By Shawn D. Allison, II
Yo, peep this everyone! I know “the Hawk” is out and making things a little chilly out in our city, but have no fear, your man The Black Ferris Bueller has got a whole weekend of goodies ready to warm your spirit up like a big bowl of chili! If you want to scoop where I’ll be chillin’ this weekend, just check out my “Hot List” below!
- Thursday—“The Hip-Hop Fellow” at AvidXchange Music Factory
- Friday—Jazz N’ Soul with D’Yenna Dukes & Soul Exposed at The Tavern
- Friday & Saturday—Jazz Arts Initiative “The Jazz Room” David Finucane playing Joe Henderson
- Saturday—The Big Heist: The Ol’ Skool Retreat at Heist Brewery
- Sunday—The West End Fall Festival at Mosaic Village
- Monday—“Mo’ Betta” at The Tavern
——-THURSDAY 11/17——-
Everyone come down to the Charlotte Convention Center for a weekend full of fun at the Charlotte International Auto Show! Get a gander of the new technologically advanced rides from Mitsubishi, Jeep, Chrysler, Toyota, Chevrolet and more! Kids 12 and under are admitted FREE. General admission tickets can be purchased here: https://secure.interactiveticketing.com/1.12/878e3a/#/select. The show will run from today all the way through Sunday (11/20). The Charlotte Convention Center is located at 501 S. College St. in Uptown.
Join local grassroots initiative Educate to Engage this evening at The Third Place: Coffee, Community & Common Ground this evening for a discussion of the newly-released book “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness” by Michelle Alexander. For tonight’s session, you will discuss Chapter 1 – “The Rebirth of Caste” and begin the dialogue from chattel slavery to Jim Crow. Admission is FREE to attend and the discussion begins at 6 p.m. The Third Place is located at 1609 E. 5th St. in Uptown. #NoMoreBystanding
Brothers, imagine the lives you can change with just a few hours a week. The Charlotte chapter of I Am My Brother invites you out this evening for a mentorship information and registration session. This meeting will discuss the state of young Black men and explain the details of the program. Admission is FREE to attend. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. The address is 8401 Medical Plaza Dr. in the University Area.
This evening at The Underground at AvidXchange Music Factory, join The Gantt Center as they present a documentary screening of “The Hip Hop Fellow” with featured guest, Grammy Award-winning DJ/Producer, 9th Wonder and noted scholar, Mark Anthony Neal. You may know 9th Wonder’s distinctive sound, but tonight you’ll get a view of his life as a Hip-Hop professor tying in the culture with an academic curriculum. Also, after the lecture, stick around for another funky edition of Gantt After Dark dope music and mixes from the lovely DJ Chela. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.universe.com/events/featuring-grammy-award-winning-producer-9th-wonder-tickets-SJKYH1. The event begins at 6 p.m. The Underground is located at 820 Hamilton St. on the outskirts of Uptown.
Join Alliance Francaise de Charlotte (French Alliance of Charlotte) at The Levine Museum of the New South this evening for Beaujolais Nouveau! Come out for wine tasting, French fare, live jazz, and silent auctions celebrating the first grape harvest of the season. Tickets can be purchased here: http://afcharlotte.org/en/static17/online-payment. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. The museum is located at 200 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
Head out to OYA Lounge this evening for “Thirsty Thirty Thursdays!” Relax and groove before the weekend officially starts at the new grown and sexy joint for fly folks over 30! Also, be sure to head to the bar and grab a potion or two as DJ Shaun Nyce aka “The Blend King” sets the mood to get your body in motion! The party starts at 8 p.m. and admission is FREE before 10 p.m. OYA Lounge is located at 3200 Monroe Rd.
All you around the way girls and guys ride down to Club One with your boomin’ systems and get ready for The Official I Love NY Throwback Thursdays! Give a warm QC welcome to the one and only DJ Cut Creator giving a special tribute to Hip Hop icon, LL Cool J! The event is hosted by Awesom & E.O.C. So Street Ent. Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-official-i-love-ny-series-throw-back-thursday-dj-cut-creator-tickets-29366268299. Doors open at 8 p.m. Club One is located at 950 NC Music Factory Blvd. on the outskirts of Uptown.
Are your ears itchin’ for some eclectic grooves? I’ve got just the thing for you! Head out to The Station this evening as local music acts Blame The Youth, LeAnna Eden & The Garden Of and Signs Point East all give a live performance for your listening pleasures! If you’ve never heard any of these great acts, they truly stand out on their own in this ever-changing contemporary wave of sound. Don’t miss them! Admission is $6 per person and the show begins at 8:30 p.m. The Station is located at 2131 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
——-FRIDAY 11/18——-
Start your day off at C3 Lab as they host a Friendship Picnic! Partnered with CLTure, this social gathering will be filled with all sorts of delicious and healthy treats to make your stomach and spirits smile! For a special Thanksgiving menu, there will be rolled turkey breast stuffed with rice, dried fruit, glazed ham with caramelized pineapple and various vegetables. You will be able purchase the delicious Friendship Market’s Grab-n-Go boxed lunches in the C3Lab Event Space and picnic with friends at the communal tables. The picnic begins at 11:30 a.m. C3 Lab is located at 2525 Distribution St. in Historic South End.
Are you the bravest fighter in the Queen City? Prepare for battle at The Discovery Place with Science on the Rocks: Ultimate Warrior—featuring the premiere of the all-new exhibition, Genghis Khan. Explore the culture, conquests and heritage of one of the world’s greatest conquerors when the treasures and stories of Genghis Khan are presented to the QC for the first time! Then test your skills in the Ultimate Warrior Obstacle Course, don a Sumo Suit for a hilariously challenging wrestling match, make your own Mongolian warrior mask, wear your favorite warrior costume for a contest and much more! Tickets can be purchased at: https://science.discoveryplace.org/explore/events/sotr-ultimate-warrior. The fun starts at 5 p.m. This is a 21+ event so please have proper I.D. at the door. The Discovery Place is located at 301 N. Tryon St. in Uptown. #SOTR
Gather your friends and come out to The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art for another fun edition of “Bechtler By Night!” Hailed as a leisure haven for art enthusiasts in the Charlotte region, this event is filled with lots of fun games, delicious treats, fresh wine and more! The theme for the evening is “Design & Shine”– where you can put your own spin on some of the modern art-influenced jewelry pieces found in our second-floor exhibition, “All That Sparkles… 20th Century Artists’ Jewelry.” Admission is FREE and the event begins at 5 p.m. The Bechtler is located at 420 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
This evening, LaCa Projects debuts “Mar de Mares”, a solo exhibition featuring Argentinian artist, Leandro Manzo. In his second solo show at LaCa Projects, Manzo compiles a diverse body of work embodying erotic, natural and spiritual themes. Moreover, the range of genres—from vibrant landscapes and portraits to imagined black and white images—is testament to his versatility as a figurative expressionist artist. Admission is FREE to attend and the showcase begins at 6 p.m. LaCa Projects is located at 1429 Bryant St. on the outskirts of Uptown.
The Jazz Arts Initiative acclaimed audible art showcase, “The Jazz Room” is back once again for another round of classic jazz instrumental tributes! For the feature performance, saxophonist David Finucane pays tribute to the legendary Joe Henderson. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/the-jazz-room-the-stage-door-theater-33. Tonight’s performances will be at 6 and 8:15 p.m. with two additional performances on Saturday (11/19) at 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. The Jazz Room will be held at The Stage Door Theatre, located at the corner or E. 5th St. and N. College St. in Uptown. #JAI
For some Friday night family fun, head down to the Little Rock Cultural Center for the premiere of the children’s play, “The Star That Hangs Closest to the Earth.” Presented by Star Productions International, this children’s play created by C. Maria Macon is her debut production. Please call (980)-202-9149 for additional info. Tickets are $25 and $10 for children 12 years and younger. There will be three performances: tonight at 8 p.m., Saturday (11/19) at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and a Sunday (11/20) mantinee performance at 3 p.m. All performances will be held at The Little Rock Cultural Center. 401 N. Myers St. in Uptown.
The end of the week is here and it is time to de-stress with the lovely Dina Badaway as she curates Candlelight Deep Stretch Yoga at AIR Charlotte this evening. Come and experience a relaxing preamble to the upcoming hectic holiday season as Dina leads you through a slow flow series of postures that will calm your nerves, bring peace to your inner being and allow your breath to lead your movements. Tickets can be purchased at: Http://www.movewithdina.com. The class begins at 7 p.m. AIR Charlotte is located at 1043 Providence Rd. near the outskirts of Uptown.
Come one of Charlotte’s most powerful voices, the lovely Gena Chambers rock the house at BluNotes this evening for the restaurant’s newest installment, “The Friday Release.” Kick back, get your grub on with delicious entrée and drink specials, enjoy some sweet vocals and a fly rhythm section designed to enhance your evening! Admission is FREE all night long and the music starts at 8 p.m. BluNotes is located at 3425 David Cox Rd. in the University Area.
Get ready for an intricate and innovative series of dance performances at Goodyear Arts this weekend! In conjunction with The McColl Center for Art + Innovation, come experience another fly edition of the New Frequencies Art Showcase. For tonight’s presentation and theme entitled, “Chance Encounters” this composition is comprised of three innovative dance performances, each inspired by a different work of art. It is a long-distance collaboration between dancers Brian McGinnis (Chicago), Eric Mullis (Charlotte), and Jennifer Sydor (NYC), and composer, Brent Bagwell (Charlotte), who will provide live musical accompaniment. Admission is $5 and can be paid at the door. The performance will be tonight and Saturday (11/19), both starting at 8 p.m. Goodyear Arts is located at 516 N. College St. in Uptown.
If your ears have a desire to be engorged with some lucid, liquid and lush lyricism this evening, come out to The McGlohon Theatre at Spirit Square for the SlamCharlotte Poetry Slam. Whether you are a connoisseur, creative or just curious come out to hear from and mingle with some truly talented individuals. The slam will be held at 8 p.m. and admission is $10. The McGlohon Theatre is located at 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
Come out to Club One this Friday night and join the Moxie Society as they provide a new experience with “Groove Theory: The Live Music Series!” Just chill out after a long work week and feel the power energy and beautiful funk of The Gi Spot feat. GiGi Mack coming straight to your earholes! The party starts at 8 p.m. with FREE admission until 10 p.m. Also be sure to inquire about $5 martinis and other drink specials. Club One is located at 950 NC Music Factory Blvd. near Uptown. #MoxieSociety
Join Jazz N’ Soul Music for their 3rd Friday Session as they welcome the local vocal brick house, D’Yenna Dukes & Soul Exposed. Do you want The Funk? She has it! Do you want to feel the Boom and the Bip? She’ll give it to you! With years of entertainment experience including sharing stages with the legendary funk group, Zapp & Roger and performing for the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin, D’Yenna Dukes is an excellent and talented fixture in soul music! And in addition to her own original music, she covers powerhouse vocalists such as Chaka Khan, Teena Marie and Evelyn “Champagne” King. This Soul Siren does it all! Tickets are on sale at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jazz-n-soul-music-presents-dyenna-dukes-soul-exposed-tickets-29295856696. Showtime is at 9 p.m. at The Tavern. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #JazzNSoul
Get your jig on tonight with one of Charlotte’s most creative and grounded MCs, 7th Soana as he hosts the “Folk Rap House Joog!” Enjoy a night of performances from 7th along with The Blu House Band, Stevie Blanco and the Folk Rap Genius himself, Nige Hood! In addition to live performances, there will be an art showcase present too. Admission is $5. Bring your friends out and come discover some greatness within the confines of i-485! The jig starts at 9 p.m. The address is 2832 Virginia Ave. in the NoDa District.
Join The Dynamic DJ Kato at Apostrophe Lounge this evening for the second edition of “Hip-Hop & Hookah!” Come and chill out with a special set dedicated to Little Brother, A Tribe Called Quest and Shawty Lo. The music starts at 10 p.m. Admission is FREE before 11 p.m. and $5 after. Apostrophe Lounge is located at 1440 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
——-SATURDAY 11/19——-
For all of you middle school-aged youngsters, I got something cool line up for you all today! Gather your friends and parents and head down to CPCC Central Campus for the “Passport to STEM Fair!” This interactive fair for middle school students and their parents is designed to increase awareness and understanding of the exciting careers available in science, technology, engineering and math. Students will have a unique opportunity to visit the state-of-the-art teaching labs and to talk with representatives from leading companies and local colleges to find out the educational paths to a career in the exciting STEM field. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cpcc-passport-to-stem-tickets-28899241409?aff=es2. The event begins at 9 a.m. and will be held at the Advanced Technology Center on the CPCC Central Campus. 1241 Charlottetowne Ave. in Uptown.
Ladies, head over to Hygge Co-Working Space this morning as inspiHER hosts “Coffee & Conversations.” Are you in need of a place to share intimate questions and desires and to dive into deep, thought-provoking conversations? If your answer is “yes”, then this event is for you! Coffee will be provided, you just bring the conversation. Join some awesome women of faith and virtue and be encouraging to each other! Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coffee-and-conversations-tickets-26229616489?aff=es2. The event begins at 10 a.m. Hygge Coworking is located at 809 Hill St., Suite “C” which is on the outskirts of Uptown.
Parents, get those kids up and active and head over to KIPP Charlotte for the 6th Annual Total Children’s Wellness Fair! Hosted by QC Stay At Home Moms & Co., get ready for a day full of fun activities! From primary education to college choices there’s something for all ages to enjoy! The fair will feature a fashion show, a cooking with kids challenge, vendors offering a variety of goods and services, physical activities, entertainment and live DJ spinning some fun tunes! Admission is FREE to attend and the fun starts at 11 a.m. KIPP Charlotte is located at 931 Wilann Dr.
The Steel & Velvet Brothers of MALIK Fraternity, Inc. are hosting an Open House at the Levine Museum of the New South this afternoon. This event is open to all men in the community interested in learning more about MALIK Fraternity, Inc. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/charlotte-maliks-open-house-tickets-28851918866?aff=efbevent. The event begins at 12 noon. The museum is located at 200 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
This afternoon, join the beautiful trio of ladies known as The Craft Bar as they host their first “Sip & Paint Pop-Up Party!” This event will be packed with music, laughs, drinks and of course paint! All of the supplies will be provided. Bring your friends out for an afternoon of fun! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-craft-bars-sip-and-paint-pop-up-party-tickets-28820024469. The event begins at 2 p.m. and will be held at Alexander Village. The address is 9224 Graham Ridge Dr. in the University Area.
The ever-funky Blu House is throwing a party for their long-awaited EP release this evening! Come feel the flavor of one of the QC’s most talented up-and-coming musical collectives featuring performances from MC 7th Soana, LeAnna Eden & The Garden Of, Nige Hood, Celeste, Monty Mak Band and of course—Blu House! Admission is FREE to attend and the event begins at 7:30 p.m. The address of the event is 1609 E. 5th St. in Uptown.
BluNotes proudly presents its 3rd Saturday sizzler, “Grooves, Booze & Jazz!” this evening with none other than one of the baddest hornblowers in the QC—trombonist Buff Dillard! Come and get you a strong dose of his signature “Bonejazz” sound while you enjoy a delicious Southern-cooked meal and cocktails! There will be two shows this evening: 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. Admission is $5 for both shows. BluNotes is located at 3425 David Cox Rd. in the University Area. #Bonejazz
Head to Heist Brewery and get an earful of fly sounds at “The Big Heist: The Ol’ Skool Retreat!” Your sound engineers DJ Chance and DJ Lunchbeats will be rockin’ all the best of Golden Era Hip Hop, R&B, Soul, Funk, House with a SPECIAL A Tribe Called Quest/Native Tongues tribute added in the mix! Admission is FREE to attend and the event begins at 9 p.m. Heist Brewery is located at 2909 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Experience some Hip-Hop with passion and purpose this evening at The Press Box Bar & Grill and get ready for “#HealCharlotte: A Night of Hip-Hop!” This evening come hear some of the QC’s hottest spitters brandish some bars and raise funds for the family of Keith Lamont Scott through music, food, community and dialogue. Performers include BLUZ, Nitara’s Love Notes, Von Hunter, Mason Parker and more. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/healcharlotte-a-night-of-hip-hop-tickets-29038241161?aff=es2 or at the door. The event begins at 9 p.m. Press Box is located at 9609 N. Tryon St. in the University Area. #HealCharlotte
The Bantu Fete Team proudly presents the sixth edition of “AfroPop Charlotte!” This monthly festive culture jam in the QC celebrates all things native with Afro-sensory dopeness through a hot soundtrack of Afrobeat, Soca, Reggae, Dancehall and more! Also, be sure to peep the fly fashions, engage in networking, high-energy dance, vendors, art and fellowship! All sounds will be spun by DJ Kato and DJ Steel Wheel. Tickets can be purchased here: http://clt-tix.afropopnation.com. The celebration starts at 10 p.m. at The Tavern. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #AfricanaConnections
——-SUNDAY 11/20——-
Bring the family out to the Mosaic Village this afternoon as No Grease Barbershop, Inc., The NeighborHood Café, West Charlotte High School and The Million Youth March of Charlotte proudly presents, The West End Fall Festival! This community event is filled with fellowship, bounce houses, delicious food, educational and small business vendors, live entertainment and more! Admission is FREE to attend and all ages are welcome. The jump off is at 12 noon. Mosaic Village is located at 1635 W. Trade St. in Uptown.
Join the Bechtler Ensemble as they perform internationally beloved Chamber Music of Britain, Spain and Argentina as part of the Music and Museum series. Accompanying cellist Tanja Bechtler will be Peter deVries on violin and Paul Nitsch on piano. The trio will play favorite classics by Joaquin Turina, Frank Bridge and Astor Piazolla along with the hauntingly beautiful Six Studies in English Folk-Song by Ralph Vaughn William. Accompanying the concert will be visual art commentary by Bechtler curator Dr. Jennifer Sudul Edwards. Tickets can be purchased here: https://30796a.blackbaudhosting.com/30796a/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=97ad8c15-e614-47c3-908a-d2392bf5993c. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The Bechtler is located at 420 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Jazzy Sundays is back one mo’ gin’ at The Tavern this evening! Join host Chirl Girl, DJ 06 and the Tempo Allstarz as they welcome and feature Mr. Ryan Brown who will be performing the greatest hits from The Gap Band! Doors open at 6 p.m. and admission is FREE before 7 p.m. The Tavern is located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.
Treat yourselves to some class as Tammy Greene aka “The Jazz Diva” along with The Urban League of Central Carolinas proudly presents the longstanding jazz quartet, Fourplay at the Knight Theatre! For 25 years, these four brilliant and legendary musicians have crafted a sound that is second to none. Come see jazz-funk instrumentalist greats, Bob James (keyboards), Harvey Mason (drums), Nathan East (bass) and Chuck Loeb (guitar) play some timeless grooves for your Sunday evening pleasure! Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/fourplay-the-25th-anniversary-tour. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. The Knight Theatre is located at 430 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
——-MONDAY 11/21——-
On Q Productions is back again to put some funk in your Monday with another fly edition of Mo’ Betta! Join host Quentin Talley and On Q musical director Tim Scott, Jr. for an evening full of great music, spoken word, film, comedy, dance and more visual art! Your featured act for the evening is none other than the talented Vincent Robinson! Tickets can be purchased at: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/mo-betta. Showtime is at 6 p.m. and it will be held at The Tavern. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #OnQ
The culinary creativity of Terra Flora – Fine Plant Foods and Advent Coworking have teamed up to present to the public, “Harvest Up!: A Seasonal Dinner Series!” Come out for a seasonal artisan collaborative filled incredible color schemes, Fall flavors, seasonal sangrias, excellent music and fellowship welcoming the crisp vibes for November. For ticket purchases and menu options, please visit this link: http://www.eventbee.com/v/callingchefcat/event?eid=169741652. The feast and fellowship begins at 7 p.m. Advent Coworking is located at 933 Louise Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
COMING SOON…
Thursday, 11/24—DOPE: Stanksgiving (An Ode to Dirty South Hip Hop) at The Press Box
Friday, 11/25—Black Friday: Redirecting Our Dollars at Little Rock Cultural Center
Monday, 11/28—Documentary screening of “13th” at Queens College
Saturday, 12/3—Off The Wall Wu-Tang Forever V.4 at Petra’s
Saturday, 12/3—Holiday Dazzle: Black & White Party
“Hope springs eternal, even in politics.” -Gwen Ifill
Everyone have a great weekend, bundle up but please spread warm love to your neighbors! Peace.
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller