By Shawn D. Allison, II
What’s the word everyone? We FINALLY have some Spring weather and to compliment Mother Nature, I’ve got a cool list of cultural digs for your soul! I’ll be pounding the pavement hitting up a lot of the cool spots and if you want to tag along or meet me somewhere, check out what I got on my “Hot List” just below!
- THURSDAY – The AfterWork Mixer w/ DJ That Guy Smitty at The Morehead Tavern
- THURSDAY – MARS Open Kickball Practice at Bryant Park
- THURSDAY-SATURDAY – Katori Hall’s “The Mountaintop” at Queens University
- THURSDAY-SATURDAY – John Grisham’s “A Time To Kill” at Theatre Charlotte
- FRIDAY – Black Food Truck Friday at Three Spirits Brewery
- FRIDAY – Buck Long & Friends presents The Tre’ King Band at ROC’s Jazz Bar
- FRIDAY – Jazz N’ Soul Music presents Ken Gober – The Soul of a Man at The Morehead Tavern
- SATURDAY — I Still Love the 90s Final Four Brunch & Day Party at Sports One Bar & Lounge
- SATURDAY – Diggers Delight March Wrap-Up Party at Camp North End
- SATURDAY – The Black Excellence Ball at The Fillmore
- SUNDAY – O.U.R. Festival at Camp North End
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 29——-
Need some cool grooves and vibes to jump start your weekend? Head over to The Morehead Tavern as Jazz N’ Soul Music proudly presents The AfterWork Mixer this evening! Sit down, take a chill, grab a bite to eat and get a glass filled with some delicious cocktails as the magnificent sounds of Charlotte’s own, DJ That Guy Smitty will be on the 1s and 2s giving you his signature #EarholeGoodness for your listening pleasure! Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here for a chance to win some special party gifts throughout the evening: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/morehead-tavern-afterwork-mixer-and-social-music-by-that-guy-smitty-rsvp-for-free-giveaways-tickets-44626295451. The electric relaxation starts at 5 p.m. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.
You’ve all heard of bar crawls, now get ready for a whole new type of experience! The Tech Talent South Startup Crawl is a great way to learn about your community while blowing off some steam after work! Tour some amazing local startups, learn about what they do and how these companies got started, build connections and get some free goodies all while enjoying drinks at every stop! Startups include: Rabbu, 2U Laundry, DealCloud, QC Fintech and Embolden Creative. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tech-talent-south-charlotte-startup-crawl-tickets-43718682757. The event will begin at Rabbu at 5:30 p.m. 2226 Hawkins St., Suite #4939 in Historic South End.
Practice? You’re talking about practice? Yes, I am! Join MARS this evening at Bryant Park for an Open Kickball Practice! The Spring 2018 Co-Ed Kickball Season is nearing liftoff, and today come learn some new and useful drills, get acquainted with rules, exercise a little bit, and then break off into teams to play a pickup game! If you’re unable to attend but are interested in joining this amazing league, please send an e-mail to: info@playmarsports.com. Practice starts at 5:30 p.m. Bryant Park is located at 1701 W. Morehead St. near Uptown. #MARS #Funletics
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. The final performances will be Thursday (3/29) at 7:30 p.m. and Friday (3/30) and Saturday (3/31) at 8 p.m. All performances will be held at Hadley Theater on the campus of Queens University. 2132 Radcliffe Ave. in the Myers Park Neighborhood.
This weekend, catch some more theatrical action as Theatre Charlotte proudly presents a stage adaptation of John Grisham’s gripping drama, “A Time To Kill.” This intense play tells the story of a young, idealistic lawyer, Jack Brigance, defending a black man, Carl Lee Hailey, for shooting two white men in the courtroom where he now stands trial. Brigance sees this act of vengeance against the two racists that violently attacked Hailey’s young daughter as a desperate bid for justice and he’s willing to risk everything to defend his client’s life. The community is torn apart in this gripping adaptation of John Grisham’s novel about race, crime and family in small-town America. This play is recommended for persons 13+. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/a-time-to-kill. There will be three performances this weekend: Thursday (3/29) at 7:30 p.m., Friday (3/30) and Saturday (3/31) both starting at 8 p.m. Theatre Charlotte is located at 501 Queens Rd. in the Cherry Neighborhood.
The week is just about over and if you need an extra jolt of energy to pull you through Friday, stop by Petra’s this evening as Raw Substance Music welcomes you to “GRAVITATE V.2 >> Pulling You Into The Essence Of House Music!” Bring in Spring with a bang with the best of House, Deep House, Downtempo, Funk, Techno and more with some of city’s best DJs! Join sound captains Charles Gatling, VonFunkhauser, Melodious Funk, That Guy Smitty, Steve Howerton and DJ Mister M as they take your feet where your mind only can dream of going! Also, be sure to scope the eclectic canvas work from Art the Artist Abdon who will be creating a live original and will be raffling off some of his previous work. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gravitate-v2-pulling-you-into-the-essence-of-house-music-tickets-44310185959. The event will begin at 9 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
For some different House flavor, slide over to Crown Station and join The Hit Agency and MOVE as they proudly welcome you to the Bridge Opening Party with special guest Jesse Saunders! If you’re unaware of this masterful maestro, Jesse Saunders has made millions of fans and partygoers all over the world testify to his unprecedented sets where he takes the crowd on a musical journey through the evolution of House & Electronic music. Not only that, he leaves the decks to get down and dirty with his audience on the dance floor! Jesse Saunders pumps the crowd to a frenzy with music that is feel good music and sends you into a trance! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bridge-is-a-new-monthly-event-collaboration-between-myself-gary-wallace-chris-tyndell-bridging-tickets-43868575089. The event will begin at 9 p.m. Crown Station is located at 3629 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
——FRIDAY, MARCH 30——-
It’s time to get on the good foot at Repo Records as they host “Detroit Rising: A Cosmic Jazz Funk Adventure Listening Party” this afternoon! Come celebrate the release of the new indie underground project Detroit Rising from Down Jazz Records! Written by and featuring the younger musicians from Parliament-Funkadelic and backing by the regular A -Team of Parliament and guest stars from Prince, Bootsy Collins and more released through Light in the Attic Records. Musicians include: Blackbyrd Mcknight (P-Funk, Bootsy Collins, Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis), Lige Curry ( P-Funk), Sue Ann Carwell (Prince and Parliament), Kern Brantley (Lady Gaga, Mary J. Blige), Danny Bedrosian (current band leader and keyboard player P-Funk) and Gabe Gonzalez (P-Funk hall of fame drummer). Come join us for an afternoon of music, prizes, and giveaways! Admission is FREE to attend and the festivities begin at 1 p.m. Repo Records is located at 3325 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Everyone bring yourselves, your mama and your cousins out to Doghouse Bar & Grill for another soulful round of Black Food Truck Friday! Come mix and mingle with the community as your favorite Chocolate culinary chariots corral around one of the most popular restaurants in the city for an evening of fun and fellowship celebrating our community! There will be a live DJ, vendors and more surprises in store! Admission is FREE to attend and the event will begin at 5 p.m. Doghouse Bar & Grill is located at 7200 Albemarle Rd.
Create Amazing, LLC is back one mo’ gin’ this Friday at Apostrophe Lounge and they have pulled out all the stops to present to you Paint & Play – March Madness Edition! College basketball fever is in the air and tonight, join host, Power 104.4’s Coco Lenell for an evening of live painters, spoken word, comedians, massages, cupcakes, giveaways, hookah, games, and much more in relation to the tournament! Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paint-play-march-madness-tickets-43699027969. The event begins at 6 p.m. Apostrophe Lounge is located at 1440 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
One of Charlotte’s best-known rousing rhetoric recitals is back with a new location this evening! Everyone head down to The Factory Café for the all-new FLOetry Fridays! Join host and lyricist Iz-Real the Poet for an evening of dinner, drinks and some scintillating spoken word from special guest, Sir Abstraxxx! Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/floetry-fridays-live-from-nc-music-factory-the-return-tickets-44344199695. The event begins at 7 p.m. The Factory Café is located at 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd.
Urban International invites you and your crew out for some Friday night spice as they proudly present the One Freedom Festival! Get on the dance floor and be free in this vibrant celebration of the Caribbean, The Motherland and the American Diaspora! DJ Quee will be handling things with Afrobeats and Dancehall rhythms, DJ Squiddly giving you that “dutty wine” with some Caribbean vibes followed by Roody Mix and Lyrical adding in some additional musical flavors for your enjoyment! There will be a tropical blend of drink specials all night long to give you some more dancing energy. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/one-freedom-festival-nc-tickets-42209274075. A portion of the ticket sales will go towards CrownKeepers. The party starts at 8 p.m. at Bakadi Lounge. 4205 Monroe Rd.
The weekend has arrived and now it’s time to relax as Buck Long & Friends proudly presents another installment of Feel Good Fridays featuring The Tre King Band! Spearheaded by the beautiful and multitalented Tre’jae, you’re in for a special treat as she rocks your soul with timeless and energetic vocals that will not only leave you speechless but begging for more! The band is as sharp as a crease with a rhythmic institution giving them a sonic aura of true professionalism. 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.
Hip Hop is in full effect this weekend at Vibrations and tonight, gather your crew and get ready for DJ Red Alert’s Good Friday Takeover! You’re in for a special treat this evening as the legendary Kool DJ Red Alert will be taking your ears back to the Golden Era days of WBLS on the 1s and 2s. But before Red takes center stage, get your groove on with DJ K.L. warming things up! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dj-red-alerts-good-friday-take-over-tickets-44006739342. The party starts at 9 p.m. Vibrations is located at 5237 Albemarle Rd.
Get your laugh on this evening as the Queen City Omegas present another hilarious round of Comedy Night! Bring your friends out to get ready for some side-splitting humor from headlining comedienne, the lovely and hilarious Janet Dollar and Evolution Frost! Then, be sure to stick around as DJ 06 burns of the speakers with a hot mix of Hip Hop and R&B tunes. The host for the evening is Brother Tito. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queen-city-omegas-comedy-night-tickets-43897930893. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m. The Omegas of Charlotte Fraternity House is located at 3301 Statesville Ave.
Jazz N’ Soul Music invites Crown Town to get a taste of Steel Town as they proudly present Ken Gober — The Soul of A Man performing live this evening! Hailing from hardworking Gary, Indiana, Ken Gober has is no stranger on the underground music circuit. His soothing vocals can handle multiple stylings of music that’ll make you feel as if the smoothest wine is being poured into your ears. Ken’s smooth voice and inspiring melodies will always remind you that music is a special gift given to the world and when done right it can change the atmosphere! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ken-gober-the-soul-of-a-man-live-concert-performance-tickets-43538875950. The event will begin at 9 p.m. at The Morehead Tavern. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #JazzNSoul
——-SATURDAY, MARCH 31——-
It’s the start of an art-filled day at ImaginOn as Anchor’D Events invites your entire family out to the “For The Kids – Paint Party” this morning! Bring all the little ones and their friends out for a day of colorful exploration as an art instructor guides their young hands along a canvas as they experiment with their creativity! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/for-the-kids-paint-party-tickets-43122398254. Admission will also include, supplies, keepsakes snacks and a juice bar. The event will begin at 10:30 a.m. ImaginOn is located at 300 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
Start your Saturday off with some throwback flavor at the “I Still Love the 90s Final Four Brunch & Day Party!” Moxie Society invites you out to enjoy an afternoon of fine Southern cuisine, top shelf drink specials, fellowship, music and the NCAA Basketball March Madness Tournament! While you cheer on the collegiate crusaders, step Black into time with DJ Shaun Nyce aka “The Blend King” and DJ C-Rob rockin’ out the best of 90’s Hip Hop and R&B cuts and take a gander at NuDecadent Designs creating some of his wondrous art in front of your eyes. Admission is FREE to attend. Event begins at 11 a.m. and will be held at Sports One Bar & Lounge. 521 N. College St. in Uptown. #MoxieSociety
Parents, bring the youth out to the Mint Museum Randolph Branch for a special “Mint to Chat About That” event this morning! For today’s features, come celebrate Women’s History Month with two featured authors presenting one book for children and then one for mature teens and adults. Mint Museum Docent Martha Rucker presents her second-in-a-series children’s book “Chocolate Chip: Book Two in the Adventures of Peanut.” Peanut finds the best way to deal with name calling and bullying as she seeks advice from school friends and grownups. Next, a transition to the second book of the day, for mature teens and adults with “The Last to Let Go” — a twisted tragedy leaves Brooke and her siblings on their own in this provocative new novel from the New York Times bestselling author and former Mint asst. curator Amber Smith. Admission is FREE to attend. The event will begin at 11 a.m. 2730 Randolph Rd.
Southeast Crab Feast and Three Spirits Brewery have teamed up once again to bring you the Charlotte Craft Beer Week Fish Fry this afternoon! Bring the entire clan out for a day of fresh fish, French fries, fresh brews and fellowship! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/charlotte-craft-beer-week-fish-fry-tickets-43885958082. The festivities begin at 12 noon. Three Spirits Brewery is located at 5406 Old Pineville Rd.
Calling all college students and emerging artists—head down to The Gantt Center this afternoon for a special workshop/lecture entitled, “Art School + The Art World: Filling the Gap.” Join esteemed author and art collector Dr. Halima Taha as she lends her knowledge of expertise about the ins and outs of commercial artistry. This interactive, professional development session is for college students and emerging artists who wish to delve into more commercial areas of art while maintaining a fine arts practice. Dr. Taha will address proactive strategies to nurture successful careers as fine artists such as interviewing techniques, marketing, sales and exhibition options, acquiring funding and benefitting from the academic element of the art world. This conversation aims to bridge the gap between art-making and its relationship to the art world, fills the void found in most fine art curriculums and demystifies the commercial art world. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://61686.blackbaudhosting.com/61686/Art-School–The-Art-World-Filling-the-Gap?_ga=2.134320884.425925684.1521756529-2049561016.1521756529. The event will begin at 1 p.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
In celebration of Women’s Health Month and in recognition of Caregivers, join the women of the NAACP Charlotte-Mecklenburg Branch as they present, “Crowns for the Queens” from the play “Crowns” by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry and recreated by Shirley Yvonne Greene. Women in the NAACP (WIN) seeks to enhance the leadership role of women, serve as an advocacy vehicle for issues affecting women and children, and advocate for the positive development of children. WIN’s theme is “Outstretched Hands and Open Hearts to Women and Children.” Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/women-in-naacp-win-crowns-for-the-queens-fundraiser-tickets-43741673523. The event will begin at 1 p.m. at Little Rock Cultural Center. 401 N. Myers St. in Uptown.
Calling all young adults—head out to Weeping Willow AME Zion Church for a special young adult revival social entitled “OPERATION: A Generation Freed” this afternoon. The purpose of this service is to equip all young adults with the tools to overcome spiritual battles that manifest itself into our daily life journey. Our purpose to equip every soul with the tools to overcome the moments of depression, anxiety, rejection, and thoughts of suicide. Our prayer is that when we leave this revival we as a generation will have the tools to trust God in our darkest moments; remember that no matter what we can ALWAYS come back to God; and gain a new relationship with God that is built on deeper understanding of Him and our purpose. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/operation-a-generation-freed-tickets-42851726668. The event will begin at 3 p.m. 2220 Milton Rd.
The lovely Dr. Halima Taha returns to The Gantt Center once more this evening for a special conversation entitled, “Collecting & Protecting African-American Art.” As a direct offshoot of her bestselling book, “Collecting African American Art: Works on Paper and Canvas”, Dr. Taha uses her ground breaking book as a case study for anyone interested in becoming a collector, expanding their collections or those who wish to optimize their investments. All facets of collecting, protecting, buying and selling art are discussed, including how to protect yourself from forgeries and price gougers. Most importantly, Dr. Taha encourages prospective collectors to remain connected to the beauty of the work they acquire, as contrasted to merely viewing their pieces solely as property – to suggest that collecting can be both financially and personally rewarding. Tickets can be purchased here: https://61686.blackbaudhosting.com/61686/Collecting-and-Protecting-African-American-Art-with-Dr-Halima-Taha?_ga=2.130710538.425925684.1521756529-2049561016.1521756529. The event will begin at 5 p.m. 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
This Saturday night, get ready to have your souls rocked away at Nest Restaurant & Lounge as DeJaVu performs live! While you dine with your friends and down some delicious cocktails, DeJaVu will add some sonic elegance to your ambience as they mix soulful sounds of Aretha Franklin, Jill Scott, Sade, Marvin Gaye and more for your listening pleasures! The band strikes at 7 p.m. Nest Restaurant & Lounge is located at 505 E. 6th St. in Uptown.
The month of March has been full of all sorts of magnificent musical magic and tonight, join the dynamic wax slingin’ duo known as Diggers Delight as they close out the month with a very special March Wrap-Up Party! Bring all of your cool friends out to Camp North End for an evening of fellowship, bottled fermentation and funk featuring Charlotte’s own, Longchild on the wheels of steel – and stay tuned for some very special announcements from Flock of Slagles and UNTAMD! Admission is FREE to attend and the jump off is at 7 p.m. Camp North End is located at 1824 Statesville Ave. #DiggersDelight
Charlotte, get ready for an evening of Chocolate star power at the Black Excellence Ball! This sophisticated soiree aims to recognize the legacy and future greatness that lives within the minority communities of the 21st century. The current social environment has challenged and inspired the Millennial generation to seek new ways to take charge within their communities. Proceeds from the event will benefit a local 501c3 organization – T.I.M.E. Foundation and additionally support local minority communities. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.universe.com/events/GM07W2?embed=open&ref=universe_facebook_push&eventref=fb_oea. The event will be held at 8 p.m. at The Fillmore. 820 Hamilton St.
——-SUNDAY, APRIL 1——-
Parents, bring your youth and their creativity out to The Last Word this afternoon for a fun painting session entitled, “Art From the Heart: Paintopia.” Noted artist and my friend Christopher Clarke will provide his instruction and passion for providing your youth with a creative and educational outlet. Each child gets their own canvas to paint and keep, an easel, and a huge selection of materials that are sure to excite! Also, parents, you can participate too! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.paypal.me/artfromtheheart. The class begins at 1:30 p.m. The Last Word is located at 5744 N. Tryon St.
If you were at the Black Excellence Ball last night, head out to Camp North End for an empowering experience in daylight! Gather all your friends and come out to O.U.R. Festival this evening! This festive platform is for Black and Brown entrepreneurs, movers & shakers, music enthusiasts and young O.G.’s in the making all while celebrating the magic of our culture and influence on society! Enjoy an afternoon of live performances, dozens of vendors, grooming lounge, producer beat battle, special guest DJ, games, spoken word and much more! The hosts for this event is Chico Bean and Yusha Assad. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/-our-festival-hosted-by-mtvs-chico-bean-sunday-april-1-3pm-camp-north-end-tickets-43821768088. The melanin starts popping at 3 p.m. Camp North End is located at 1824 Statesville Ave.
Charlotte, get ready to lose your sides as The Morehead Tavern proudly presents funnyman Hannibal Buress performing LIVE this evening! Hannibal Buress is a wildly popular comedian, writer, and actor who is a favorite of fans and critics on big and small screens alike. With his first national theatre stand up comedy tour sold out and The New York Times lauding him as one of the most “supremely gifted and respected” comics around, Hannibal is emerging as a comedy superstar. He will be performing a special benefit show for one night only for the Public Defenders Office of Mecklenburg County. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.purplepass.com/#167575/Tempo_Charlotte_Events-Comedian_Hannibal_Buress_LIVE!-Morehead_Tavern-April-01-2018.html. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.
COMING SOON…
4/6 — Jazz at the Bechtler presents a tribute to Horace Silver – “Song for My Father”
4/7 – Charlotte Brunch Festival
4/7 – Off The Wall: Aries Edition
4/8 – Classic Black Cinema Series presents “Princess Tam Tam”
4/13 – Soul Sessions feat. Mercury Carter
4/14 – Bobbito Garcia aka Kool Bob Love LIVE w/ DJ Justice
4/14 – Peace Filled Mama Playshop
4/20 – Mental Health & Women’s Issues Forum
4/21 – Living With PRIDE Home Buying Seminar
He is able. He is awesome. He is everything. He is the reason for any season. He is RISEN! I wish you all a very Happy Resurrection Day and may God continue to richly bless you! Love and light. Peace.
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #EarsToDaSkreets #CommunityFirst