By Shawn D. Allison, II
Greetings to you all and Happy International Women’s Day! On behalf of PRIDE Magazine, I celebrate each and every woman out there doing their thing and making humanity better and more beautiful. And if you want to continue the celebration into the weekend, “The Rundown” has got all sorts of things for you to enjoy and radiate your heavenly glow wherever you go! If you want to know what’s really the business this weekend, check out my “Hot List” and see for yourselves!
- THURSDAY – Creating “HER” Story – International Women’s Day Celebration
- THURSDAY –2019 Diggin’ Black History Thru Music & Dance
- FRIDAY— “Bound Women: A Conversation About Imprisoned Women of Color” at The Gantt Center
- FRIDAY—SATURDAY – Step, Afrika!
- FRIDAY – The Art of Easing at Tip Top Daily Market
- FRIDAY – Jazz N’ Soul Music presents 3 Piece & A Biscuit LIVE at Loft & Cellar
- SATURDAY– NAACP Black History Knowledge Bowl
- SATURDAY – “THE B.I.G.G.I.E. BRUNCH | Steak, Cheese Eggs & Welch’s Grape”
- SATURDAY – Repainted Tomorrow at Tip Top Daily Market
- SATURDAY – POPPA: The 8th Annual Notorious B.I.G. + Bad Boy Tribute at Loft & Cellar
- SATURDAY – LET THERE BE HOUSE Soulful House Party at Crown Station
- SUNDAY – Classic Black Cinema Series screening of “Buck and the Preacher” at The Gantt Center
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 7——-
EmpowHERment, Inc. invites you out to rise up and be bold in your daily walk as they present Creating “HER” Story – International Women’s Day Celebration! On the eve of International Women’s Day, join EmpowHERment for an evening of connection, power and purpose as we celebrate the achievements of women all over the world in creating HERstory. The event’s keynote speaker is Emmy award-winning television executive and entrepreneur, Dianne Hudson. During her eighteen-year career with “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and Harpo Studios, she received nine Emmy Awards by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. EmpowHERment, Inc. is a local non-profit. Our mission is to empower a continuous network of girls and women to be leaders in their community through mentorship, talent development, and advocacy. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/creating-her-story-international-womens-day-celebration-tickets-55547924337. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at AvidXchange Inc. 1210 AvidXchange Ln. in the NC Music Factory.
Dapper Street Productions returns to kick off your weekend with an all-new feature, Piano Jazz: The Intimate Series! Join one of the QC’s finest guitarists, Paul Dozier as he pays homage to jazz and soul music legend, George Benson! Admission is FREE to attend and all ages are welcome to attend. This event is sponsored by the Arts & Science Council’s Culture Blocks Initiative. The performance will begin at 6 p.m. at the Mallard Creek Rec Center. 2530 Johnston Oehler Rd. in the University Area.
Get your laugh on at Stats Restaurant & Bar and come out for the February edition of “Laff It Up Thursdays!” For tonight’s show, join host and legendary funnyman Tone-X setting the stage up for the takeover by his headlining comedic comrade, the ever-fine and funny Ashima Franklin! Also, be sure to stick around and boogie as Tab the Million Dollar DJ rocks the speakers with some of today’s and yesteryear’s hits! Tickets can be purchased here: https://yspros.com/shop/?fbclid=IwAR2gYtnmk35kEhaYOYXg6ymCtGPZA9EM5m8ABrSO-e4q30WOXRaon8kW4b4. Doors open at 7 and the show will begin at 8 p.m. Stats is located at 3425 David Cox Rd. in the University Area.
Join Charlotte’s own A Sign Of The Times band at CPCC Main Campus as they proudly present 2019 Diggin’ Black History Thru Music and Dance this evening! This multisensory showcase is a historical exploration into the contributions and struggles of Africans and African Americans, as presented through spoken word, music and dance. All ages are welcome. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2019-diggin-black-history-thru…. The event will begin at 7 p.m. at Tate Hall inside the Halton Performance Hall. 1206 Elizabeth Ave. in Uptown.
Get ready for a wild twist of comedy and psychology as Shane Mauss proudly presents Stand Up Science! Award-winning stand-up comedian and science podcast host Shane Mauss gets you in the zone to learn and laugh as local scientists, comedians and other special guests join him to bring you a one-of-a-kind show that is equal parts “ah-ha’s” and “ha-ha’s!” Stand-up comedy and science have a lot in common. They both reveal truth, change our perceptions, and challenge the status quo. So why are they so underappreciated? Admittedly, comedy sometimes underestimates the intelligence of their audience, catering to the lowest common denominator – until now. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1818834. Doors open at 7 and the event will begin at 7:30 p.m. at The Evening Muse. 3227 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Three Bone Theatre is proud to welcome you to the Charlotte premiere of “By The Water”, a new play by Sharyn Rothstein and directed by Ron Law. Hurricane Sandy has just ravaged the lifelong Staten Island home of Marty and Mary Murphy. But the storm has ripped apart more than just the walls: with their neighbors too devastated to stay, the couple’s beloved community is in danger of disappearing forever. When the Murphys’ sons arrive to help their parents dig out, past betrayals come rushing to the surface. With fierce compassion and poignant humor, “By The Water” reminds us that the very powers that tear us apart can also bring us together. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/by-the-water. There will be three performances this weekend: Thursday (3/7), Friday (3/8) and Saturday (3/9) all beginning promptly at 8 p.m. All shows will be held at the Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
——-FRIDAY, MARCH 8——-
The Gantt Center invites you out for a special afternoon social entitled Lunch and Learn with Dr. DaMaris B. Hill. Bring your lunch and join author and professor Dr. DaMaris B. Hill for a conversation about her new book A Bound Woman Is a Dangerous Thing. Learn how she artfully captures the personas of her subjects and gain a deeper insight into the process of writing a best-seller. In her latest work, Hill presents bitter, unflinching history that artfully captures the personas of these captivating, bound yet unbridled African-American women. Her passionate odes to Zora Neale Hurston, Lucille Clifton, Fannie Lou Hamer, Grace Jones, Eartha Kitt, and others also celebrate the modern-day inheritors of their load and light, binding history, author, and reader in an essential legacy of struggle. Learn best practices on how to bring characters to life and gain first-hand insight on how to navigate the publishing world in this interactive session. Admission is $5 per person and tickets can be purchased here: https://give.ganttcenter.org/checkout/9959. The event will begin at 12 noon. 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
The Lady B. Bless Foundation invites you out to the International Women’s Day Celebration! The theme for tonight is, #BalanceforBetter. This is a call to build a gender-balanced world in all aspects of life. Balance is not a women’s issue, it’s a business issue. The race is on for the gender-balanced boardroom, government, media coverage, employees, wealth, sports coverage and more elements proving that gender balance is essential for economies and communities to thrive. There will be guest speakers, music, refreshments, group dialogue and much more. Please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/iwd-celebrating-women-in-leadership-tickets-56363108575. Monetary and feminine product donations will also be accepted. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Queens Coffee Bar. 1720 Pegram St. in the Belmont Neighborhood.
Local nonprofit ManyVoices invites you out to Reeder Memorial Baptist Church for the One Charlotte for Justice: Next Generation Speaks community concert this evening! Bring the entire family out for this evening of music and messages from the “Next Generation” that aims to inspire all in an enriching community experience. FREE admission. 7 p.m. 3725 Beatties Ford Rd.
This evening, The Gantt Center invites you out for a special community dialogue entitled, “Bound Women: A Conversation About Imprisoned Women of Color.” This author talk and panel will discuss themes in Dr. DaMaris B. Hill’s book, “A Bound Woman Is a Dangerous Thing,” as they relate to incarnation, social justice and historical trends in Charlotte. Along with Dr. Hill, panelists Patrice Funderburg, Kristie Puckett Williams and CMPD Chief Telisa White will discuss issues and environmental factors that lead to the incarceration of women, community repercussions, the in-jail/prison experience, as well as the intersection of poverty and the judicial system as issues of equity. This conversation relates to the Gantt Center’s Initiative for Equity and Innovation as well as Women’s History Month, and the 400-year commemoration of enslavement. Disclaimer: This panel will cover issues of incarceration, abuse and mature topics. Admission is $5 per person. Tickets can be purchased here: https://give.ganttcenter.org/checkout/10010. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. at The Wells Fargo Auditorium at the Knight Theater. 430 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
The Children’s Theater of Charlotte is proud to present to you a citywide-audience favorite, “Step Afrika!” Experience the world’s first professional company dedicated to stepping–an art form heavily participated in African-American fraternities and sororities rooted in African traditions. The dancers use their bodies as instruments and perform their intricate kicks, stomps and rhythms mixed with spoken word, storytelling and humor. There will be three performances this weekend: Friday (3/8) at 7:30 p.m., Saturday (3/9) at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. All shows will be held at the McColl Family Theatre. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.ctcharlotte.org/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=stepafrika&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=. 300 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
Are your ears starving for some nourishment? Join my friends at Jazz N’ Soul Music and help yourselves to a funky serving of 3 Piece & A Biscuit performing LIVE! One of Charlotte’s most boldest and beautiful voices reemerges from the shadows to give you some of her Detroit-bred soul – the one and only GiGi Mack is back! Spend your Friday with this voluptuous vixen as her vocals take you on a soothing and soulful ride across many genres performing classic covers, some of her original grooves and much more! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/3-piece-a-biscuit-w-gigi-mack-fri-march-8th-730-and-10p-the-loft-and-cellar-tickets-55879946424. Two performances tonight: 7:30 and 10 p.m. at Loft & Cellar. 305 W. 4th St. in Uptown. #JazzNSoulMusic
If you want to experience some extra coolness on this funky Friday night, head over to Tip Top Daily Market and plug yourselves into The Art of Easing! Join my good brothers ½ of Diggers Delight, Cairo Black and special guest, the beautiful Kat Cramer as they purvey a bevy of funky frequencies ranging from Jazz to Neo-Soul, Classic Hip Hop, Rare Grooves and more surprises from their own personal vinyl collections! There will also be the Killer B’s Food Truck on site serving up and selling the goodness! Admission is $FREE.99 and the tables start turning at 8 p.m. Tip Top Daily Market is located at 2902 The Plaza Rd. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Take a journey into the depths of soul at Petra’s this evening and come out for a very special Aretha Franklin Tribute! The late Queen of Soul had one of the most iconic voices the world has ever heard and on this International Women’s Day, join the Petra’s House Band as they pay tribute to her and her music. There will also be some riveting rhythmic rhetoric provided by the lovely Lady V Poetry and a silent auction from local businesses to benefit the nonprofit organization, RAINN. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/aretha-franklin-tribute-a-benefit-for-rainn-tickets-55462969234. The event will begin at 8 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave.
——-SATURDAY, MARCH 9——-
Charlotte City Councilman Dr. Justin Harlow invites you out to a special Community Comprehensive Planning & Economic Development meeting this morning. Councilman Harlow along with City of Charlotte Economic Development Department Director Tracy Dodson and Charlotte Planning, Design & Development Department Director Taiwo Jaiyeoba will lead a conversation on comprehensive planning and economic development on the West Side of Charlotte. Admission is FREE and everyone is encouraged to attend. The event will begin at 10 a.m. at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. 3400 Beatties Ford Rd.
This morning, The Gantt Center along with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library continues the celebration of Women’s History Month with a special platform entitled, “Self-Care Is Revolutionary.” Put yourself at the top of your to-do list, using the arts to align your mind and body as you address issues within our community and celebrate womanhood with visiting author Dr. DaMaris B. Hill and other teaching artists with interactive yoga, sound meditation, writing and storytelling workshops. Admission is $5 and the event will begin at 10 a.m. at The Gantt Center. 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg NAACP Chapter invites your entire family down for an afternoon of fun at the NAACP Black History Knowledge Bowl! In this healthy competition, students are recognized and rewarded for what they know. Their preparation and test in this competition will be in subjects generally covered in literature, history, science, math and social studies as well as several areas that go beyond classroom material including current events. Both what they’ll learn, and the process of learning prepares the students for college admission test and performance under pressure and other forms of discipline. This will also teach the students healthy competition; teamwork, comradery and that learning can be fun and rewarding. Prizes will be given to the winners. Kids ages 6-17 are allowed to participate. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/charlotte-naacps-1st-annual-black-knowledge-bowl-registration-56713499604. The event will begin at 1 p.m. at Little Rock AME Zion Church. 401 N. McDowell St. in Uptown.
The JETA Team, Eddietainment & DRC ApeParel are proud to present “THE B.I.G.G.I.E. BRUNCH | Steak, Cheese Eggs & Welch’s Grape!” Gather your crew, come mob out at Sage Restaurant & Lounge and enjoy a delectable and delightful Southern-inspired brunch menu and cocktail specials while my man, The Mighty DJ DR rocks the spot with a vast arsenal of Classic Hip Hop, R&B, Soul and a special musical tribute to The Notorious B.I.G.! Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-biggie-brunch-steak-cheese-eggs-welchs-grape-tickets-55457360458. The jump off is at 11 a.m. Sage Restaurant & Lounge is located at 505 E. 6th St. in Uptown.
Catch some more B.I.G. fun this afternoon as OutenLove Events, Mr. 305 Entertainment and Black Singles in CLT proudly presents The Notorious Biggie & Burgers Day Party! It’s all thing Biggie Smalls as you indulge in a special Biggie-inspired burger menu created by Chef Sergio and the hotness of classic Hip Hop and R&B flavor from DJ Shaun Nyce aka “The Blend King”! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-notorius-day-party-biggie-burgers-day-party-tickets-58009397670. The party starts at 4 p.m. at Press Box Bar & Grill. 9609 N. Tryon St. in the University Area.
Join my friends Diggers Delight and the Vacation Pay crew as the proudly present the March installment of “Repainted Tomorrow” this evening! This half beat show/half live painting hybrid showcase will feature the sonic stylings of Sativa SLCTS, Katie.Blvd and Mara Robbin along with the visual vibrations of Mauveoshun. Additional sonic frequencies will be provided by resident musicians Axnt, FLLS and Simon SMTHNG. Admission is FREE but donations will be accepted. The event will begin at 8 p.m. at Tip Top Daily Market. 2921 The Plaza Rd.
Upscale Entertainment, LLC is ready to add some powerful funk to your evening presenting Upscale Saturday Night Live feat. Buff Dillard! As one of the QC’s premier hornblowers, Buff Dillard is a renowned international smooth jazz solo recording trombonist offering some of the best jazz from around the globe. He’s performed as an opening act for Smooth Jazz Legends such as Boney James, Alex Bugnon, Walter Beasley, Kim Waters, Brian Simpson, Pieces Of A Dream and many more. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/upscale-saturday-night-live-feat-buff-dillard-tickets-56706241896. The event will begin at 8 p.m. at Prime@6538. 6538 N. Tryon St.
It’s all love spread the Brooklyn way tonight at Press Box as OutenLove Events and First 2 First Ent. proudly presents The BIGGIE Tribute feat. The World Famous DJ Dice! Gather your homeboys and homegirls from around the block and come boogie with the late Notorious B.I.G’s partner on the wheels of steel, DJ Dice spinning all the hits, classic and jams from yesteryear and the modern era! There will be drink specials all night long and the dress code is “FLY”. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/biggie-tribute-ft-worldfamous-dj-dice-tickets-58007814936. The event will begin at 9 p.m. 9609 N. Tryon St. in the University area.
In the beginning there was Jack, and Jack had a groove – and from this groove came Unified Souls presenting the LET THERE BE HOUSE Soulful House Party! Get deep into the vibe of House as the Unified Souls crew, DJ Badala B, DJ Tony Cutlass and special guest Jackmaster Gary Wallace jacks your mind, body and soul with an unparalleled continuum of the best of House, Downtempo, Funk, R&B and Soul classics! Your host for the evening is none other than my girl Brooklyn Stace! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/let-there-be-house-tickets-58222533164. The party starts at 10 p.m. at Crown Station. 3629 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Once again it’s on—The JETA Team in partnership with DRC ApeParel fills your Saturday night with all of sorts of flyness as they invite you out to Loft & Cellar for “POPPA: The 8th Annual Notorious B.I.G. + Bad Boy Tribute!” Come get in a Brooklyn state of mind as Chief Rocka Aking Allah and Soul Brother DJ Justice rocks all the classics from the legendary Bad Boy label and honoring one of Hip Hop’s greatest MCs on this day of remembrance! Also, be sure to check out my brother DJ Steel Wheel churning out the sonic flavor of the Motherland with a dope selection of Soca, Reggae, Dancehall, House and other cultured rhythms! The dress code is “fresh to def”, “Coogi down to the socks”, “red and black lumberjack with the hat to match” or whatever creative and colorful schemes you can think of. TIckets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/p-o-p-p-a-the-8th-annual-notorious-big-bad-boy-tribute-tickets-55456269194. The party starts at 9 p.m. Loft & Cellar is located at 305 W. 4th St. in Uptown. #TheJETATeam #DRCApeParel
——-SUNDAY, MARCH 10——-
This afternoon, treat yourselves to some vintage cinematic delight as Mr. Felix Curtis of Classic Black Cinema Series proudly presents a special screening of “Buck and the Preacher”. Starring the esteemed and legendary Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte, this 1972 focuses on the time at the end of the Civil War with African-American ex-soldier Buck looking for places in the West where former slaves can settle. An unprincipled man, Deshay, is working with his ruthless gang of outlaws to try to stop Buck’s work and keep the people enslaved in Louisiana. When Buck meets a con man in disguise who is calling himself “The Preacher”, the two men band together to stop Deshay and his gang. The screening is FREE with museum admission. 2 p.m. at The Gantt Center. 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown. #CBCS
The Sol Kitchen and Jazz Around Town are back in effect this weekend presenting one of the flyest and innovative contemporary jazz artists to the stage – everyone get your senses ready for an evening with the Grammy Award-winning Robert Glasper at The Fillmore! The name “experimental” may be associated in the musician’s title, but classically-trained pianist Robert Glasper and his sound machine has mastered jazz, soul and fusion stylings in ways that is totally spellbinding! If you have never seen this band of Brothers perform before, you are definitely missing out on some true musical delight! Tickets can be purchased here: https://concerts1.livenation.com/event/2D005552C9E64C24. Doors open at 7:30 and the show starts at 8 p.m. The Fillmore is located at 820 Hamilton St.
COMING SOON…
3/15 — Culture + Kicks: The Intersection of Sneakers & Justice
3/15 – Screening of “Bruce, The Film”
3/16 – Freaquency360
3/16 — 2019 Healthy Living Expo
3/17 — I Still Love The 90’s Brunch: St. Patrick’s Day Edition
3/23 — 19th Annual Black History Concert: Women Movers of the Movement
3/23 — The Queens of Soul Jazz – Jeanette Harris and Althea Rene
3/23 – Su Casa: The March Edition
3/24 – “The Farmer That Feeds Us” Screening & Dinner
3/25 — Knocturnal Presents: Tha Alkaholiks
3/27 — Thuggishness: A Celebration of CLT Hip-Hop
3/30 — AfroPop! Charlotte: The Bantu Experience, Vol.2
4/4 — Sol Summit 2019
4/5 – “Where I’m From” – A Bree Stallings Experience
“The thing that makes you exceptional, if you are at all, is inevitably that which must also make you lonely.” – Lorraine Hansberry
Have a fantastic weekend everyone!
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #EarsToDaSkreets #CommunityFirst