By Shawn Allison
Yo! What’s happening QC family? It is scheduled to be hot and humid this weekend in our city, but I found some cool and relaxing happenings for everyone to enjoy! Let’s get on with “The Rundown”, shall we?
——-THURSDAY 7/28——-
Fill your palate and your mind this evening as The Harvey B. Gantt Center and Duke Energy proudly presents the all-new, “Heritage & History” series. For the inaugural session, take a bite from acclaimed culinary and cultural connoisseur Michael W. Twitty as he uses food to ignite conversation about cultural appropriation, African identity and American racial history. Tickets are $20 for Gantt Center members and $28 for non-members. Please visit, https://61686.blackbaudhosting.com/61686/Heritage–History-Michael-Twitty to purchase your tickets. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and it will be held at Founder’s Hall. 100 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Prepare your soul to be shaken and stirred at Sydney’s Martini & Wine Bar this evening because the one and only Martini Swing will be performing live! This truly grown and sexy collective of musicianship is one that you do not want to miss! The show starts at 8 p.m. Sydney’s is located at 401 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Everyone break out your dookie gold rope chains, acid wash jeans, Adidas track suits, door knocker earrings, Kangol hats, hop in your little red Corvette and head out to Hilton Charlotte University Place for the “Krush Groove 80s Party!” Join hosts Swing Phi Swing & Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship, Inc. as they take you back to the decade when the music and fashions we nothing short of fly! Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.thejncc.org/#/krush-groove-party/4590631768. The party starts at 9 p.m. Hilton Charlotte University Place is located at 8629 J.M. Keynes Blvd. in the University Area.
Gather at Studio Movie Grill at The Epicentre this evening for a special edition of “R&B Live!” as the lovely and multitalented Demetria McKinney performs in Charlotte for one night only! She was featured on R. Kelly’s “Buffet Tour” and is more well-known for starring on Tyler Perry’s hit show, “House of Payne.” Tickets can be purchased at: https://squareup.com/store/chris-kerry-group/item/r-b-live-presents-demetria-mckinney. Doors open at 9 p.m. and the show begins at 10 p.m. Studio Movie Grill is located at 210 E. Trade St. in Uptown.
——FRIDAY 7/29——-
Get those taste buds ready because it’s time for the “Liberate Your Palate Cocktail Tour!” From July 29th to September 30th enjoy an on-going self-guided curated tour featuring the best handcrafted cocktails in Charlotte. The idea is simple: A sophisticated scavenger hunt where you have the opportunity to discover the history and culture of the city with each sip. Additional info and passbooks can be found/purchased here: http://www.liberateyourpalate.com/#liberateyourpalate. Please liberate responsibly. #LiberateYourPalate
Join local education, culture and enrichment initiative Hip Hop University (HHU) as they host “The Tech & Hip Hop Symposium” at Hygge Coworking this evening. This presentation and think tank discussion is designed to tap into the power of combining knowledge from Charlotte’s tech, non-profit and cultural sectors to tackle the challenges of closing the digital divide and increasing economic mobility in our fair city. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.freshtix.com/events/techhiphopsymposium. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. Hygge Coworking is located at 809 W. Hill St. near the outskirts of Uptown. #HHU
All of you grown & sexy music and jazz enthusiasts get ready because it is time for the second annual “QC Summerfest!” Hosted by the good people of The Jazz Lifestyle, come and enjoy an entire weekend full of live performances from acclaimed artists such as Jonathan Butler, Boney James, Lonnie Liston Smith, Loose Ends, Maysa, Norman Brown, Kirk Whalum and more! Tickets and additional info can be purchased and found at: http://www.carolinatix.org.
This evening, The Sugar Creek Brewing Co. will put some color in your spirit as they host the “Charlotte Artist Showcase” which will feature work from Jen Hill, Andy Rocco and more creatives in the area. Also, you will get to tap into your inner artist by adding your own artistic work to the interactive contribution art piece. Admission is FREE and proceeds from this event will go towards The Levine Children’s Hospital. The event begins at 7 p.m. Sugar Creek Brewing Co. is located at 215 Southside Dr.
Point your view towards C3 Lab this evening and come out for an introduction of their latest exhibit, “VIEW FINDER: Constructive Narrative.” This exhibit explores the medium of photography as an artistic form and arouses the question, ‘how should they be understood and interpreted?”. The prevalent belief that photographs accurately depict reality is presented in unique ways by a host of various local photographers and creatives. Admission is FREE to attend and the event begins at 7 p.m. C3 Lab is located at 2525 Distribution St. in Historic South End.
Get your spirits lifted this evening at The Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square as the beautiful and talented Gina Thompson blesses the stage performing contemporary and traditional Gospel grooves. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/gina-robinson-live. The doors open at 6:30 and the show begins at 7 p.m. The Duke Energy Theatre is located at 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
Get ready for a night of smoking Blues & Jazz this evening at The Tavern with The Calvin Edwards Trio. Part of Jazz N’ Soul’s all-new “Ella’s Speakeasy” showcase, these gentlemen really know how to hit your soul and leave you on the edge of your seat. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at: http://jnscalvinedwards.eventbrite.com. The show begins at 9 p.m. The Tavern is located at 300 E. Morehead 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.
——-SATURDAY 7/30——-
This morning, rise out of bed, head down to Advent Co-working and get ready to feel the effects of “Awaken: Body, Mind & Soul.” Join host Jeannine K. Brown and Christy Lee as they host this workshop which is designed to give you tools to wake up to an understanding of your true desires and learn the tools to lean in that direction. As you awaken you will learn to live with intention and honor self-care as a necessity for your life. Tickets can be purchased here: http://jeanninekbrownonline.com/awaken/. The workshop begins at 9:30 a.m. Advent Co-working is located at 933 Louise Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Hip Hop University (HHU) returns with another event chock full of cultural and innovative goodness! Come out to Johnson C. Smith University for “The Digital Hip Hop Summit” this morning. Featuring a day full of dope music, food, tech workshops, fellowships and networking! These workshops will cover topics in the basics of social media, viral videos, creating/starting online entrepreneurship, online job applications, teacher technology and more! Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/digital-hip-hop-summit-tickets-26239201157. Workshops begin at 11 a.m. JCSU is located at 100 Beatties Ford Rd. near Uptown. #HHU
Head down to the Charlotte Open Air Market for the North Carolina Polynesian Festival! From Hawaii, to Tonga, Samoa, Figi and more, everyone is invited to come and experience the culture of our Polynesian brothers and sisters. Live music, great food, indigenous dancing, fellowship, vendors and more! Admission is FREE to attend. The big luau starts at 11 a.m. The Charlotte Open Air Market is located at 5471 Central Ave.
Get ready to get on the good foot this afternoon at Spirit Square in the “E=mcSquared Jam!” B-Boys, B-Girls and hip hop enthusiasts come out and showcase the regional street dance culture. DJ Justin Aswell will be rockin’ the turntables all afternoon with a fly mix of eclectic funk. Admission is $5 to enter and $8 to battle. The event starts at 1 p.m. Spirit Square is located at 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
This afternoon, come out to the West Blvd. branch of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library for the much-needed community discussion, “When Literature Depicts Life.” In light of the recent harrowing events in America, CML aims to engage the community by discussing the newly-released book, “Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehesi Coates. This is a diverse discussion including members of law enforcement, community leaders, organizers and constituents. Admission is FREE to attend and it starts at 2 p.m. The address is 2157 West Blvd.
Get a colorful, meaningful and youthful fulfilment of wordplay this evening at the “Speak Life Tour!” In this aptly-titled, “A Night of Healing,” you are invited to come and experience the bold and brave voices of our youth in a musical and spoken word medley filled with sociopolitical consciousness and endless creativity! Doors open at 6 p.m. and the event starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the door. The event will be held at Stonewall Family Life Center. 1729 Griers Grove Rd. in West Charlotte. #SpeakLife
This evening, join Tochi Bueno Productions in conjunction with Jazz N’ Soul Music as they proudly present an all-new, original play entitled, “RSVP: Real Struggles & Venomous People.” This wonderfully made mosaic of friendship, family, faith, food, and foolishness is the story of three matriarchs, four families held together by one bond are in for many conflicts. Every circle has them. There are no special exemptions, no magic carpet, no glass slipper, and no fast track to a happily ever after. Tickets are sold at: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/rsvp-real-struggles-and-venomous-people. There will be two shows: Saturday, July 30th at 8 p.m. and Sunday, July 31st at 7 p.m. Both performances will be held at The Duke Energy Theatre at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. in Uptown. #JazzNSoul #TochiBueno
Join Sista Girl Saturday at HQ Charlotte at Packard Place as they host “Couples Game Night.” For many couples, date night is so important and keeping the flame continuously lit is work but a lucrative investment. Couples are invited to come out for some friendly and fun games including spades, taboo, charades and more! Admission is $25 per couple and tickets can be purchased here: http://www.sistagirlsnetwork.com Dinner will also be served. The event begins at 8:30 p.m. Packard Place is located at 222 S. Church St. in Uptown.
The heralded and ever-funky Groove Masters Band jams the night away this evening at Sydney’s Martini & Wine Bar. Whether you have heard them perform or not, they always set the proper soundscape mood for your pleasure! Admission is FREE and the jammin’ starts at 9 p.m. Sydney’s is located at 401 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Get ready to get your body jacked this Friday night at Soul Gastrolounge as DJ Gary ‘Jackmaster’ Wallace proudly presents the July edition of “House Beatz & Eatz!” Enjoy fine, eclectic cuisine as the best of Classic, Soulful and Deep House tunes groove your body into the night. Admission is FREE and the funk begins at 9 p.m. Soul Gastrolounge is located at 1500 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District. #HouseMusicLives
Move those hips down to Dupp & Swat this evening for the energetic “Kiz-salsa Dance Night!” Interact and socialize with people of different cultures through Kizomba music of Angola/Cape Verde, Salsa music of Latin America, Semba music of Brazil and Zouk music of Guadeloupe,French Caribbean nations. Admission is $10 and the fun starts at 9:30 p.m. Dupp & Swat is located at 2424 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
——-SUNDAY 7/31——-
This afternoon, come out to Petra’s for their first-ever, “Hot Stuff Summer Pop-Up Market.” Enjoy fellowship, food from local culinary creatives, live art, live music and get your shop on with over 15 local vendors! Admission is FREE to attend and the entire family is welcome! The fun starts at 1 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Remember when good music left off? Well this afternoon, you can bring back those memories at Sydney’s Martini & Wine Bar at “Day Ja Vu” day party! This classy and fun affair will be filled with your favorite Pop, Hip Hop, R&B, Reggae and House jams from the 80s, 90s and early 2000s! The time machine sets off at 3 p.m. Sydney’s is located at 401 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Local leisure and social networking initiative Moxie Society has been making their presence known for half of a decade in the Queen City with a host of various spectacular events. This afternoon, join them and other cool cats at Bubble as they host their “#FiveYearsStrong Anniversary Celebration!” Enjoy great drinks and a wonderful atmosphere as DJ Shaun Nyce aka “The Blend King” creates a magnificent soundscape of music as you mingle. Doors open at 4 p.m. and admission is FREE before 5:30 p.m. Bubble is located at 210 E. Trade St. at the Epicentre in Uptown. #MoxieSociety
Everyone stay cool, stay hydrated, stay healthy and stay in love! God Bless!
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller