By Shawn D. Allison, II
What’s the word family? We made it to the weekend! JCSU’s Homecoming is poised to paint the city blue and gold with all sorts of cool events. However, if you want to celebrate alongside with them, I’ve cultivated a special list of goodies just for you! To know what’s really lit this weekend, peep my “Hot List” just below!
- THURSDAY – SUNDAY – Charlotte Black Restaurant Week
- THURSDAY – OutenLove Events’ “Luv N’ Henny After-Work Mixer” at Sydney’s Martini & Wine Bar
- THURSDAY – Gantt After Dark Goes Pink at The Harvey B. Gantt Center
- THURSDAY – SpiceLAB Media, LLC’s “R&B Nights – Ladies Night Edition” at Loft & Cellar
- FRIDAY – “Beauties, Books & Beaus” at Park Road Books
- FRIDAY – Charlotte Black Restaurant Week Food Truck Friday at Three Spirits Brewery
- FRIDAY – Flying Above the Clouds of Adversity at The Gantt Center
- SATURDAY – JCSU Homecoming Game & Festivites
- SATURDAY – “I Still Love the 90s Brunch & Day Party” at Sports One Bar & Lounge
- SATURDAY – Black Alternative Music Festival at Camp North End
- SATURDAY – i-SLAY Autumn Fashion Show at Carolina Ale House
- SATURDAY – AfroPop Vol. 16: Viva Boogaloo at The Morehead Tavern
- SATURDAY – “Off The Wall: ATCQ/Native Tongues Tribute V.5” at Petra’s
- SUNDAY – Art, Beats & Brunch at Studio 1212
- MONDAY – Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde 25th Anniversary at Snug Harbor
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, OCTOBER 19——-
It’s ladies night at Loft & Cellar as SpiceLAB Media, LLC proudly presents another edition of R&B Nights! Get your after-work groove on with host Iz-Real The Poet and headlining acts, the beautiful songstresses London Young and Hendricks! Also, be sure to grab some of the tasty drink and meal specials provided by the staff. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/spicelab-media-presents-rb-nights-tickets-37135290654. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the show will start at 7:30 p.m. Loft & Cellar is located at 305 W. 4th St. in Uptown.
OutenLove Events is back in full effect this evening as they invite you out to Sydney’s Martini & Wine Bar for fun that’s plenty at the “Luv N’ Henny After-Work Mixer!” Loosen those neckties, replace those pumps with flats and come relax in one of Uptown Charlotte’s most debonair establishments. Enjoy fine wines, a bevy of cocktail specials and the company of some the area’s coolest and progressive individuals! Hennessy drinks will be $7 all night long. The event begins at 6 p.m. Sydney’s is located at 401 N. Tryon St. in Uptown. #OutenLoveEvents
Slide out to The Gantt Center and get ready for “Gantt After Dark: Goes Pink” this evening! Invite your friends out to dance, mingle, network and gaze upon a glorious sunset across the QC sky as local jazz band 5th & York sets the mood for the crowd with an amazing blend of contemporary and classic jazz. Also, be sure to visit the newly-installed art exhibits, meet artists, participate in group arts activities, shop with local vendors and view works-in-progress from local filmmakers. Admission is FREE to attend. Dress attire is business casual. The event will begin at 6 p.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Dapper Street Productions invites you to start your weekend off with a serious bang as they proudly present Live Soul & Funk with Jemini June! If you have never been blessed with this fiercely talented queen, you are definitely in for a special treat! Jemini is definitely no amateur and she captivates you with every note she belts and every rhyme she spits, everything else becomes irrelevant once you experience her flyness! Admission is FREE to attend and there will be light refreshments available. The event will begin at 6 p.m. and will be held at The Bette Rae Thomas Rec Center. 2921 Tuckaseegee Rd.
Come out to the Mint Museum Uptown for another spicy fiesta of Latino music, art, culture and fellowship at “Latin Music Concert Series!” The Latin Music Concert Series seeks to showcase different rhythms from Latin America, highlighting the talents of local musicians from the Latin American community. From classical music to Latin jazz, these concerts will provide a taste of the variety of cultures from the all corners of Latino Diaspora. Tonight’s guest is the Alfred Sergei IVtet and guest pianist Chad Lawson. Tickets can be purchased here: https://13800.blackbaudhosting.com/13800/Latin-Music-Concert-Series-19Oct2017. The event will begin at 7 p.m. The Mint Museum is located at 500 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
——-FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20——-
Everyone bring yourselves, your mama and your cousins out to Three Spirits Brewery for Charlotte Black Restaurant Food Truck Friday! Mix and mingle with the community as your favorite Chocolate culinary chariots corral around the only Black-owned brewery in the city for an evening of fun and celebrating the success of Charlotte Black Restaurant Week! There will be live performers, music, vendors and more surprises in store! Admission is FREE to attend and the event will begin at 5 p.m. Three Spirits Brewery is located at 5046 Old Pineville Rd.
Discovery Place Science will be full of tricks and treats this Friday for “Science on the Rocks: Fright at the Museum!” Enjoy an unforgettable adults-only night of monstrous mayhem featuring spooky science experiments, zombie dissections, straitjacket races, creepy & crawly animal exhibits, werewolf hunting last tag, a haunted virtual reality experience and much more! Costumes are not required but are highly encouraged. Tickets can be purchased here: https://15106a.blackbaudhosting.com/15106a/page.aspx?pid=196&tab=2&txobjid=39f8383c-6ba3-4280-a19c-0375285dba8d. This event is for persons 21+ with proper I.D. The event will begin at 5 p.m. Discovery Place Science is located at 301 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Join local activist and wonder woman I Am Melody and Park Road Books as they proudly present “Books, Beauties & Beaus” this evening! Are you tired of turning the pages at familiar establishments and reading the same characters? Come and try a new method of singles mingling or find your new love with fun games, trivia, refreshments and all the books you could love! Admission is FREE to attend, but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/books-beauties-beaus-tickets-38480418969. The event will begin at 6 p.m. Park Road Books is located at 4139 Park Rd.
This evening at The Gantt Center, bring the entire family out for a special celebration of the Tuskeegee Airmen entitled, “Flying Above the Clouds of Adversity.” At age 95, former Tuskeegee Airmen pilot Alexander Jefferson is still going strong. The once P.O.W. was shot out of the skies in Europe and held by the Germans as World War II was nearing an end. This former school teacher, lecturer, author and Detroit native is the subject of award-winning documentary producer Steve Crump’s latest project titled “Red Tail Revered.” Jefferson and other local African-American combat pilots Mr. Carl Gamble and Mrs. Brenda Robinson will discuss their experiences in the air as U.S. Military personnel in a panel discussion following the film. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://61686.blackbaudhosting.com/61686/Flying-Above-the-Clouds-of-Adversity?_ga=2.240868099.1275989097.1508409761-614612464.1508409761. The event will begin at 6 p.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Slide down to 7th District and get ready for Lavish Uptown Fridays – Premier Friday Ladies Night! It’s the end of the week so you and your crew come on down to enjoy the company of other fly individuals in the QC, toss back some libations and grab a hearty plate of food from the kitchen staff. For your entertainment, DJ FoundACEtion and DJ Kash will be on hand rockin’ out with the hottest sounds of today and yesteryear. Admission is FREE to attend. To make a reservation, please contact 704-934-1204. The event will begin at 8 p.m. 7th District is located at 321 N. Caldwell St. in Uptown.
Everyone head out to Petra’s for the third and final installment of their interactive and eclectic cool-down series, “Antidote – Jazz & Poetry.” Join hosts and performers, local jazz trio Ghost Trees and poet Amy Bagwell as they alternate sets of jazz and poetry touching your heart and soul. As Ghost Trees and Amy sets things off with a rousing round of sounds and words, joining them will be poet Joe Pineda, pianist Burton Greene and the energy of jazz band Hearts and Minds. Admission is $8 per person. Doors open at 8 and the art flows at 9 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Jazz N’ Soul Music is back for another jam-packed Friday evening with local delight! They are no stranger to any stage in the QC—everyone get ready to spend an affectionate evening with AFFECTUAL! This band of brothers really know how to wow a crowd with impeccable and interactive musicianship, you’ll want to get up and dance along! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/affectual-a-night-of-sax-infused-hot-jazz-and-soul-tickets-38486434963. Show starts at 9 p.m. and will be held at The Morehead Tavern. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #JazzNSoul
Come out and feel the surge at SERJ and travel into the worlds of the unknown with Salt Shaker Music Group and Raw Substance Music as they present “Abyss – Get Deep” this evening! What’s on the agenda for tonight? Sound pilots Melodious Funk, MalFunkShun, DJ Mister M, DJ Mr Finch, Charles Gatling and DJ Marcus Wade will take you in on a journey into the far reaches of House, Deep House, Downtempo, Alternative, Soulful House and Funk! Admission is FREE. The event will begin at 10 p.m. SERJ is located at 2906 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
——-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21——-
Ladies, Tori Knox is changing the lives of women globally with her new documentary and book collaboration one dialogue, interview and event at a time. This morning, head down to Marriott Center City for “Brown Girls Comradery.” For the past three years, Ms. Knox has been researching the topic of Black women and rivalry. She utilized her platform to interview, listen, watch and explore the issues within society concerning Black Women’s rights, injustice, discord amongst sisterhood, jealousy, sabotage, heartbreak and emotional pain. If you are a Black Woman and are passionate about becoming an answer and solution to the historical and growing dilemma or would love to tell your story of friendship, love and power amidst your personal circle you are invited and encouraged to join others and share your story. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brown-girls-comradery-documentary-interviews-tickets-38884225766. The event begins at 10 a.m. Marriott Center City is located at 100 W. Trade St. in Uptown.
Bring the entire family out to JCSU for their 8th Annual FestiVille Celebration! In honor of Homecoming 2017, come mingle with the community, students and alumni as you explore the yard filled with lots of vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, music, games and much more! Then, head over towards the stadium as the mighty Golden Bulls take on the Bears of Shaw University—and you don’t want to miss the band throw down at halftime! Admission for the festival is FREE. Tickets for the game can be purchased here: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3002550. The festival begins at 11 a.m. and the game starts at 1 p.m. JCSU is located at 100 Beatties Ford Rd.
Start your Saturday off on the good foot and head over to Sports One Bar & Lounge as Moxie Society hosts another dope edition of the “I Still Love the 90s Brunch & Day Party!” The menu is full of fresh and flavorful choices, the people are fly and get ready to hear the funk from Charlotte’s own DJ Justice fixing you with a fantastic arsenal of grooves for you to enjoy! Admission is FREE and the event will begin at 11 a.m. Sports One Bar & Lounge is located at 521 N. College St. in Uptown.
Step away from the radio and all forms of commercial and maintstream music and head out to Camp North End for the Black Alternative Music Festival! Filled with all sorts of soulful sonic frequencies, come experience some progressive Rock, Soul, Funk, Jazz and Hip Hop with a special touch of Chocolate. Acts include Blu House, Nige Hood & the Folk Rap Band, LeAnna Eden & The Garden Of, Sun Queen Kelcey, Chocala, Lofidels and many more! Food and vendors will also be available. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/blaat-music-festival-tickets-36961151800. The event will begin at 12 noon. Camp North End is located at 1776 Statesville Ave.
Feel the rhythm of your pressure dance in delight at The Cornwell Center this afternoon and come out for the Caribbean Shakedown & Cardio Funk Collide! Join the powerful trio of Lem Houston, Sue McDaniel, and Nyree Beachum along with a special guest as they raise and tear the roof off the building jamming to old and new school jams from around the Caribbean in a specialized, energetic and fun cardio workout session! Admission is $10 and all proceeds will benefit the islands of the Caribbean who were affected by natural disasters. The event begins at 2 p.m. The Cornwell Center is located at 2001 Selwyn Ave. in the Myers Park Neighborhood.
Ladies, fall is in full effect and it’s time to shine with the season! Bring your friends down to Revolution EGO and come out for the Onion Trunk Show! The eclectic and beautiful fashion designer, Whitney Mero is back once again to give your womanly curves a boost with some elegant flair and flavor. After you’ve made your selections, the items are cut to length by hand. Admission to the event is FREE. Cash and cards are accepted. The event begins at 3 p.m. Revolution EGO is located at 312 N. Myers St. in Uptown.
Head down to Carolina Ale House for the “i-SLAY Autumn Fashion Show 2017!” Come witness some professional local models strutting the catwalk donning the latest fall fashions from local designers. Also, be sure to network with other designers, creatives and enjoy a delightful ambience with festive music from a special guest DJ. This event is hosted by Merge, Rico Stylez and Golden Boy Entertainment. Admission is FREE to attend and the event will begin at 4 p.m. Carolina Ale House is located at 201 S. College St. in Uptown.
This Saturday evening, come out to The McColl Center for Art + Innovation for the first session of the newest season of the museum’s New Frequencies art series. Tonight’s guest is the talented Ecuadorian birthed and South Florida bred musician Helado Negro. You’ll get a bilingual musical experience in English and Spanish with his dancing Tinsel Mammals along with getting an earful of the influence of the electro and Miami-bass captured from the radio in his youth. Known for his mesmerizing rhythms, loops and hair-raising melodies, this one-man band is quite the sonic maestro in the digital age. Opening for him will be the eclectic sound machine High Cube. Tickets can be purchased here: https://53393.blackbaudhosting.com/53393/New-Frequencies-at-McColl-Center–Music-Helado-Negro. The show will begin at 8 p.m. The McColl Center is located at 721 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Get your tribal boogie on this evening at The Morehead Tavern and come out for AfroPop Vol. 16: Viva Boogaloo! The Dynamic DJ Kato, DJ Steel Wheel and Loot-Tenant Trax is back with their fiery and energetic mixes of Afrobeat, Soca, House, Reggae, Afro-House, Dancehall, R&B and Hip Hop for your soul! For this month, the two resident turntablists will be joined by DJ Bumbac Joe from Chi-Town spinning some Latin Funk, Boogaloo and Latin House flavors. Also, before the event really heats up, be sure to indulge in some personalized dance lessons from Kizomba Charlotte and Socafit USA. Vendors and artists will be on hand to enhance your AfroPop experience as well. This event is brought to you by Africana Connections, Nappy Luv and DRC ApeParel. Tickets can be purchased at the door or here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/afropop-charlotte-vol16-viva-boogaloo-tickets-38645667231. The party starts at 9 p.m. The Morehead Tavern is located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #WelcomeToTheTribe
For some more tribal flavor, slide out to Petra’s as the mighty JETA Team proudly presents one of their most heralded events to date—“Off The Wall: ATCQ/Native Tongues Edition V.5!” Soul and sound providers DJ Aking Allah and DJ Justice are back to give you an authentic and organic taste of Hip Hop as they pay tribute to the legendary Native Tongues Posse! Come relive the music from A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Jungle Brothers, Queen Latifah, Monie Love, Brand Nubian, Black Sheep, J-Dilla, Leaders of the New School, The Beatnuts and Chi Ali! Don’t miss this! Admission is $5 before 11 and $10 after. The party starts at 9 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District. #TheJETATeam #OffTheWall
——-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22——-
SuperDope Nation & Dr3am3rs invites you out to Studio 1212 for “Art, Beats & Brunch – The Homecoming Edition!” In honor of JCSU’s Homecoming, all students, alumni and brunch enthusiasts will get to partake in this festive and eclectic social gathering. Some of the most talented artists in Charlotte and surrounding areas will be performing and displaying their work. Guests will be able to enjoy chicken and waffles, mimosas, drink specials and the opportunity to experience some amazing talent from the featured creatives. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/art-beats-and-brunch-homecoming-edition-tickets-37824604410. The event will begin at 12 noon. Studio 1212 is located at 1212 E. 10th St. on the outskirts of Uptown.
The super lovely Summer Lucille of Material Girl Life Productions is hosting a Plus-Size Model Call for her specialized Juicy Body Goddess garment line. Please visit this link for all model requirements of today’s audition process: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/plus-size-model-call-with-juicy-body-goddess-tickets-37791021964. The event will begin at 3 p.m. and will be held at Material Girl Hair. 5015 N. Tryon St., Suite #114. #MGLife
End your weekend at Petra’s and come out for a fun and relaxing event entitled, “Jazzology.” Join the beautiful vocalist Donna Duncan as she takes you on a jazzy journey along with a sextet of fine-tuned musicians playing classic jazz tunes of the 50s and 60s. Admission is FREE to attend. The event begins at 8 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
——-MONDAY, OCTOBER 23——-
One of Hip Hop’s greatest acts makes a stop in Charlotte at one of its more longstanding unground events this evening—everyone get ready to go on a journey with Bizarre Ride performing live at Knocturnal! Call all your friends and tell them to meet you at Snug Harbor as legendary MCs SlimKid3 and Fatlip (formerly of The Pharcyde) as they tour in celebration of their 25th anniversary milestone of their classic debut album “Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde.” Performing alongside them will be K-Natural, DJ Manwell, Khingz, Mic Flont and Massiah. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.snugharbor.tunesnub.com/event.cfm?id=260532&cart. The party starts at 10 p.m. Snug Harbor is located at 1228 Gordon St. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
COMING SOON…
10/27 – An Evening with Acoustic Alchemy
10/28 — Paintopia Halloween Pumpkin Painting Extravaganza
10/28 – Su Casa – WE LOVE FELA!
11/3 – James Brown Dance Party
11/3 – Blow Your Head
11/7 – Business Card Bingo
11/12 – Classic Black Cinema Series screening of “Get Christy Love!”
Have a great weekend Brothers and Sisters! Love and light to you all! Peace.
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #CommunityFirst