The Rundown: Thursday, June 21 – Sunday, June 25

Shawn Allison shares all the places you'll wanna be in the Queen City.

By Shawn D. Allison, II

Summer is finally here everyone! It’s been a long time coming but now it’s time to take the top of the ride and cruise around the QC to all the cool events I’ve got lined up for you this weekend! Yours truly will definitely be out having some fun in the sun and if you want to know where I’ll be, check out my “Hot List” and tag along with me!

 

  • THURSDAY — Gantt After Dark: Black Music Month Edition
  • THURSDAY – On Q Productions presents “God’s Trombones: Seven Negro Sermons in Verse”
  • FRIDAY – Black Food Truck Friday
  • FRIDAY — Lagos Bugalú at Crown Station
  • SATURDAY – 5TH Annual Carolina Veterans Expo
  • SATURDAY — CRDT Multicultural Dance Festival
  • SATURDAY — 80s & 90s R&B Day Party at Sydney’s Martini & Wine Bar
  • SATURDAY — Su Casa – The June Edition at Petra’s
  • SUNDAY — Civics 101: Systematic Controls Community Class at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church

 

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, JUNE 21——-

Dapper Street Productions invites you to start your weekend on a creative note as they invite you to the Betty Rae Thomas Rec Center for some Jazz & Laughter this evening! Get things warmed up with some colorful comedic commentary from your host NuffCed and then stick around for the evening’s main attraction, the beautiful vocalist Malakia Janelle singing in accordance with the Dapper Street Band. Admission is FREE and open to the public. 6 p.m. 2921 Tuckaseegee Rd.

It’s time to celebrate our heritage through sound and rhythm at The Gantt Center this evening—everyone come out for Gantt After Dark: Black Music Month Edition! Relax with the cool down vibes of some local jazz collectives. Then, get ready to boogie upstairs with Tab the Million Dollar DJ spinning the hottest tunes of today and yesteryear. Also, join local creative and teacher Cathay Dawkins as he hosts a special “Paint N’ Sip” course! Dawkins will guide your hands to create your own masterpiece on canvas as you enjoy some select wines. The course is $20 for Gantt members and $25 for nonmembers. You can pay here: https://61686.blackbaudhosting.com/61686/Paint–Sip-Black-Music-Month-Edition?_ga=2.53893024.925600716.1529534057-702147047.1529534057. Admission to Gantt After Dark is FREE and the event begins at 6 p.m. 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.

OutenLove Events invites you to elevate your Thursday to the max as they proudly present Trappy Hour – The #AA5 Pregame! Before you pound the pavement at Alive After Five, come and get “lit” with drink specials and the livest Top 40 tunes provided by DJ Meddi. Admission is FREE but a $15 ticket will allot you 5 drinks and parking validation. Please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trappy-hour-aa5-pregame-tickets-46977681510. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at Sydney’s Martini & Wine Bar. 401 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.

Race Matters for Juvenile Justice invites out to a special discussion this evening entitled “What is White?” Take an in-depth look at the definition of whiteness and how it has correlated throughout society over the course of time. This is the sixth installment of the 2018 Speakers Bureau Community Presentation Series. Admission is FREE and open to the public. The event will be held at the Charlotte Police and Fire Training Academy located at 1770 Shopton Rd.

 

 

On Q Productions returns for the Summer with a Queen City twist of James Weldon Johnson’s “God’s Trombones: Seven Negro Sermons in Verse.” As an ode to the importance of the African American church tradition, James Weldon Johnson’s iconic collection of sermons, “God’s Trombones” will close out Season 11: Redemption Song. Presented as a theatrical work that exalts the role of folk preacher to that of epic storyteller, this Gospel production will use musical interludes to trace the spiritual roots of Jazz, Blues, Funk and Rock n’ Roll. To retell these folk sermons to a new generation, OnQ Founder & Artistic Director, Quentin Talley, will team up with Billboard charts history maker and Founder & Artistic Director of Inspire The Fire, Dennis Reed Jr. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.blumenthalarts.org/…/comi…/detail/gods-trombones. There will be a final performance tonight at 7:30 p.m. at The McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. in Uptown. #YouAreNowOnQ

 

The hilarious local theatre troupe Charlotte Squawks is back for 2018 with their latest project, “O Fourteena!” Who is Charlotte Squawks you ask? Simply put, it’s the satire of Saturday Night Live mixed with Broadway, welded with the socioeconomic climate of the Queen City. The creative duo of Mike Collins and Brian Kahn collaborates with the area’s most talented performers to parody current events, pop culture, sports, life and politics on a local and national medium. Tickets can be purchased at: http://www.blumenthalarts.org. There will be five performances this week: Thursday (6/21) at 7:30 p.m., Friday (6/22) at 8 p.m., Saturday (6/23) at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday (6/24) at 2 p.m. All performances will be held at The Booth Playhouse at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. The address is 130 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.

 

 

—–FRIDAY, JUNE 22——-

Everyone bring yourselves, your mama and your cousins out to Cuzzo’s Cuisine brick and mortar stomping ground for another soulful round of Black Food Truck Friday! Come mix and mingle with the community as your favorite Chocolate culinary chariots corral around one of the most popular restaurants in the city for an evening of fun and fellowship celebrating our community! There will be a live DJ, vendors and more surprises in store! Admission is FREE to attend and the event will begin at 5 p.m. Cuzzo’s Cuisine is located at 3418 Tuckaseegee Rd.

 

 

Get your taste buds ready and head down to Red Clay Ciderworks for a special Pie & Cider Pairing Social this evening! Red Clay Ciderworks is teaming up with A Smart Cookie to bring you an event that’s sure to satisfy your palate! Cider maker Jay Bradish and Baking Scientist Monica Nye, PhD, will walk you through four different pairings, each with their own unique flair. This is a casual, non-seated event, but space is limited, so don’t wait to purchase your ticket! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pie-cider-pairing-tickets-46583148451. The event will begin at 7 p.m. Red Clay Ciderworks is located at 245 Clanton Rd. in Historic South End.

 

 

Ladies, get ready to “werk” your way to a healthier lifestyle at the “Trap Out: The Werk Out” exercise session this evening! Now I bet you’re wondering what in the world is Trap Out – The Werk Out? It’s an interactive workout party fully stocked with Hip Hop, Soca, twerking and majorette-style dancing routines that’ll set your course to a healthier size-sexy fit lifestyle. What’s unique about this class is that you will be taught by four instructors at once who specialize in their designated field of dance. If you want to be healthy and have fun at the same time, this is the class for you! P lease feel free to encourage your friends to join! Tickets can be purchased here: https://trapoutthewerkout.brownpapertickets.com/?cookie_header=1. The session will begin at 7 p.m. and will be held at 635 Atando Ave., Suite “I”.

 

 

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-47009553841. Show starts at 9 p.m. and will be held at The Morehead Tavern. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.   #JazzNSoul

 

 

Get your Friday night fix with a vibrant tropical mix of sound, community and culture at Lagos Bugalú this evening! This brand new cultural showcase celebrates African Pop music and culture while simultaneously debuting the latest tunes and music videos from across The Motherland! Vibes include but not limited to Afrobeats, Afro-house, Afrofunk and much, much more! Sounds will be provided by The Dynamic DJ Kato and some possible special guests! Who? You have to be there so see for yourselves! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lagos-bugalu-june-edition-2018-afrobeats-afro-house-afrofunk-tickets-47052709922. The event will begin at 10 p.m. at Crown Station. 3629 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.

 

 

——-SATURDAY, JUNE 23——-

It’s time to wake and shake things up this morning as the beautiful ladies of SocaFit USA welcome you out to the original Caribbean Fitness Class! Get ready to “wuk up” that waist, mash up da’ place and get some sweat on your face as you enjoy and endure a morning of nonstop, hi-octane dancing and exercise with a fresh and vibrant Soca soundtrack provided by The Dynamic DJ Kato. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/socafitusa-live-original-caribbean-fitness-experience-featuring-dj-kato-tickets-46673258974. Light refreshments will be provided. The class will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m. at 2332 Mount Harmony Church Rd. in Matthews. #SocaFit

 

 

Ladies of all generations, you’re invited to join Turning Point Dance Creations for the Mini-Me Meltdown Dance WERKshop this morning! From lil’ mama, to mama all the way to Big Mama, come and feel lifted with an empowering and interactive workout session led by the extraordinarily beautiful Melissa McDaniel. Admission is $10 per adult and $5 per child. No dance experience is necessary and there will be appropriate exercises for all ages. The event will begin at 11 a.m. at LacedWell. 5221 Equipment Dr.

 

 

Join Black Business Owners of Charlotte (BBOC) as they welcome you to the Community Resource Fair this morning. In partnership with Mecklenburg County Health & Human Services, come learn about some local organizations that will inform attendees about services for mental health, criminal record expungement, housing and much more. Admission is FREE and open to the public. 11 a.m. at The McCrorey Family YMCA. 3008 Beatties Ford Rd.

 

 

Bring the entire family out to JCSU this afternoon for the 5th Annual Carolina Veteran Expo. Citizens, volunteers and veterans come out and enjoy a day full of community full of live music, interactive activites, food trucks, 30+ vendors and lots more! Admission is FREE to attend but $5 donations will be accepted. The fun commences at 12 noon. 100 Beatties Ford Rd.

Bring the family out to the CRDT Multicultural Dance Festival this afternoon! This is a FREE multicultural dance festival for all ages including dances of many cultures, art, live drumming, singing artist, food, live bands, interactive presentations and a special opening ceremony parade. The festivities will begin at 12:30 p.m. at the Ivory Baker Recreational Center. 1920 Stroud Park Ct.

Get ready for a tasty brunch and a taste of laughter at The Comedy Zone and come experience Funny Side Up! Join your lovely host and comedienne Blayr Nias for a fun filled afternoon of comedy, cocktails and brunch guaranteed to leave you in stitches! While stomach is filled with some delicious food, fill your heart with the raucous humor from Grace Holtz, Nicci Hoo, James R. Hustle, Shawna Jarrett, Natasha Ferrier, Kristin Sivills and special guest, The Fabulous Karmyn! Tickets are only $10 and can be purchased here: https://www.cltcomedyzone.com/buy-tickets/?Page=https%3a%2f%2fpublic.ticketbiscuit.com%2fComedyZoneCharlotte%2fEvents%2f345963. The event will begin at 2 p.m. The Comedy Zone is located at 900 NC Music Factory Blvd.

Ladies, the weather is getting warmer and if you desire to add more creative and colorful editions to your wardrobe, gather up all your homegirls and come out to Revolution EGO 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. There are sizes to fit everyone and there is a communal dressing room so that you can try the items on and find your favorites. After you’ve made your selections, the items are cut to length by hand. Admission to the event is FREE. Cash and credit/debit cards are accepted. The event begins at 3 p.m. Revolution EGO is located at 312 N. Myers St. in Uptown.

 

UnitedHealthcare will host A Better You, a series of health and wellness educational events, in Charlotte on June 23, 2018 to help African American seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries learn more about Medicare and their health care coverage options. The events will feature the following list of renowned keynote speakers and musical performances to engage and motivate participants in a celebration of health: For the fourth consecutive year, 82-year-old record-breaking bodybuilder, Ernestine Shepherd partners with A Better You to encourage people to seek optimal physical and mental health at all ages by sharing her personal story. Local leaders Rev. Dr. Monica Redmond of St. Paul Baptist Church, and Rev. Walter Bowers of Ebenezer Baptist Church will each share a word on inspirational guidance. Rita Tolbert, of UnitedHealthcare, will walk attendees through the basics of Medicare – including the different parts of the program, eligibility requirements and enrollment windows – to help them make informed health care coverage decisions. Events will be held on Saturday, June 23, at 10 a.m. and at 2 p.m. at The Mint Museum Uptown500 S Tyron St, Charlotte, NC 28202. The events are open to the public, and there is no cost to attend. For more information or to RSVP, beneficiaries may call 1.888.385.1995 or visit www.abetteryou.info.

Get ready for some daytime flavor unlike any other as SociaLight and Tom-Tom Productions proudly presents the 80s & 90s R&B Day Party! Relive your favorite Rhythm & Blues, Soul, House, Funk, Rare Grooves and Fusion classics from one of Charlotte’s baddest, DJ Justice as commanding maestro. Also, he will give a special musical tribute in honor of the late, great Michael Jackson with a bevy of his hits, remixes, B-sides, Jackson 5 and The Jacksons joints, album cuts and lots more! And while you’re moonwalking across the dance floor, be sure to fuel the power in your glove and sparkle socks with drink specials such as “The Smooth Criminal”, “Billie Jean” and “Rock With You Juice!” Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/80s-90s-rb-day-party-tickets-46508076910. The party starts at 3 p.m. at Sydney’s Martini & Wine Bar. 401 N. Tryon St. in Uptown. #SociaLight

 

Black Singles in CLT is back to add some flair for your weekend flavor as they invite you out to Firehouse Bar & Lounge for Flourish – The Day Party! Step out on this Saturday in style with some of your best Summertime threads in this sophisticated atmosphere featuring drink specials, networking, fly tunes from a special guest DJ! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/flourish-the-day-party-tickets-46883540933. The get down starts at 4 p.m. 320 W. Carson Blvd. in Uptown.   #BlackSinglesCLT

 

 

There’s some bold talent brewing in the QC and tonight, come and witness a powerhouse on the mic as CrownKeepers proudly presents #ImAnArtistDammit featuring Mercury Carter! Boasting a multi-octave tapestry of vocal ability, Mercury’s rich, velvet voice has the ability to captivate ears of and minds of all music enthusiasts totally leaving you speechless. Do not miss this show – trust me! Admission is FREE. This event is sponsored by the Arts & Science Council. 7:30 p.m. at dupp&swat. 2521 The Plaza Rd.

 

 

Get ready to get on the good foot at Petra’s this evening and join the lovely Jasiatic as she hosts Su Casa – The June Edition! Step into a world of Afrofuturistic funk and dance your way into the glory of Summer as resident spin doctors DJ Justice and DJ Steel Wheel free your mind, body and soul with an eclectic mix of House, Afrobeat, Soul, Funk, Reggae, Dancehall, Afro-House, Jazz, Soca and much more! Also, be sure to cop some fly trinkets and threads from the vendors and get your face dazzled with colorful creativity from Catherine. Admission is $10 all night long. The party starts at 10 p.m. 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.

 

 

 

——-SUNDAY, JUNE 24——-

Join Ms. Eternity Philops at Queen City Yoga as she hosts a Sound Healing Yoga Meditation class this afternoon. This class will highlight a holistic healing approach to balancing body, mind, heart, and spirit through the power of conscious breathing, controlled movement, and sound submersion. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sound-healing-yoga-meditation-registration-45818536476.  The session starts at 3 p.m. Queen City Yoga is located at 8514 McAlpine Dr., Suite #125.

 

 

This afternoon, head over to Friendship Missionary Baptist Church for the “Civics 101: Systematic Controls” community class. The synopsis of this will highlight the understanding the establishment of the systematic use of methods to control Blacks (the Black Codes, Poll Tax, criminal justice system bias) and gain knowledge of the economic impact of the prison system. Panelists include District Attorney Spencer Merriweather, Crossroads Charter School Dean of Students, Adrian Sundiata, Marshville, NC mayor Franklin Deese and defense attorney Henderson Hill. This event will be moderated by Judge Yvonne Mims Evans (Ret.). Admission is FREE and open to the public. 3 p.m. 3400 Beatties Ford Rd.

 

 

 

COMING SOON…

 

 

6/28 — Black Blooded: An Exploration of Black Life Through Art

6/29 – Radio Rehab Carolinas presents “OutKast on a Quest CLT”

6/30 — The Park Church 5K Domestic Violence Awareness Run/Walk

6/30 — Werkout & Cookout with 4Thirty-Two

7/7 — Off the Wall “7 Year Anniversary” feat. J Scienide

7/12 – 7/14 — 2nd Annual CineOdyssey Film Festival

 

Enjoy your weekend Brothers and Sisters! One Love.

 

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

 

#WeekendWarrior   #TheBlackFerrisBueller   #EarsToDaSkreets   #CommunityFirst