The Rundown: Things to do Thursday, September 6 – 2

By Shawn D. Allison, II

Peace brothers and sisters! This is the most important weekend of the year—it is The Black Ferris Bueller’s born day! What better way to celebrate with all of you in a wide variety of goodies to get into! Of course you know I’ll be hitting the QC streets hard, but if you want to join me as I rock out another revolution around the Sun, just peep what I have lined up on my “Hot List” for this weekend!

Shawn Allison shares all the places you’ll wanna be in the Queen City.
  • THURSDAY – Dapper Street Productions’ “The Gospel According to Jazz” feat. Dawn Anthony
  • THURSDAY — Play MARSports Fall 2018 Turf Kickball League
  • FRIDAY – Black Food Truck Friday at Recess CLT
  • FRIDAY – Blow Your Head at Snug Harbor
  • FRIDAY – Radio Rehab Carolinas presents “California Love – A Tribute to Tupac Shakur” at Crown Station
  • SATURDAY – Community Opening for Revealed: Where Art Meets Activism at Family First Workshop at The Gantt Center
  • SATURDAY – Repainted Tomorrow at Tip Top Daily Market
  • SUNDAY – Scrambled Eggs at Tip Top Daily Market
  • SUNDAY – Classic Black Cinema Series Screening of “Native Son” at The Gantt Center
  • SUNDAY – The Beauty Standard 2.0 Su Casa edition at Camp North End

 

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, SEPTEMBER 6——-

Dapper Street Productions is set to give you a royal sound treatment this evening as they humbly welcome you to experience The Journey of Gospel According To Jazz! The ties between Gospel music and the Jazz tradition run deep. From Louis Armstrong performing spirituals, to the sacred music of Duke Ellington or of Mary Lou Williams, many Jazz artists have worked very closely in Gospel music, and their performances styles often draw heavily from the inspiration. Tonight, the alluring Dawn Anthony guides you on a versatile journey channeling her brilliant versatility and skill to connect with the audience beyond the words and notes on the page.  Admission is FREE to attend. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at The Mallard Creek Recreational Center. 2530 Johnston Oehler Rd.

Grown folks and not-so-grown folks, head down to The McColl Center for Art + Innovation for a special Mixed Media Magic Mountains art class! Let your intuitive juices flow by creating abstracted collages with a nod to the mountains as your inspiration. Alumna artist Sharon Dowell leads you through experimental exercises with color, texture, and pattern on paper in a variety of media. You’ll then collage these elements together to create a final work of art. Tickets can be purchased here: http://mccollcenter.org/events/mixed-media-magic-mountains/225. The event will begin at 6 p.m. The McColl Center is located at 721 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.

Grab a taste of some locally grown goodness at the 7th Street Public Market and come experience Savor 7th this evening! Bring your friends and appetites out for an evening of delicious food, refreshing drinks and live entertainment. This fundraising event will enrich the Market’s mission as a nonprofit food hall to Do Good By Eating Well. By purchasing a ticket, you’ll be able to join the all-new Friends of the Market program, receive a $5 voucher for a future visit and more! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/savor-7th-tickets-48348019227. The event will begin at 7 p.m. 7th Street Public Market is located at 224 E. 7th St. in Uptown.   

The wait is over – some new turf has been marked in the QC and it’s time to witness and be part of the second installment of the Play MARSports Fall 2018 Turf Kickball League! It’s the same hi-octane energy as before, only this time teams will test their kickball skills on an AstroTurf surface. If you want to witness this historic and trailblazing venture, head out to Charlotte Soccer Academy at Ortho Carolina Complex and cheer on the greatness to beheld! If you’re interested in joining a team, please send an e-mail to: info@playmarsports.com or be sure to register at: http://www.playmarsports.com. Kickoff is at 8:30 p.m. The field is located at 13301 Dorman Rd. in Pineville.   #MARS #Funletics

Get your laugh on at Stats Restaurant & Bar and come out for the September 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 Kool Bubba Ice! Also, be sure to stick around and boogie as Tab the Million Dolla DJ rocks the speakers with some of today’s and yesteryear’s hits! Tickets can be purchased here: https://yspros.com/product/liut-sept-2018/. 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.

This weekend, stand tall in your seat and feel the power of Pride Rock for the grand return of the Tony Award-winning Broadway spectacle, Disney’s “The Lion King!” The entire Serengeti comes to life as never before in this all-new cornucopia of awe-inspiring visual artistry, with unforgettable music, and the uniquely theatrical storytelling in one of the most breathtaking and beloved productions ever to grace the stage. Performance schedule and tickets can be found here: 1 https://www.blumenthalarts.org/events/detail/the-lion-king-1. Tonight’s show will begin at 7:30 p.m. All shows will be held at the Belk Theater. 130 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.

 

——-FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7——-

For some four wheelin’ and feeding action, head over to Resident Culture Brewing Co. for Plaza-Midwood Food Truck Friday! Some of the city’s most diverse and delicious food trucks will be on hand serving up the goods and while you eat, network and play, acclaimed sound landscaper and my good friend DJ Jah Freedom will be dishing out some classic Hip Hop flavor along with remixes, B-sides, Rare Grooves and much more! Admission is FREE and the event starts at 5 p.m. Resident Culture Brewing Co. is located at 2101 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.

Black Business Owners of Charlotte (BBOC) has been on a serious roll with recycling our coins back into our community and tonight, get your stomachs revved up at Recess CLT for another round of Black Food Truck Friday! Bring all your friends and family out for an evening of fun as you dine from some of the city’s finest and most delicious Chocolate culinary chariots, scoop up some cool fashions and trinkets from local vendors, have chances to win cool prizes and get down on the good foot to the sounds of DJ Steel Wheel! Admission is FREE and the event will begin at 6 p.m. Recess CLT is located at 832 Seigle Ave. in the Belmont Neighborhood. #BBOC

It is said that food can be a vehicle for social change, and tonight, you will get to experience this live and in living color. Everyone come out and be part of the Arts & Science Council’s Culture Feast 2018! Share a community table dinner, enjoy unique cultural happenings and dance the night away in Uptown Charlotte. There will be a delectable, diverse and delightful menu with vegan options available. Tickets can be purchased here: https://secure3.convio.net/asccm/site/Ticketing;jsessionid=00000000.app30108b?view=Tickets&id=101281&NONCE_TOKEN=73FF625C4E54317810C2E882E3AF2A8A. The event is held outside and will open at 6 p.m. at S. Tryon St. between Stonewall St. and MLK Jr. Blvd. in Uptown.

For some more art-filled fun, head on down to Goodyear Arts for the September/October Residency Showcase. Come witness the Artists-in-Residence — HNin Nie, Stacy Utley, and Liliya Zalevskaya with new work that includes paintings, sculptures, silkscreened fabrics with mixed media, and mixed media collage. There will also be a special live performance from Hectorina, free craft brews and tamales for purchase from The Masa Casa. Admission is FREE to attend and the event will begin at 6 p.m. Goodyear Arts is located at 1720 Statesville Ave.

It’s time for another first Friday edition of Jazz at the Bechtler! For tonight’s listening experience, in-house sound masters, The Ziad Jazz Quartet teams up with renowned pianist Lovell Bradford for an ivory-tickling tribute to the late, great Bud Powell. Pianist Bud Powell’s unrivaled virtuosic style exuded an emotion and power that captivated audiences and musicians alike. Powell pioneered the revolutionary bebop sound along with dignitaries like Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Max Roach and more. Bradford is the Minister of Music at Charlotte’s Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, teaches jazz piano at Davidson College and heads Charlotte sound staple, The Lovell Bradford Trio. Tickets can be purchased here: https://30796a.blackbaudhosting.com/30796a/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=b82b7733-34b9-43ce-8885-c1ed3c31ba3d. There will be two performances this evening at 6 and 8:15 p.m. The Bechtler is located at 420 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.

The Gantt Center has got some new flavor in its space and tonight, come be part of the Exhibition Preview Party for the all-new Revealed: Where Art Meets Activism showcase! You’ve heard of “alive after five”, well come and get inebriated with art, social commentary, community, cocktails and culture at this “Art After Five” soiree and get the first view of “Welcome to Brookhill” a new exhibition by renowned freedom photographer Alvin C. Jacobs, Jr. Also, stick around for a special discussion entitled “Business vs. Us: Identifying How We View and Understand Business” led by wonder brothers Damian and Jermaine Johnson, Founders of No Grease Barbershop. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/revealed-where-art-meets-activism-exhibition-preview-party-tickets-49065954591. The event will begin at 6 p.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.

The Dear Soul Music Company, LLC invites you out for a special Unplugged + Live Concert Series this evening! Bring your friends, gear your ears to the stage and get ready to experience the musical moods of singer-songwriters Dexter Jordan, Emily Sage and host Arsena Schroeder. The Unplugged + Live Series is a touring concert series in support of independent artists. The series was initially a house concert with the idea of a listening-room experience in mind. Admission is FREE to attend, but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/asc-sponsored-unpluggedlive-concert-series-tickets-45192234189. The event will begin at 7 p.m. at the Sugar Creek Recreation Center located at 943 W. Sugar Creek Rd.

Get ready to cut loose this Friday as OutenLove Events, Mr. 305 Events and High Society CLT proudly present Karaoke Game Night this evening! It’s some new flavor with a funky twist as you try sing your sober or sloshed hearts out with karaoke songs, play a wide variety of games and party into the night with a special guest DJ rockin’ out all the dope tunes of today and yesteryear! Admission is FREE with RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/karaoke-game-night-tickets-48612775119. The event will begin at 9 p.m. at Recess CLT. 832 Seigle Ave. in the Belm ont Neighborhood.   #OutenLoveEvents

For some different sonic flavor in the QC this weekend, come out to Snug Harbor for the September session of “Blow Your Head!” Join local musicians and cultural activists DJs Flock of Slagles and Jah Freedom spinning an entire vinyl set of Funk, Soul, Boogie, Garage, House and Rare Grooves for your listening pleasures! Also, be sure to be camera ready as renowned photographer Jonathan Cooper with be abroad snapping fun still shots throughout the night! Admission is FREE to attend and be ready to dance! The event starts at 10 p.m. Snug Harbor is located at 1228 District.   #BlowYourHead

The Sol Kitchen invites you out to ‘Stache House Bar & Lounge this evening for the September 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.   #TheSolKitchen

This evening, get ready for a coastal dose of dopeness as Charlotte’s coolest crew Radio Rehab Carolinas invites you out to experience some “California Love!” Come and raise your hands with four fingers up, two twisted in the middle with a musical homage to one of Hip Hop’s boldest and passionate dignitaries— the late, great Tupac Shakur. Get an earful of West Coast Hip Hop, paired with Southern Soul, G-Funk, R&B and more — featuring the flyness of The Mighty DJ DR, MCs Freddie Ray and Fayme with a special live tribute from Quentin Talley & the Soul Providers ready to set the stage on fire! This joint is hosted by my man Bluz and is sponsored by the good people of DRC ApeParel, Cloud 9 and MindElixir. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/california-love-tickets-49165534437. The jump off is at 9pm at Crown Station. 3629 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.   #RadioRehab #DRCApeParel #Cloud9 #MindElixir

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 a very special tribute in song to her fellow Detroit homegirl, the late Aretha Franklin! Tickets can be purchased here: https://firstfriday.simpletix.com/SimpleTixExpress/Events/EventSectionDetail.aspx?ShowId=37687&EventTimeId=88622. Doors open at 8:30 and the show starts at 9 p.m. at Loft & Cellar. 305 W. 4th St. in Uptown.   #JazzNSoulq

Charlotte, get ready for a very special jolt of sonic juice and come experience the resurrection of Pulse Fridays! This revamped and remixed cult classic makes its return with some new flavor in a new home poised to bring about some new energy into the city! Join The Dynamic DJ Kato for unforgettable night as he spins some classic throwback jams, futuristic soul and a global gumbo pot of sound all tinged with some African spice! There will be plenty of food and drink specials to add to your experience. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pulse-revisted-tickets-49712364019. The event will begin at 10 p.m. at Sage Restaurant & Lounge. 505 E. 6th St. in Uptown.

 

——-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8——-

Bring the entire family to The Gantt Center this morning for not one, but TWO jam-packed events today! First up, walk through the doors with an open mind and come out for the Community Opening of the Revealed: Where Art Meets Activism exhibition! Get a first look at their current exhibitions “Question Bridge: Black Males”, “Hank Willis Thomas: What We Ask Is Simple” and “For Freedoms” as well as the unveiling of “Welcome To Brookhill” a newly commissioned photographic exhibition by image activist, Alvin C. Jacobs Jr. that will touch your heart and soul. Next up, get ready for the September edition of the Family First Workshop entitled, “Intro To Film.” We all love to capture life’s most memorable events. Now you can do it like a pro! Photographer and videographer Will Jenkins will show you the best lighting techniques to capture and edit photos and videos with your smartphone or camera. No experience is needed, just a smartphone or digital camera. The Gantt Center will provide laptops to explore editing software. During the session, you will be able to put your new filmmaking skills to the test by capturing footage in the museum. This will be a great opportunity to meet the artists, make new friends, discover the work of local artisans in the museum store in a day full of art exploration, dialogue and creative workshops. Admission the exhibition grand opening is FREE. Admission to the Family First Workshop is $5 and can be purchased here: https://www.giveffect.com/checkout/7812. All event will begin at 10 a.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.

Ladies, are you in need of a fun method to get in shape? This morning, come put some physical delight back in your life and join Turning Pointe Dance Creations for the Fierce Dance Fusion Dance WERKshop! Come and learn some fly dance routines as well as getting yourselves in shape with a soundtrack of some fun and funky Hip Hop, Jazz and R&B tunes that’ll definitely have those sweat beads glistening with Black Girl Magic! Your host for this class is the lovely Melissa McDaniel. No matter your dance level, everyone is welcome to participate. Admission is $12 per person and will begin at 11:30 a.m. at LacedWell. 5221 Equipment Dr., Suite “D”.

The dynamic and delightful Davita Galloway aka “Sincerely Swat” of #TeamBlkGrlFly is proud to present to you “The Beauty Standard 2.0!” For many years, the value of a Black woman’s beauty was based off skin complexion and quality of hair. This skewed idea of beauty resulted in a sense of division that has reverberated throughout decades and is the experience of countless Black women. Today’s magical emporium will feature several multisensory, thought-provoking workshops covering several topics pertaining to the well-being and the exuberant existence of Black women. Topics include: weight management, economic empowerment, hair/beauty maintenance, individuality acceptance and much more! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/teamblkgrlfly-presents-the-beauty-standard-20-tickets-44394321611. The event will begin at 12 noon and will be held at Camp North End. 1824 Statesville Ave.

Join my friends Diggers Delight and the Vacation Pay Crew as the proudly present another round of “Repainted Tomorrow” this evening! This half beat show/half live painting hybrid showcase will feature the sonic stylings of C.R.I.S.T.E.N., Kyoju and Suff Dele along with the visual vibrations of Bakhtawar Saeed.  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.

 

——-SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9——-

Get your souls and stomachs filled with all sorts of culinary goodness as Cuzzo’s Cuisine Food Truck hosts their Soul Food Sunday Buffet! Bring your family and friends out as Chef Andarrio Johnson has prepared a delectable menu of delicious Soul Food, including Cajun Fried Chicken, Collard Greens, Rice, Yams, Cabbage, regular Mac & Cheese, the World Famous Lobster Mac & Cheese and Cornbread. You’ll be sure to leave satisfied with a smile!! Dessert options and homemade drinks will be available as well. Admission is $20 per person for dine-in and $15 per person for carry-out orders. Buffet is open from 12 noon – 5pm. Cuzzo’s Cuisine is located at 3418 Tuckaseegee Rd.

If you got the itch to be creative this afternoon, make your way over to C3 Lab as acclaimed local artist CHD:WCK! presents an interactive art class entitled “CUTTING UP!” Being creative is about having a good time using what’s readily around you because all you need to bring is yourself. Today, CHD:WHK! Will teach you how to make a collage. Collage is a method of creating art by gluing a variety of materials (often papers, cloth, and wood) in different forms and shapes to create a new composition. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chdwck-presents-cutting-up-september-2018-tickets-48786579974. Snacks will be provided and please bring a friend. The class will begin at 1 p.m. C3 Lab is located at 2525 Distribution St. in Historic South End.

This afternoon, join Mr. Felix Curtis at The Gantt Center as he hosts the September segment of Classic Black Cinema Series! Today’s feature is the 1951 classic “Native Son.” In 1940s Chicago, a young black man takes a job as a chauffeur to a white family, which takes a turn for the worse when he accidentally kills the teenage daughter of the couple and then tries to cover it up. The film screening is FREE along with museum admission. 2 p.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.

This afternoon, slide out to Tip Top Daily Market for a special sonic brunch entitled Scrambled Eggs! Come and relax as DJs Luke Stemmerman and Flock of Slagles sets the mood with a selection of avant-garde Dub, Reggae, Fusion, Soul and Jazz tunes from their own personal vinyl collections. Also, be sure to grab a tasty mimosa from the bar, enjoy some fresh-grilled food and be sure to scoop some sounds from the newly-minted record store in the back! Admission is FREE and the event will begin at 2 p.m. 2902 The Plaza Rd. in the Plaza-Midwood District.

Come out for the second half of the Beauty Standard 2.0 and experience a very special Sunday rendition of Charlotte’s oasis for the culturally-starved – Su Casa! Join Davita Galloway and Jasiatic Anderson for an afternoon of nonstop, feel-good dance, positive vibes, love, vendors and eats! The soundtrack will be provided by DJ Steel Wheel and ChefLife to the NextLife will be on stomach patrol. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/teamblkgrlfly-presents-the-beauty-standard-20-tickets-44394321611. The jump off is at 4 p.m. at Camp North End. 1824 Statesville Ave.

 

COMING SOON…

9/14 – 9/15 – 3rd Annual Soul Junction Music Festival

9/15 – HIT Agency & Release presents Chosen Life CLT

9/22 – The Black Mecca

9/28 – Mosaic at the Lake

9/29 – Radio Rehab Carolinas presents “Justice 4 All”

 

“Being cool is being yourself.”   –The Black Ferris Bueller

Have a great weekend and if you see the Birthday Boy out, don’t hesitate to show me some love! Peace.

Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.  

#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #EarsToDaSkreets #CommunityFirst