By: Shawn D. Allison, II
What’s the deal everyone? We’ve got some absolutely gorgeous weather ahead of us this weekend and there is plenty to get into in the QC! Yours truly, The Black Ferris Bueller is planning on laying low this weekend, but still making some plans to enjoy myself. If you want the scoop on what’s really popping this weekend, just check out my “Hot List” down yonder!
- THURSDAY—“Potions + Pixels – Star Wars Day – May the Fourth Be With You!” at Hattie’s Tap & Tavern
- THURSDAY—LeAnna Eden & The Garden Of/Nige Hood & The Folk Rap Band at Visulite Theatre
- FRIDAY—“This Is Art. This Is Health. Initiative” at C3 Lab
- FRIDAY—Diasopora: May Editon at Apostrophe Lounge
- SATURDAY—Family First Workshop – “Capture the Moment” at The Gantt Center
- SATURDAY—KNKY Deli & Pop Up Shop at Revolution Ego
- SATURDAY—RELEASE! Classic & Soulful House Party feat. Josh Milan at The Morehead Tavern
- SATURDAY—“The Mixer: The Alumni House Party” at Reign
- SATURDAY—“Off The Wall: Best of the 80s V.11 & Slow Wine V.2!” at Petra’s
- SUNDAY—Open Streets 704
- SUNDAY—“Sippin’ On Sundays” at Firehouse Bar & Lounge
- MONDAY—Radio Rehab Carolinas’ “Motown On Mondays” at The Morehead Tavern
——-THURSDAY 5/4——-
Hop in the Millenium Falcon, jump to lightspeed and travel to a galaxy far, far away for “Potions + Pixels – Star Wars Day – May the Fourth Be With You!” Come out to Hattie’s Tap & Tavern this evening and play Star Wars games, watch the movies and enter the costume contest with prizes! It’s something Yoda would describe, “out of this world, it is…” Admission is $5 and the lightsabers start battling at 7:30 p.m. 2918 The Plaza Rd. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
The QC is bursting with fresh and organic talent and this evening, head out to the Visulite Theatre to experience the energy of LeAnna Eden & The Garden Of with Nige Hood & The Folk Rap Band! This lovely soul rocker songstress is no stranger to the stage as she commands any setting with her searing vocals, powerful lyrics and fine-tuned guitar strumming. Nige Hood is one of those rappers who you can’t really label “alternative” because his style is always transferring across several areas and his Folk Rap Band has truly emerged as a totally organic force in music. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.visulite.com/cart.cfm?AddShowID=2523. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. The Visulite Theatre is located at 1615 Elizabeth Ave. in Uptown.
——-FRIDAY 5/5——-
The Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Library invites you to the Main Branch this evening for a special screening of their “Scenes of a Black Woman” series. For tonight’s feature, come and view the 2014 satirical dramedy,” “Dear White People.” Scenes of a Black Woman is a series of films about Black women, created by Black filmmakers and a celebration of Black cinema! There will be a short discussion of themes and aesthetics after the film. Admission is FREE to attend. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the film will start at 6 p.m. The screening will take place at the Main Library Branch. 310 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Take an evening ride with the Queen City EZ Riders as they host their “Slow Biking Gang Spring Social!” Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a green wheeler, this is a great opportunity for stress relief, exercise, fellowship, networking and eat at some delicious local restaurants! For this evening’s ride, you will cruise around Plaza-Midwood in style and in safety. Be sure to wear helmets and kids are welcome to join in too! The two-wheel journey begins at 7 p.m. and they’ll be departing from Pizza Peel where you’ll also conclude with a delicious meal and social hour. 1600 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District. #QCEZRiders
Everyone gather at C3 Lab this evening as local creative muse and rebel Bree Stallings invites you to the “This is Art. This is Public Health. Initiative.” With partnership with Behailu Academy, Mecklenburg County Public Health and C3 Lab, this initiative’s mission is to engage and empower youth and the community in important public health issues and advocacy through art and creative data visualization. For tonight’s event, local youth will showcase a variety of artwork, ranging from photography to painting, highlighting public health priority areas such as food access and insecurity, tobacco prevention/profiling and stigmas placed upon AIDS and HIV. Admission is FREE to attend and the event will begin at 7 p.m. C3 Lab is located at 2525 Distribution St. in Historic South End.
Take a short trip down to Fort Mill and get ready to shout ‘Glory, Hallelujah!” this evening at the 1st Friday Praise Fest! Sivart Productions and The Movement Centre invite you to be lifted in the spirit through inspirational song with the lovely Blanche J. and special guest Jeremy Littlejohn & Higher Praise! Admission is FREE. 7:30 p.m. at The Movement Centre Café. 8160 Regent Pkwy. in Fort Mill.
This evening at The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, The Ziad Jazz Quartet takes on a new look and a new sound with “Jazz at the Bechtler: Authentic Gypsy Jazz” as they pay tribute to the music of legendary jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt. Joining saxophonist Ziad Rabie will be guitarists Andy Page and Jim Tanner, bassist Zack Page and violinist Steve Trismen. It’ll be a night of classic jazz that you don’t want to miss! Tickets can be purchased here: http://30796a.blackbaudhosting.com/30796a/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=eeafc128-fcac-4d1b-a21f-9c9351e0f02c. There will be two shows this evening: 6 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. The Bechtler is located at 420 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Get ready for a fiesta of epic proportions at Mooney’s Lounge as The SoulJunkies proudly presents “The Cinco de Mayo Party – House Music Happy Hour!” Lose yourselves and celebrate life as DJ Jazzy Bee, Gary “Jackmaster” Wallace, DJ Police and DJ Cee Low rock out nothing but House for your soul! Also be sure to enhance your experience with some tasty drink specials! Admission is $5 and the music starts at 6 p.m. Mooney’s Lounge is located at 2525 N. Graham St.
Teens, I’ve got something cool for you this evening! Head down to Google Fiber Space this evening for the Celebration of the Arts Teen Social. The South Charlotte Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. invites you out to enjoy an evening of live performances, an art gallery walk, a dessert reception and hot tunes from a live DJ! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebration-of-the-arts-teen-social-tickets-33381950312. The fun starts at 7 p.m. Google Fiber Space is located at 301 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
Coming back to the stage to soothe your soul on a Friday evening, Jazz N’ Soul Music proudly presents Willie Walker & Conversation Piece. They are one of my favorite live acts in this city and while they perform, they will definitely leave you with something to talk about! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jazz-n-soul-music-first-friday-featuring-willie-walker-conversation-piece-tickets-33878261793. Showtime is at 9 p.m. and will be held at The Morehead Tavern. The address is 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #JazzNSoul
The Omegas of Rock Hill invite you to spend the evening below the border as they host their 2017 All Black Affair Mardi Gras Party! Get dressed and get fly in your best all black outfits in this festive Mardi Gras-themed all-inclusive event! DJ Double D will be providing the sounds for you to enjoy. Admission is $25. The party starts at 9 p.m. and will be held at The Magnolia Room of Laurel Creek. 4017 Laurel Creek Dr. in Rock Hill.
The Sol Kitchen invites you out to ‘Stache House Bar & Lounge this evening for brand new edition of #ThankGawdIts1stFriday! Relax with some Hip Hop and R&B tunes of today and yesteryear with DJ Ngenius on the wheels of steel. There will be drink specials all night long and the event jumps off at 10 p.m. ‘Stache House is located at 1520 South Blvd.
Africana Connections returns once again for one of Charlotte’s most colorful culture jams as they present the March edition of “Diasopora!” Join sound engineer The Dynamic DJ Kato and special guest J. Holder as they host a night full of nonstop dancing, positive energy and a fire soundtrack set to the tunes of Afrobeat, Soca, Caribbean, Reggae, Salsa, House and more! Also, this is a special birthday celebration of the beautiful host Juah Holder! Come through and dance the night away! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/diasopora-march-azonto-edition-tickets-32249885275. The party starts at 10 p.m. at Apostrophe Lounge. 1440 S. Tryon St. in Uptown. #AfricanaConnections
——-SATURDAY 5/6——-
Calling all comic book enthusiasts—head down to Heroes Aren’t Hard To Find for Free Comic Book Day 2017! Mingle with other comic collectors, get free comics and meet some local comic book authors and illustrators! Admission is FREE to attend and all the fun starts at 10 a.m. Heroes Aren’t Hard To Find is located at 1957 E. 7th St. near Uptown.
Parents, wake your young ones up and join the Guerilla Poets at the West Boulevard Library this morning for FREE Art & Music Workshops! The first workshop will include music creation and exploration for youth ages 10-18. The second workshop will center around painting creativity for ages 13+. 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. The first workshop is at 10 a.m. and the second will begin at 12:30 p.m. The library is located at 2157 West Blvd. #GuerillaPoets
Take a morning joyride with Sustain Charlotte as they host the “Art For All, Bikes For All Spring Ride.” Presented along with the City of Charlotte Bicycle Committee, The Gantt Center, and the Bechtler Museum, get ready to gear up for some family activities, art showcasing from museum docents, historic neighborhood exploration and fellowshipping with other community members all during a 4-mile bicycle ride. After you finish your tour, you will get to conclude with a special after-party at Blue Blaze Brewing, Co. Admission is FREE to attend but donations are always accepted. Please be sure to RSVP/donate here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/art-for-all-bikes-for-all-spring-ride-tickets-33344421061. If you do not own a bicycle, they will be provided upon reservation. The meeting time and place is at 10 a.m. at Seversville Park. 528 S. Turner Ave.
For some festive family fun, head to Sugar Creek Church of Christ for “Sugar Creek Spring Festival 2017!” This festival is a celebration of all the good that we have been given–life, family, and community. Mix and mingle with your brothers and sisters in a day of nonstop fun, but also remember as this event promises to lift your spirits and reconnect you to the gift of community. Enjoy face painting, cultural performances, bounce houses, free food, games, music from A Sign of the Times, Drums 4 Life and much more! Don’t miss out on this grand celebration! The fun starts at 10 a.m. The address is 3932 Sofley Rd. near the N. Tryon & Sugar Creek Rd. intersection.
This morning, come out for the grand opening of Charlotte’s newest literary lounge, All Eyes On Egypt Bookstore & Cultural Center! Enjoy a day of dancing, music, readings, teachings, fellowship, refreshments and Henna tattooing from Naseera Fazil. Admission is FREE to attend and the store will open at 11 a.m. All Eyes On Egipt is located at 1107 Beatties Ford Rd., Suite “B.”
This morning at The Gantt Center, bring the entire tribe out for another Family First Workshop. In this month’s edition entitled, “Capture the Moment”, local photographers will share their work and discuss the benefits and challenges of shooting and printing, in color or black and white, and digitally versus manually. From the pinhole camera to the cell phone, photography has always been ahead of the curve with setting trends in innovation and accessibility. After the discussion, participants will get to work with local photographers to make their own pinhole cameras. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://61686.blackbaudhosting.com/61686/Family-1st-May. The session 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 Stacey Black rockin’ nothing but the hotness of the 90s and artist Gil Horne, Jr. expressing his 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
“NoDa Day in May” is a street festival that promotes local artists here in the Queen City and more specifically in NoDa. There will be over 40 artist and vendors to shop from, food trucks to satisfy your stomachs and some of Charlotte’s best House DJ’s from the MOVE & Double Trouble Crews to keep you dancing the day away! A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit Crisis Assistance Ministries and they will also be on hand taking donations of clothing and gently used articles. Admission is FREE and the entire family is welcome! The fun starts at 1 p.m. and will the epicenter of the festival will be N. McDowell St. and E. 35th St. in the NoDa District.
The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is ready to take your family to infinity and beyond in sound as they present “Charlotte Symphony: Pixar In Concert!” Under the leadership of conductor Albert-George Schram, the CSO will create a visually stunning family show featuring montages of memorable clips from every one of Pixar’s 14 films. There will be two performances today: 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/charlotte-symphony-pixar-in-concert. Both shows will be held at the Belk Theatre at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. 130 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
The creative forces of Kinky Thought and Revolution EGO have aligned to bring you the first-ever KNKY Deli Pop & Shop! Ladies, come and put some spring in your step this season as you choose from an eclectic selection of all-original handmade flower crowns, jumpers, jewelry, furniture, housewares and more! Admission is FREE to attend. Also, if you want to learn how to craft your own trinkets and garments, please register for “Festival Fresh: A KNKY Deli Make + Do” on Sunday (5/7) http://events.eventzilla.net/e/festival-fresh-a-knky-deli-make–do–2138883441. The event begins at 3 p.m. Revolution EGO is located at 312 N. Myers St. in Uptown.
This afternoon, treat yourselves to a time of indigenous flyness and flair at the Fashion Roots Show! Ladies, it’s Spring time and if you want some fresh ideas for your wardrobe, come mingle and network with several local designers ready to showcase their stocked apparel and accessory lines for you. Also, be sure to stick around for the fashion show featuring the fine craftsmanship of acclaimed fashion designer, the beautiful Korto Momolu. This will be a fundraising event in which a portion of the proceeds will benefit The Myrtis Simpson Walker Youth Leadership Foundation, Inc. (501-c3). The cocktail party will feature delightful drink specials and a live DJ starting at 4 p.m. and the fashion show will begin at 8 p.m. The event will be held at C3 Lab. 2525 Distribution St. in Historic South End.
This afternoon, come celebrate all things beautiful at Christ Central Church as they host the second annual “First Fruits: A Celebration of Faith & Art.” Join local artists for the First Fruits celebration as you all explore beauty and spirituality through music, storytelling, visual art and more! In addition to all of the art, there will be food available from some local food trucks. Admission is FREE and the fun begins at 6:30 p.m. Christ Central Church is located at 3646 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
It’s time to get your energy revved up and then go and free yourselves at “RELEASE! Classic & Soulful House Party!” The Deep House Providers (Gary Jackmaster Wallace, DJ Marcus Wade, Badala B, DJ Tony Cutlass) along with DJ K Ture are ready to take you into the stratosphere the best way they know how—House music all night long! Also for tonight’s special journey, come feel the creative energy of House veteran Josh Milan performing live! You don’t want to miss this show! Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here: https://squareup.com/store/ReleaseCLT, or $15 at the door. The music starts at 8 p.m. at The Morehead Tavern. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.
Brothers and sisters, throw on your best all-white outfits this evening and head down to The Gantt Center for the Annual All White Affair! Presented by Heights Entertainment, this event is beaming with all kinds of flavor—3 levels of entertainment, featuring 2 DJs and a separate rooftop party. It’s sure to be the biggest all white event of the season. Don’t miss this! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/charlottes-annual-all-white-affair-tickets-32544487438. The event begins at 8 p.m. 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Get ready to bust a move at Press Box Bar & Grill this Saturday as Charlotte Nightlife Entertainment presents “Swagga Saturdays!” Come feel the flavor with Charlotte’s premiere Go-Go band, Uptown Swagga, the new hot teen band—Sound Sensation and more great tunes provided by Doo Tek 9 Movements. Admission is $10 before 11 p.m. and the party starts at 8 p.m. Press Box is located at 9609 N. Tryon St. in the University Area.
It may be 2017 but the mighty JETA Team wants to take you on a musical voyage ‘Black in time’ with “Off The Wall: Best of the 80s V.11 & Slow Wine V.2!” Hop in your DeLorean time machine with DJ Aking Allah, DJ Justice and the beautiful DJ DK as they bring you a blast from the past with Hip Hop, The Funk, R&B, Rare Grooves, Pop, House, Nu-Wave, Reggae, Rock N’ Roll and more! Then, stay tuned as they smooth the remainder of the evening out with an arsenal of slow jams. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this! 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
There’s some new flavor coming to the QC and this Saturday, head down to Apostrophe Lounge for the inaugural 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 10 p.m. Admission is FREE until midnight. Apostrophe Lounge is located at 1440 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
This evening, join the Culture Cooperative and the gorgeous Dani Outen of OutenLove Events at Reign as they host another fly edition of “The Mixer!” This social platform has emerged into one of the largest and most successful young professional networking groups in Charlotte! Tonight’s theme, “The Alumni House Party” will be filled with all sorts of icebreaker activities, social media stations and more! Then be sure to stick around as The Dynamic DJ Kato, DJ Hypertyme and DJ Heartless rocks out with some Hip Hop, R&B and Reggae classics! Be sure to rock your college apparel and rep your school! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-featured-mixer-the-alumni-house-party-tickets-34059394566. The fun starts at 10 p.m. Reign is located at 505 E. 6th St. in Uptown.
——-SUNDAY 5/7——-
Start your Sunday Funday off on the right foot at Red Clay Ciderworks as they host their Sunday Brunch! PepperBox Doughnuts returns with their amazing doughnut creations and The Breakfast Food Truck will be serving up brunch with a dynamic and diverse menu. In addition to the food, try some some special craft cider cocktails including Cidermosas, Bellinis and the wonderfully roasted, cold-brewed nitro Pure Intentions Coffee! Admission is FREE and all ages are welcome. The event begins at 12 noon. Red Clay Ciderworks is located at 245 Clanton Rd. in Historic South End.
Do some fun Sunday shopping this afternoon at the May edition of Front Porch Sundays! In partnership with Greater Charlotte SPCA, come and enjoy a family and fur-filled day with live music, yoga, dog adoptions, food trucks and a marketplace featuring over 25 local merchants! Admission is FREE to attend and the event begins at 12 p.m. The address is 2151 Hawkins St. in Historic South End.
Charlotte, get ready for an entire afternoon of fun and bring the family out to Open Streets 704! This day of car(e)-free streets aims to build a better, healthier, connected community by encouraging Charlotte and Mecklenburg area residents to walk, bicycle, and experience the city together in a way that’s just not possible in a car. Starting at 1 p.m., the roads will be cleared connecting the Elizabeth, First Ward, Windsor Park, Chantilly, Echo Hills, Commonwealth, Plaza-Midwood, Sheffield Park, Country Club Heights, Eastover, and Cherry neighborhoods. Please dress comfortably, shop at small businesses, eat local and make new friends!
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!” Relax in this new Uptown QC venue with delicious food, drink specials, hookah, music from a surprise DJ 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-tickets-33517435552. 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 4 p.m. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.
The creative spirit of Kelley Carboni-Woods invites you out for another session of the Weekend Wind Down. This beautiful and beloved instructor will lead you through an inspired gentle yoga practice and guided meditation with clear intention and fortified spirits to create a positive mindset for the work week ahead. Admission is $5. The class begins at 6:30 p.m. and will be held at the Grier Heights Community Center. 3100 Leroy St.
——-MONDAY 5/8——-
The ultimate underground force known as Radio Rehab Carolinas returns with another nostalgic beacon for the people who are true music lovers. Everyone head over to The Morehead Tavern for “Motown on Mondays!” Every Monday, you will get to take a step Black in time, when the music was live, the Brothers were clean and the sophisticated Sister was the quintessential paramount of beauty. There will be a special guest DJ every week along with soul food and drink specials. Admission is FREE to attend and the funk starts grooving at 6 p.m. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #RadioRehabCarolinas
Brothers and sisters prepare your minds and head over to Mayfield Memorial Baptist Church this evening for the continuation of the Regaining Our Power African History Course. This weekly mini course is geared to help educate Black people about our powerful past which provides: knowledge of self, African cultural development and reconnection, economic wisdom, strategy and tactics for liberation, self-sufficiency in today’s climate, regaining power to self-determine, restoring our confidence and ambition and much more! The class is presented by the League of Intelligence and will begin at 7 p.m. Mayfield Memorial Baptist Church is located at 700 W. Sugar Creek Rd. in the Hidden Valley Neighborhood.
COMING SOON…
5/12 – Mood: BLACK
5/20 – African-American Hidden Gems Tour
5/21 – Soul Sunday
5/31 – 6/9 – Rory D. Sheriff’s “Be A Lion”
6/15 – 6/18 – 20th Annual Juneteenth of the Carolinas Festival
“Fear is the path to the dark side—fear leads to anger; anger leads to hate; hate leads to suffering.” -Yoda
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#TheBlackFerrisBueller #WeekendWarrior #CommunityFirst