hottest rappers burning up the streets with his energetic flavor of Hip Hop. Also, come and celebrate the birthday of local promoter Big Citi! Sounds will be provided by DJs M Eazy and Mario Michman. It’s a party you don’t want to miss! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trouble-performing-live-official-mixtape-release-party-tickets-44042221470. The event will begin at 10 p.m. The White House is located at 4809 Wilkinson Blvd.
——-SATURDAY, MARCH 24——-
The Queen City Metropolitan Chapter of the National Coalition for 100 Black Women invite you out to the Carole A. Hoefener Center for their second annual Healthy Living Expo. This family-friendly day of health awareness will feature a variety of workshops, health screenings, physical activities, vendors, exhibitors and more! Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/healthy-living-expo-tickets-42448313047. The expo begins at 11 a.m. 610 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
The Single Saved and Serious Movement is back to spread the Good News through community dialogue and interaction as they host their 2nd Annual Single Parent Forum this morning! Come out for a day full of discussions from speakers who’ll give mature insight on single parenthood, share testimonies, networking and more. Men and women are encouraged to attend—men specifically! Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-single-parent-forum-tickets-43866688446. The event will begin at 11 a.m. at Koffee Kup Cafeteria. 1520 West Blvd. #SSSMoves
BlkTechCLT is back for your Saturday steeze as they invite you out to the March installment of their Learning Lab series. Today, join host Erica Jordan-Thomas as she hosts this workshop entitled, “Building an Organizational Culture to Drive Results.” Organizational culture will make or break a company. Culture can increase profit, employee productive, and brand recognition, or can cause employee turnover, customer dissatisfaction and compromise your reputation. Though culture is intangible it is possible to intentionally plan for the culture you want. During this workshop participants will review a framework to plan for strong organization culture and analyze examples of strong culture. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/blktechclt-learning-lab-building-an-organizational-culture-to-drive-results-tickets-43865078631. The workshop will begin at 11 a.m. BlkTechCLT is located at 1824 Statesville Ave. at Camp North End. #BlkTechCLT
Can you believe Abari Game Bar has been open for a full two years? Neither can I! Come out and celebrate one of my favorite QC hangout joints as they host their Second Anniversary Block Party! In addition to all the cool indoor and outdoor arcade games, satisfy your palate with food trucks, music from local rock/alternative bands, and shop from local vendors. Donations will be taken at the door for the North Mecklenburg Animal Rescue. The celebration starts at 12 noon and will run all weekend. Abari Game Bar is located at 1721 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Liberate Your Palate CLT returns to add some spice in your Saturday this afternoon! Join them at Nest Restaurant & Lounge as they host “Mastering Clear Spirit Cocktails: Brunch Cocktail Class.” Vodka is the most popular spirit served in America, and gin is experiencing a resurgence, the likes of which it hasn’t seen since Prohibition. However, many modern mixologists give short shrift to these clear spirits, favoring the bolder flavors imparted by wood-aged liquors like bourbon or rye. If you have a preference for more subtle tastes in your cocktails, or if you simply want to master mixing with vodka and gin without overpowering their delicate character, this class is for you. This class will feature instruction and consumption of three full-sized cocktails, accompanying appetizers, take home recipes and live music. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.liberateyourpalate.com/passbook/charlottecocktailclass-9tm6t-nxwzl-32j9x-63yb7-b294b. The class begins at 12 noon. Nest Restaurant & Lounge is located at 505 E. 6th St. in Uptown. #LiberateYourPalateCLT
Parents and kids, get ready for an afternoon full of fun and adventure at The Gantt Center as they host the Family First Children’s Film Festival! This invigorating day will feature on-site activities for children of all ages and includes additional children’s films for free. Also, a special meet & greet with “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” actress-turned-writer, the beautiful Karyn Parsons! Let your imagination run wild with family-friendly arts and crafts, face painting and caricature drawings or capture the moment at our selfie photo studio. RSVP for these FREE fun-filled activities and make it a date for the entire family. Please be sure to RSVP here: http://www.ganttcenter.org/calendar/family-first-march-2018/. The event will begin at 1 p.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Rooftop 210 and Creative Loafing are proud to bring you the 2nd Annual Charlotte Wing Fest this afternoon! Bring your friends out for a throw down epic proportions as some of Charlotte’s eateries and caterers compete for the “Best Wing in Town!” Also, while you are sampling wings, enjoy a fresh cold one from the bar! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-charlotte-wing-fest-tickets-42020839462. The event will begin at 2 p.m. Rooftop 210 is located at 210 E. Trade St. in Uptown.
Art, food, and wine will all reside in the same place for your enjoyment this Saturday afternoon as The Mint Museum proudly presents, “Taste of the Mint: A Different Kind of Modern.” Join Dr. Jon Stuhlman, Senior Curator of American Modern & Contemporary Art for an afternoon of conversation featuring three small plate tastings with wine pairings at a top 10 Charlotte restaurant and one of the nation’s top-rated museum restaurants, Halcyon — Flavors from the Earth. Tickets can be purchased here: https://13800.blackbaudhosting.com/13800/Taste-of-the-Mint–A-Different-Kind-of-Modern. The event will begin at 3:30 p.m. Halcyon – Flavors from the Earth is located at 500 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Ladies, do you desire to engage in a different networking experience? If you want to add some pizzazz as you politic, join local women’s empowerment initiative OvercomeHER for the OvercomeHER MixHER Social! OvercomeHER is a lifestyle brand that creates a space for women to not only connect but to also develop spiritually, personally, and professionally. They understand that networking events can feel intimidating, repetitive, and inauthentic, which is why they strategically plan their events to make sure every attendee feels comfortable and engages in authentic conversations. You’ll get to meet other women in the area, enjoy delicious food and cocktails, play games and indulge in authentic conversations. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/overcomeher-mixher-tickets-43812386026. The event will begin at 8 p.m. at Recess CLT. 832 Seigle Ave. near the outskirts of Uptown.
This evening, join We Chic’d It along with Closet Creatives as they host a Celebration Of Culture! Come and indulge in this homeward bound voyage filled with DIY dopeness that is carved, fastened, colored and stamped with Black approval! This event will allow you to create your own piece of Wakanda to take home and give your humble abode an extra dose of flavor! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-celebration-of-culture-welcome-to-xenubia-a-we-chicd-it-and-closet-creatives-collaboration-tickets-43537316285. The event will begin at 6 p.m. You will receive the location of the event via e-mail upon your ticket purchase.
Get ready for the third “monthly oasis for the culturally starved” of 2018 and come experience “Su Casa – The March Edition!” Join host Jasiatic along with resident turntablists DJ Justice and DJ Steel Wheel with Loot-Tenant Trax as they provide all the best of Afrobeat, Latin, Soca, Funk, Soul, Rare Grooves, Caribbean and more indigenous jams to dance to! Also be sure to get your face painted by Catherine, cop some fly threads and accessories from vendors and just have a good time! $10 admission. The party starts at 10 p.m. at Petra’s. 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
——-SUNDAY, MARCH 25——-
Come and celebrate Women’s History Month Charlotte style with the NC Sheroes “Nevertheless, She Persisted” Awards Ceremony! Hosted by QC SuperMom and yours truly, The Black Ferris Bueller, come out for an afternoon of fun and purpose as we honor five of the region’s most trailblazing women. These women make commitments and impacts in their communities every single day and assist others in countless manners. Everyone is welcome to attend this FREE event. The event is presented by Moms Rising and QC Stay At Home Moms. Admission is FREE event begins at 2 p.m. and will be held at the Beatties Ford Library Branch. 2412 Beatties Ford Rd. #QCSuperMom #MomsRising #QCStayAtHomeMoms
Calling all photographers and photography enthusiasts—come gather at BLKMRKCLT for the Creative Photography Workshop this afternoon! Join local camera maestro Carey King, the official photographer for Charlotte’s Gold District as he leads this special workshop with an aim to develop your creative eye. This workshop is open to all levels of photographers of any medium. You can bring your cellphones, point-and-shoot cameras, film or even Polaroid cameras. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/creative-photography-workshop-tickets-44145778211. The session will begin at 2 p.m. BLKMRKCLT is located at Camp North End. 1824 Statesville Ave.
New Era Music House is set to relax you on this Sunday evening—come out and experience the March installment of their The Sun Dipped In Black social! Before your work week gets into gear, come get your mind, body and soul right with some poetry, massages, holistic lifestyle tips, natural hair care discussions, food (vegan options will be available) and local vendors to the soundtrack of your favorite neo-soul, R&B and jazz jams! Admission is $5 per person and the experience begins at 5 p.m. New Era Music House is located at 5814 Old Concord Rd. #NewEraMusicHouse
COMING SOON…
3/30 — Detroit Rising: A Cosmic Jazz Funk Adventure Listening Party
3/30 – Black Food Truck Friday
3/31 — Denim & Diamonds Women’s Expo
4/1 – Comedian Hannibal Burrus at The Morehead Tavern
4/6 – 4/15 – CPCC Sensoria Arts Festival
4/7 — A Tribute To The Music Of Marvin Gaye & Luther Vandross
4/7 – Off The Wall – Aries Edition
4/9 – 4/15 – Charlotte Jazz Festival
4/14 – The Sol Kitchen presents Bobbito Garcia aka “Kool Bob Love”
4/20 -4/22 – 3rd Annual BOOM Charlotte
4/29 – Open Streets 704
“Love makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place.” -Zora Neale Hurston
Always remember to spread love to your neighbor and keep the faith! One Love.
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #EarsToDaSkreets #CommunityFirst