By Shawn D. Allison, II
What’s happenin’ all you ghouls & gals out there? Halloween is here in full effect just like the moon and there’s lots to do this weekend! I’ve found all sorts of dope beats, delicious eats and all sorts of tricks and treats for everyone on these Queen City streets! Now if you want to know what joints I’ll be adding flavor to this weekend, just be sure to check out my “Hot List” just below, ya’ dig?
- Thursday—Uptown Crawl
- Thursday – Sunday—On Q Productions’ “Day of Absence + Kiss My Black Angst”
- Friday—The SoulJunkies’ “Haunted Halloween House Party”
- Saturday—The Male’s Place Ceremonial Blessing of the Harvest 2016
- Saturday—Xpressions from the Heart’s “What A Difference A Day Makes”
- Sunday—“Brunch So Hard CLT: A Boozy Brunch Series”
- Sunday—Umu Igbo Unite Charlotte Inaugural General Body Meeting
——-THURSDAY 10/27——-
Election 2016 has driven everyone insane, right? Well this evening, take a load off and head to The Levine Museum of the New South and come out for “Political Satire with Kevin Siers.” No matter where you fall on the political spectrum it’s hard to deny that the 2016 election will be one of historical significance. As this election cycle draws to a close, come out for a look back at some of the key moments from state and national races through the eyes of a Pulitzer Prize-winning Charlotte Observer Editorial Cartoonist. Tickets can be purchased here: https://38686.blackbaudhosting.com/38686/New-South-for-the-New-Southerner–Kevin-Siers. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. The Levine Museum is located at 200 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
Everyone come and get all 360 degrees of your being filled with art at the Uptown Crawl! All of Uptown Charlotte’s art treasures will be open for the general public this evening and you’ll get an opportunity to scour and scope art at The Gantt Center, Mint Museum Uptown, New Gallery of Modern Art, Sozo Gallery, The McColl, UNCC Center City, Goodyear Arts and The Levine Museum of the New South. You’ll be able to begin the tour at any of the featured institutions, then travel freely between the stops by foot, trolley, or bike. Each stop on the tour will feature a special look at the art held within. Admission is FREE! All venues and museums are in the Uptown area and will begin at 6 p.m.
Get creative at The McColl Center for Art + Innovation this evening as renowned jewelry maker and 2011 McColl Center Alumnus Eliana Arenas hosts the Recycled Paper Jewelry Making Workshop. Come learn how to develop exciting jewelry ideas with recycled paper. You’ll use patterns, multiples, and innovative techniques to create unique three-dimensional jewelry. Tickets can be purchased here: https://53393.blackbaudhosting.com/53393/McCollResponse-Recycled-Paper-Jewelry-Workshop-with-Eliana-Arenas. The class begins at 6 p.m. The McColl Center is located at 721 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
The wait is finally over. On Q Production’s 10th Season kicks off with a Blackbuster double-feature with two Black-to-Black stage performances: the classic Douglass Terner Ward piece “Day of Absence” and stick around for the debut of the original, organic and all-new, “Kiss My Black Angst!” If you want to REALLY see things in a Black and White perspective, come and see the work of brilliant writers, linguists, poets and playwrights in a hilarious stage variety show! This work of art will continue to run from October 27 – November 4. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/a-black-to-black-double-feature-doa-kmba-2. All performances will be held at The Duke Energy Theatre at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. in Uptown. #OnQ #SupportBlackTheatre
It’s Johnson C. Smith University’s Homecoming Week and as always the Golden Bulls family is sure to paint the streets of Charlotte with their signature Blue & Gold! If you want to get involved with any of the festivities pertaining to this magnificent institution, please visit: https://www.jcsu.edu/happenings/events/homecoming/homecoming-week-schedule/ for all events and additional info. #JCSU
Join 5th & York at The Gantt Center this evening as they host a live recording of their newest project, “5th – No Chaser.” This will be a night that goes down in history as the night 5th and York rebranded smooth jazz! Performing fan favorites from their Debut album “Nascentum” and nationally released singles from their sophomore album “All In” this will be an event for the true music lover! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/5th-no-chaser-the-live-recording-tickets-8255090197?aff=es2. The show begins at 8 p.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
This evening, join the League of Intelligence as they kick off “Regaining Our Power: An African History Course.” This 25-week course (October 2016 –May 2017) 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! There will be food and retail vendors at each session. Tonight’s session is at 7:30 p.m. All classes will be held at Clinton Chapel A.M.E. Zion. 1901 Rozzelle’s Ferry Rd.
——-FRIDAY 10/28——-
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 October. For ticket purchases and menu options, please visit this link: http://www.eventbee.com/v/callingchefcat/event?eid=138945255. The feast and fellowship begins at 7 p.m. Advent Coworking is located at 933 Louise Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
This evening, bring the family out to The Knight Theatre as the Carolina Symphony put some spook in their sounds with, “Altsounds: Fright (at the) Knight.” Come hear this classic and renowned orchestra resurrect the scores from some of your favorite horror films including “Poltergeist”, “Psycho”, Stephen King’s “IT” and more! Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/charlotte-symphony-altsounds-fright-at-the-knight. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. The Knight Theatre is located at 430 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
This evening, get an earful of uplifting words as the Poets in Autumn Tour stops in Charlotte for a one-night-only performance! Come see, hear and feel the spoken word melodies of Janette…IKZ, Ezekiel, Preston Perry, Jackie Hill Perry and special guest Chris Webb. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/charlotte-poets-in-autumn-tickets-27061491650?aff=es2. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. and will be held at Elevation Church University. 8105 IBM Dr. in the University Area. #PIA16
The Children’s Theatre of Charlotte brings you this world-premiere musical, “Grace For President!” to the stage for all ages this evening! Based from the current electoral climate, Grace Campbell, a young Black girl with ambition wonders, “Where are the girls?” when she looks at pictures of all 44 U.S. Presidents. Come see Grace wade through the waters of an election at her school as she runs for class president. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.ctcharlotte.org/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=shows-grace-for-president&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=. This performance will run from October 28 – November 5. Tonight’s show begins at 7:30 p.m. All shows will be held at The Wells Fargo Playhouse at ImaginOn. 200 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
Let loose at Petra’s this evening and take a musical journey into yesteryear with “Mirror Moves: The Free Alternative Dance Party!” DJ’s Cody Hare and Jason Herring will be dropping the best of 80s & 90s Pop, New Wave, Techno, House, Synth Pop, EDM and more! Admission is FREE to attend. The party starts at 9 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Halloween and House collide at FireWater this evening as The SoulJunkies presents, “The Hanuted House Music Halloween Party!” All you fly ghouls and gals come out and lose yourself to the sounds of classic, soulful and deep House grooves pulsate through the night! Also, there will be a $500 cash prize given away to the best costume tonight! Admission is FREE to attend and the party starts at 9 p.m. FireWater is located at 8708 J.W. Clay Blvd. in the University Area. #SoulJunkies
The good people of Jazz N’ Soul Music proudly welcome back The Gi Spot feat. GiGi Mack at The Tavern this evening! I’ve heard this beautiful soul sister perform on numerous occasions and she has always delivered a high-quality performance. Come experience true talent, true beauty and a true spirit live and in living color—you won’t be disappointed! Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-get-down-featuring-gigi-mack-and-the-gispot-tickets-28545160343?aff=es2. Showtime is at 9 p.m. The Tavern is located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #JazzNSoul
Let yourselves loose at Tropix Lounge this evening and come out for the T.I.A. (This Is Africa) Costume Party! DJ Atomix will be bangin’ out the best of Hip Hop, Reggae, R&B, Afrobeat and Soul! Get fresh and fly in your Halloween costumes and come out to jam! Doors open at 10 p.m. and ladies are FREE until 11 p.m. Tropix Lounge is located at 4701 N. Tryon St.
——-SATURDAY 10/29——-
Parents, wake the kids up and head down to the Museum of York County in nearby Rock Hill for some “Spooky Science!” Get a feel of some creepy crawlers, grab your flashlight and tour some galleries, solve a mysteries, hear some great campfire stories, enjoy a spectacle at the planetarium and engage in all sorts of kooky experiments with a mad scientist! Costumes are encouraged, but please make them tasteful and non-threatening. All the fun starts at 10 a.m. The Museum of York County is located at 4621 Mt. Gallant Rd. in Rock Hill.
The mighty men and youth of The Male’s Place have been working hard in their organic garden for some time now and today you’re invited out to their Ceremonial Blessing of the Harvest 2016! Come out for a midday adventure of a gardening tour, agricultural education, drumming and dance performances, healthy food preparation and demonstration, and a lecture on Black farmers. Admission is FREE to attend but donations are always welcome. The event kicks off at 11 a.m. and will be held at Fred Alexander Park. 1909 McAllister Dr. #TheMalesPlace
Bring your taste buds down to UNCC Center City this afternoon and get ready for the “Sweets Showcase!” Come sample sweet treats and bakery goods from over 25 vendors around the Charlotte area and vote on the best sweets in the Queen City! Each ticket gives you access to one sample at any of the vendors which will support the Levine Children’s Hospital. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sweets-showcase-tickets-27422674959?aff=es2. The event begins at 2 p.m. UNCC Center City is located at 320 E. 9th St. in Uptown.
Abari Game Bar hosts its first ever “Abari Monster Bash” this weekend! Bring your friend and family out (kids are invited during daytime hours) for some spooked-out fun, games and fellowship! Also, a list of horror-themed games will be free play weekend long, prizes will be awarded for the best kid’s and adult’s costumes and Collectr will be spinning some dope Halloween 80s and 90s tunes! The weekend of fun kicks off today at 12 noon. Abari is located at 1721 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
This evening, treat yourselves to a special stage presentation as the beautiful Lisa Renee of Xpressions from the Heart proudly presents her newest piece, “What A Difference A Day Makes.” It’s the Gospel-rooted journey of Monica—a lovely woman who has her life in order—or so she thinks. It’s the story of Divine Intervention, a mirage of perfection and a need for the sense of direction. Don’t miss this performance! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/original-stage-play-what-a-difference-a-day-makes-tickets-27499677275?aff=es2. The performance begins at 5 p.m. Matthews Playhouse is located at 100 McDowell St. in Historic Downtown Matthews.
This evening, head down to Historic West End as the community hosts “Dinner & Movie Saturday!” For tonight’s gathering, enjoy a New Orleans theme featuring one of my favorite food trucks, Mae’s Creole Kitchen stocked with a full load of Cajun/Creole-styled meals. Also while you eat, please stay tuned for two featured films, Disney’s “The Princess & the Frog” and “Skeleton Key.” Admission is FREE to attend and the entire family is welcome. The festivities begin at 6 p.m. and will be held at the 5 Points Plaza Lawn. The address is 1635 W. Trade St. which is on the outskirts of Uptown.
Join local creative Cathay Dawkins at Three Spirits Brewery this evening as he hosts “The Paint, Sip & Socialize Masquerade!” Mr. Dawkins will take you, your significant other and your friends on a journey of color while you intake some fresh spirits and expel laughter. If you’ve never had the pleasure of being in an art class with this magnificent creator, I guarantee your evening will be lifted higher than a full moon! Also, there will be a cash prize for the mask contest. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paint-sip-socialize-masquerade-event-tickets-28638169536. The fun starts at 7 p.m. Three Spirits Brewery is located at 5046 Old Pineville Rd.
If you want an outer-worldly musical experience with a super future funk-eristic vibe, come out to F4mily Matters this evening and prepare yourselves for the “FUNKSHUN Cosmic Costume Party!” Feel the grooves as FUNKSHUN takes you to higher vibrations with peace, love and funk this evening as the soulful and eclectic Blu House Band bends a soundscape of chords and vocals like no other. Then, be sure to stick around and boogie as DJ SPK takes you on a journey through Deep House, Downtempo, Experimental Hip Hop and Soul. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cosmic-costume-party-funkshun-tickets-28375612220. The funky ride takes off at 8 p.m. F4mily Matters is located at 3124 The Plaza Rd. in the NoDa District.
The Speakeasy Charlotte proudly presents the “Motown Zombie Prom” at Eaglespeak Coffee House this evening! Grab your ghosts and ghouls and come bust a move to some classic Motown, Soul and Blues grooves! Admission is $5 and the funk starts at 8 p.m. Eaglespeak Coffee House is located at 3907 South Blvd.
Gather your comrades, colleagues, older cousins and break out your Halloween costumes and head down to The Tavern for the “Costume Theme Adult Game Night!” Hosted by Timothy and Diamond Nurse, bring your skills to the floor and compete in Uno, Twister, Beer Pong, Taboo, Jenga, Corn Hole and of course—Spades! Admission is FREE to attend before 9 p.m. but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/costume-theme-adult-game-night-nurse-monthly-mingle-tickets-28750155489. The event begins at 8 p.m. The Tavern is located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.
The funk flows at BluNotes this evening as Charlotte Nightlife Entertainment and Tom-Tom Productions hosts the “Legacy 2016 JCSU Homecoming Extravaganza!” Whether you’re a Golden Bull alum or not, come and get down with the sound of Uptown Swagga–Charlotte’s Premier Go-Go Band and the cool mash-ups of DJ Shaun Nyce aka “The Blend King.” Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/legacy-2016the-jcsu-homecoming-extravaganza-tickets-27678850186. The fun starts at 9 p.m. BluNotes is located at 3425 David Cox Rd. in the University Area.
Come celebrate Halloween with flair and flavor at Dupp & Swat this evening at the Kizomba Halloween Dance Party! Dress up in your costumes and learn the experience of basic Kizomba and Salsa music set to a soundtrack of diverse world and indigenous rhythms! This session is also kid-friendly so please bring the little ones along in their costumes! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kizsalsa-dance-night-halloween-party-tickets-28277415511. The party starts at 9 p.m. Dupp & Swat is located at 2424 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Brothers and sisters, grab your crew and head over to American Legion for “The Original Boo Bash Costume Party!” Enjoy fellowship, fly outfits, fresh cocktails and funky tunes provided by DJ CK! Costumes are highly recommended and no masks are admitted. Advance tickets are $20 and will be $30 at the door. To purchase tickets, please call (704)-622- 5575 or (704)-649-4287. The party starts at 9 p.m. The American Legion is located at 1940 Donald Ross Rd.
Slide out to FireWater this evening as Lux Entertainment & Productions proudly presents, “Fright Night!” Get down with other night owls in your Halloween costumes as The Dynamic DJ Kato spins the best of Hip Hop, R&B, Soul, Reggae, Funk, Afrobeat, Caribbean and more! Get some drinks in your system and get down on the dance floor! Admission is $10 and tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fright-night-tickets-28483719572?aff=es2. The event starts at 10 p.m. FireWater is located at 8708 J.W. Clay Blvd. in the University Area.
——-SUNDAY 10/30——-
Grab your friends and come cool out at The Broken Spoke for the “Brunch So Hard CLT: A Boozy Brunch Series!” Hosted by The Broken Spoke, Liberate Your Palate and Nom Knowledge, come indulge in a sweet and savory menu with specialty dishes and crafty cocktails! Also to set the mood, enjoy some stone cold grooves from Charlotte legend and all-around good brother DJ That Guy Smitty delivering some more of that #EarholeGoodness! The event is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: http://www.liberateyourpalate.com/passbook/brunchsohard. The jump off is at 12 noon. The Broken Spoke is located at 227 Southside Dr. #BrunchSoHard
Bring the family out to The Schiele Museum of Natural History this afternoon and get ready for “Pumpkin Carving Fun!” Learn how to cut, scrape, clean, design, trace, engrave, chisel, and help preserve a pumpkin. All the tools needed to make your own amazing pumpkin creation will be provided, including the pumpkin! Space is limited, so purchase $5 tickets in advance by calling 704-854-6676. The event begins at 2 p.m. The Schiele Museum is located at 1500 E. Garrison Blvd. in Gastonia.
Umu Igbo Unite Charlotte (UIU) kicks off their inaugural general body meeting this afternoon! Everyone who has a desire to learn about Igbo culture and to network with professionals, this is the event for you! This meeting will highlight the vibrant Igbo ancestry & traditions, inform potential members about the UIU Charlotte mission/agenda and answer any questions you may have about joining. There will be food and refreshments provided. This event is FREE to attend and will begin at 4 p.m. The address of the event is 1609 E. 5th St. in Uptown.
Enjoy some classic jazz sounds this evening at The McGlohon Theatre at Spirit Square as critically-acclaimed jazz drummer Antonio Sanchez sets a musically captivating mood for you! This master of rhythm has played with numerous jazz luminaries from Chick Corea to Gary Burton, Donny McCaslin and more. For tonight’s performance, he will channel the music score of the 2015 Academy Award-winning Best Picture film, “Birdman.” Tickets can be purchased at: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/birdman-film-live-drum-score. The show begins at 7 p.m. The McGlohon Theatre is located at 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
Slide down to The Knight Theatre this evening and get an earful of musical pleasure with Incognito featuring Maysa! The vibes of Jazz-Funk and soulful vocals collide in this one-night-affair of spectacular sound, ravishing rhythm and enigmatic energy! If you’ve never heard either of these two acts before, you’ll want to have your derriere in a chair for sure! Tickets can be purchased at: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/an-intimate-evening-with-incognito-with-maysa-1. Showtime is at 7:30 p.m. The Knight Theatre is located at 430 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
COMING SOON…
- Saturday 11/5—The Official I Love N.Y. Series featuring Mobb Deep and Mr. Cheeks
- Friday 11/11 & Saturday 11/12 Author Benilde Little Discussion and Book Signing
- Monday 11/14—Savion Glover’s “STePz”
- Thursday 11/17–The Hip Hop Fellow Lecture featuring 9th Wonder
- Sunday 11/20 & Monday 11/21—FELA! The Concert
“Cease to be a drudge. Seek to be an artist.” -Mary McLeod Bethune
Everyone have a safe, fun and festive weekend and please scare a stranger with some love! Peace.
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give. #WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller