By Shawn D. Allison, II
Salutations Brothers and Sisters! You can relax now because the weekend is in full effect and there’s all sorts of cultural goodness going on! Also, for your beloved family matriarchs, there’s a few surprises in store for them too! If you want to know what’s really jumpin’ this weekend, be sure to peep my “Hot List” just below!
- THURSDAY – SATURDAY – Define American Film Festival at The Gantt Center
- THURSDAY – Tainos of the Caribbean: A Rich Heritage at Collinswood Language Academy
- FRIDAY – “mood: B L A C K” at Goodyear Arts
- FRIDAY—NYC Legend DJ Marley Marl at Mooney’s Lounge
- SATURDAY—Mom-A-Rama Paint & Sip at The Last Word
- SATURDAY—“I Still Love the 90s Brunch & Day Party” at Sports One Bar & Grill
- SUNDAY—Brunch, Bubbles & Beats at Firehouse Bar & Grill
- SUNDAY—Sunday Gospel Buffet Mother’s Day Comedy Special at Conversation Peace
- MONDAY – Mo’ Betta w/ Quentin Talley & The Soul Providers at The Morehead Tavern
——-THURSDAY 5/11——-
Ladies, are you ready to leap into entrepreneurship? The CPCC Small Business Center is pleased to invite you out to a special empowerment seminar entitled, “She Flew the Coop.” This is a movement to help you pursue your passion and live your dream. Learn how four phenomenal women took the leap and be inspired to join the movement and launch your own venture. There will be lots of networking, appetizers and a Q&A session. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07edvay4z8fc3edc9e&oseq=&c=&ch=. The event begins at 6 p.m. and will be held at Tate Hall on CPCC’s Main Campus. 1206 Elizabeth Ave. in Uptown.
This weekend, open your eyes, minds and hearts at The Gantt Center and come out for the Define American Film Festival (DAFF). You will be entertained, informed and will engage different perspectives across those vast landscape of immigrants in the “Land of Opportunity.” From screenings, panel discussions and other forms of fellowship featuring filmmakers, actors, and local advocates, you will go beyond the reductive, simplistic talking points that we’ve become accustomed to, humanizing the issue of immigration. There will be a reception following the introductory film. 7 p.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
This evening, come out to Collingswood Language Academy for a special cultural musical entitled, “Tainos of the Caribbean: A Rich Heritage.” Written by Tai Pelli and Everdith Landrau, come experience the amazing contributions of the Taino peoples of the Caribbean which are found all over the world! There will be lots of indigenous dance numbers, music and fellowship. Admission is FREE to attend and the event will begin at 6:30 p.m. Collinswood Language Academy is located at 4000 Applegate Rd.
Get your body movin’ and groovin’ on this Thursday at NoDa @ 28th Creative Arts Studios as Mayela World Dance proudly presents the Afrobeat African Dance Class. This energetic and fun dance session will teach you the basics of the Afrobeat dance style set to an incredible Motherland-bred soundtrack of percussions and other riveting rhythms. Admission is $10 and the course begins at 7 p.m. NoDa @ 28th Creative Arts Studios is located at 2424 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
——-FRIDAY 5/12——-
Charlotte, get ready to experience an evening of sassy and sexy spice as BurrowsInk proudly presents, “The Sweet Spot – Make It Rain Edition!” The Sweet Spot is the first ever high energy, heart-pounding, fist pumping, laugh-out-loud Pop Erotica event in the world. Get ready to experience the world’s best performance poets, live body art models, sultry burlesque dancers, live music, fashion, comedy and the most electrified host you have ever seen mixed in with today’s most current top 40 hits. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-sweet-spot-charlotte-make-it-rain-edition-tickets-32738022306. This event is for persons 21+. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. The event will be held at Label. 900 NC Music Factory Blvd.
Spend your afternoon at The Gantt Center as you view a special screening of the documentary “Residenté.” As part of the Define American Film Festival, this film will follow Latin America’s most decorated artist, Rene Perez aka Residente, as he embarks on a global adventure, to trace the footsteps of his ancestors and record his latest album. Admission is $5 and can be purchased here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2902515?date=1708146. The screening begins at 2:30 p.m. 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
The Define American Film Festival rolls along with a screening of the riveting and acclaimed documentary, “Am I: Too African to be American or Too American to be African?”. This film explores the complex identity formations of young African women living in America and West Africa who identify bi-culturally. It specifically looks at how they wrestle with concepts of race, complexion, gender, and heritage among other issues. There will be a community discussion following the film. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2902515?date=1686635. The screening will begin at 5 p.m. 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
This evening at Goodyear Arts, come out for the opening of the all-new exhibit, “mood: B L A C K.” What would it mean to cultivate a brave Black space for radical, multidisciplinary artists to exhibit work that reaches beyond movements? Black people have always endured the state of chaos, crisis, and white supremacy that some are just becoming aware of today. Explore an evening of shared resistance, risk-taking, and a critical interrogation of the current political condition. Admission is FREE to attend. The event begins at 6 p.m. Goodyear Arts is located at 516 N. College St. in Uptown.
Get ready to taste the delights of the season as Liberate Your Palate CLT presents, “Shake, Stir, Sip & Socialize: It’s A Spring Thing!” Join Emily Elda aka The Crazy Bar Lady in this hands-on class covering the construction of 3 different cocktails that have spring attachments. Learn how to make a Dark n’ Stormy to enjoy on or off the golf course, a twist on a Mint Julep so fabulous that it could stand up to any derby hat and everyone’s favorite patio drink, The Moscow Mule but trust us when we say that if you follow our instruction you will be making the best Mule’s on the block this summer. Admission is $65 and it includes individual bar stations, 3 full-sized cocktails and appetizers on a beautiful spring night. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.liberateyourpalate.com/passbook/friday-may-12th-its-a-spring-thing. The event begins at 7 p.m. and will be held at Hygge Coworking West. 2128 Remount Rd., Suite “B”. #LiberateYourPalateCLT
Bring the family out to Spirit Square this evening and enjoy the new Spring and Summer series, “Sounds on the Square.” For your entertainment pleasure tonight, come feel the vibrant energy of Buff Dillard & Friends! As one of Charlotte’s most acclaimed jazz bands, they are always ready to give an unforgettable performance. Admission is FREE to attend and the music starts at 7 p.m. Spirit Square is located at 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
For the Friday night conclusion of the Define American Film Festival, come and “Meet the Patels!” This funny and lighthearted film is about how a family’s culture intersects with the love life of an Indian-American man. Directors, sister and brother team, Geeta and Ravi Patel invite you to explore as they humorously document the societal pressures of marriage in their first-generation Indian American family. Admission is $5 and can be purchased here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2902515?date=1686662. The film starts at 8 p.m. 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Charlotte, get ready for some NYC flavor at Mooney’s Lounge this evening as The NYC Legend DJ Marley Marl spins some classic and soulful house joints all night long! If you’re unaware of this man’s contribution to music, come experience the vibes for yourself. Opening will be none other than local giants DJ Gary “Jackmaster” Wallace and DJ Police. The event will be hosted by Blue and DJ Jason Brooks. Admission is $10. 8 p.m. Mooney’s Lounge is located at 2525 N. Graham St.
Head out to The McColl Center of Art + Innovation for another round of the New Frequencies at McColl Center Series. Tonight’s feature is avant-garde jazz team, The Ken Vandermark & Nate Wooley Duo. Chicago saxophonist/composer Ken Vandermark and New York trumpet player Nate Wooley had been operating in each other’s orbits for several years before putting together their duo project in October 2013. The two work together to create an organic combination of the jazz tradition, free improvisation, and modern composition, and then place it into the raw and intimate context of this duo. Tickets can be purchased here: https://53393.blackbaudhosting.com/53393/New-Frequencies-at-McColl-Center–Music-Ken-VandermarkNate-Wooley-Duo. Showtime is at 8 p.m. The McColl Center is located at 721 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
She’s been on many stages before wowing lots of crowds, and tonight she’s back once again at The Morehead Tavern—get ready as Jazz N’ Soul Music proudly presents Songstress Extraordinaire Gena Chambers! If you’ve never heard this lady blow before, you are definitely missing out on a rare musical delight. Do your ears a favor and come experience some sultry, rhythmic and powerful vocals! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/songstress-extraordinaire-gena-chambers-tickets-34223432207. Showtime is at 9 p.m. The Morehead Tavern is located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #JazzNSoul
Calling all playas, ballers, shot callers and the like! Hop in your ‘Lacs, Bourbons, Duece and a 1/4s, Caprice Classics and head down to Snug Harbor for “PLAYER MADE!” Join DJs Overcash and Elevator Jay along with Jaboi B Rab and A-Huf as they take you on a funky ride through all eras of Southern Hip Hop. From OutKast, Goodie Mob, UGK, Master P, Nappy Roots, Little Brother, 8Ball & MJG, Trick Daddy, 2 Live Crew, Three 6 Mafia and more! The doors open at 9 p.m. and the funk starts at 10 p.m. Admission is FREE for people 21+ and $5 for people 18+. Snug Harbor is located at 1228 Gordon St. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
- Kehinde and DJ Corporate are back one mo’ gin’ with some all new flavor for 2017! Join them as they host, “UNLEASHED – The Soca Experience!” Gather your co-workers and crew together and come out to Island Hub Restaurant & Lounge for some high-energy Soca vibrations, a delicious and authentic Caribbean cuisine and lots of tasty drink specials. Admission is $10 all night long and the event begins at 10 p.m. Island Hub Restaurant & Lounge is located at 3723 Monroe Rd.
The vivacious and Ms. Terry Berry is back once again to put your minds at ease in a state of total relaxation this evening at Label Ivory Lounge as she hosts the “Mid-Month Get Down!” Take a load off from the hectic work week with your crew, delicious cocktails and some fly sounds from Celebrity DJ Shogun! Admission is FREE before 11 p.m. The party starts at 10 p.m. Label Ivory Lounge is located at 900 NC Music Factory Blvd. #TerryBerryEvents
——-SATURDAY 5/13——-
Rise and shine and head down to the Mosaic Village for “Savory Saturdays!” Enjoy a morning full of delicious eats, community greets and artistic treats. Participating mobile eateries will be Climb’s Roast Coffee, The Breakfast Food Truck and Café Ganache. There will also be a special live jazz performance from Michael Porter. This event will be hosted by Historic West End Initiative. The event will begin at 8 a.m. The Mosaic Village is located at 1635 W. Trade St. on the outskirts of Uptown. #HistoricWestEnd #WestSideBestSide
Get down and get busy with Moxie Society late this morning at Sports One as they host another fly edition of “I Still Love the 90s Brunch & Day Party!” Enjoy a delicious Southern-style brunch with all sorts of drink specials including $5 mimosas. Your groove master for this event is none other than Charlotte’s own, DJ Justice rockin’ nothing but the hotness of the 90s and the beautiful Tiffany M. Wilkins painting her soul on the canvas with her acclaimed “Chocolate Art” series! Admission is FREE to attend. The party starts at 11 a.m. Sports One is located at 521 N. College St. in Uptown. #MoxieSociety
Muslim American Society – Charlotte invites your entire family out for the International Food Festival this morning! Come enjoy a day of fun and foods from around the world. There will also be a bounce house, pony rides, Henna tattooing and face painting. Admission is FREE to attend and the event begins at 11 a.m. 4301 Shamrock Dr.
Gather at the The Mint Museum Randolph Branch this morning for two events! First up, come out for Bilingual Stories & Music! Do you like to play? This is your chance to play fun traditional children games and hear stories from Latin America, in Spanish and English, with the amazing storytellers and performers from Criss Cross Mangosauce. Admission is $5 and play time starts at 11 a.m. The museum is located at 2730 Randolph Rd. near the Cotswold Area.
This afternoon, join my brother and fellow PRIDE Magazine contributing writer Eddie D. Love at Advent Coworking as he hosts his Leadership Workshop. Get ready for an exclusive workshop designed to enhance your leadership skills and increase your influence and effectiveness in relationships. The training will include the following areas: understanding personality styles, effective communication and creative problem solving. Refreshments will be provided. Admission is $20 and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/leadership-workshop-tickets-27201671933. The workshop begins at 12 noon. Advent Coworking is located at 933 Louise Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District. #Hawulife
Put some island spice in your Saturday and come out to TCB 54 Hundred Bar & Grill for the Reggae Day Party! Hosted by DC2NC Productions, come and “wine” up with some of the best Reggae, Dancehall and Caribbean classics provided by Kyrk of T.U.K. and DJ Undertaker rockin’ on the 1’s and 2’s! Also, be sure to get your dancing fuel with some great meal and drink specials! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reggae-day-party-tickets-33687818171. The party starts at 1 p.m. 5400 Nevin Rd. in the Derita Community.
The Define American Film Festival begins its final day of screenings and festivities with the documentary, “Forbidden: Undocumented & Queer in Rural America” at The Gantt Center. Moises’ story is a transformational journey from depression and despair to a life of passion and purpose. At his lowest point, he meets several undocumented immigrant activists who encourage him to publicly share his story outside the Yadkin County Courthouse. Although a big risk, speaking out sparks a sense of purpose for Moises and leads him, along with other activists, to establish El Cambio–an organization committed to immigrant and migrant rights in North Carolina. A panel discussion will follow the screening. Admission is $5 and can be purchased here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2902515?date=1686740. The screening begins at 1 p.m. 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Experience the LATIBAH Collard Green Museum as they present the opening of their exhibit, “Forget Us Not….We Are the Links to Your Past.” Bring the entire tribe out for an afternoon of African lyrical Dancing, historical re-enactments, a community drum circle, and the unveiling of life-size installation of the Door of No Return and the Middle Passage. This emotionally moving exhibit in combination with our culturally enriched programs pay tribute to those who endure the humanity of the Middle Passage, and honors their courageous determination. Admission is FREE to attend and the event will begin at 1 p.m. at the Sugaw Creek Recreational Center. 943 W. Sugar Creek Rd.
Young princesses ages 7 to 17, I’ve got something special for you this afternoon! Come out and express yourselves with RitZy Dance Productions! You will get to be introduced to dance in the styles of Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical and Majorette (Band Style). Registration is only $25 and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/youth-dance-team-recruitment-tickets-27444173261. The event will begin at 2 p.m. The address is 2424 N. Davidson St., Suite #110 in the NoDa District.
Also at The Gantt Center this afternoon, get those limbs loose and ready to move at the May installment of “Moving Spirits: A Community Intensive Dance Workshop.” Join instructor and choreographer Tamara Williams as she takes your body on a journey to Cuba to learn some Rumba. The Rumba is an Afro-Cuban dance form that was developed at the ports of Havana and Matanzas where workers sang and danced. Rumba blends movements inspired by Congolese (Bantu) and Spanish cultures. The word “rumba” means “party”. There are three traditional styles of rumba yambú, columbia, and guaguancó. We will focus on the Guaguancó rumba style which is often referred to as the “rooster-hen dance”. Guaguancó is traditionally performed as a flirtatious partner dance in which the man (rooster) tries to catch the woman (hen) in a game of movements. Admission is $5 and can be purchased here: https://61686.blackbaudhosting.com/61686/Moving-Spirits-A-Community-Intensive-Dance-Workshop-with-Tamara-Williams-13May2017. The session begins at 2 p.m. 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Artist Christopher Clarke invites you out to The Last Word for a special edition of Art From the Heart. Today, you will paint homage to all mothers in “Mom-A-Rama Paint & Sip!” Treat your loving Mom, or the Mother of you children, to a wonderful afternoon and enjoy guided instruction over smooth music and a complimentary glass of wine. All supplies are included. Admission is $20 per person and $35 per couple. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.paypal.me/artfromtheheart. The class will begin at 3 p.m. The Last Word is located at 5744 N. Tryon St. #ArtFromTheHeart
Faces of color collide in a quest at The Gantt Center this afternoon as the Define American Film Festival proudly presents a special screening of the aptly-titled documentary, “White People.” Pulitzer Prize-winning filmmaker and journalist Jose Antonio Vargas teams up with 5 young people across the country to dig deeper into what it really means to be white in America and why it matters. There will be a community panel discussion following the film. Admission is $5 and can be purchased here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2902515?date=1686752. The film begins at 4 p.m. 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Sexy Lifestyle Specialist invites you out to Mooney’s Lounge late this afternoon for the Champagne & Stilettos Happy Hour Concert Series! Gather your friends to come enjoy a variety of drink specials, sensual spoken word and a special performance from local saxophonist Shableek Richardson. The event will be hosted by Iz-Real the Poet. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/champagne-stilettos-happy-hour-concert-series-tickets-33589823065. The event begins at 4 p.m. Mooney’s Lounge is located at 2525 N. Graham St.
The Guerrilla Poets rock into May this evening and invite you out for their newest creative experience, “Off The Wall Paint Off!” How this operates is that artists will have a bucket next to their easel for the audience to put their suggestions in on what the artists should paint. Artists will pick blindly from the bucket to determine what they will paint, and will have 1 hour to complete. For the poets, the only catch is you have to write a poem on what the artists are painting. Admission for artists is $10 and the general public is $7 or a donation of toiletries. The event will begin at 7 p.m. and will be held at Charlotte Art League. 1517 Camden Rd. in Historic South End. #GuerillaPoets
——-SUNDAY 5/14——-
The beautiful Terry Berry of TerryBerry Events invites you out to Firehouse Bar & Lounge this afternoon for the Mother’s Day Edition of Brunch, Bubbles & Beats! Treat your mother to an afternoon delight filled with a delicious brunch menu, a $20 mimosa bar and hot tunes spun by DJ 360! It’s the perfect afternoon for you! Admission is FREE to attend and the event begins at 12 noon. Firehouse Bar & Lounge is located at 320 W. Carson Blvd. in Uptown. #TerryBerryEvents
Attention all Crate Diggers, Vinyl Enthusiasts and Music Lovers… Spin yourselves over to the Tip Top Daily Market for the “Diggers Delight Pop-Up Record Swap” this afternoon! Sift and scour through a healthy selection of Jazz, Funk, Soul, Hip Hop, R&B and Rock LPs for trade or purchase! Admission is FREE. The fun begins at 2 p.m. Tip Top Daily Market is located at 2902 The Plaza Rd. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Join Mr. Felix Curtis at The Gantt Center this afternoon for another Sunday editon of Classic Black Cinema Series. Today’s screening is the 1973 film, “A Warm December”, starring greats Sidney Poitier and Esther Anderson. The film follows Dr. Matt Younger and his daughter as they arrive for a month-long visit to London for a dirt-bike race. Unexpectedly, a new romance for the widowed Dr. Younger emerges. His new love interest is the beautiful and playful Catherine who seems to enjoy eluding Dr. Younger just as much as she enjoys avoiding the mysterious men who are following her. Their romance develops gradually as does the viewers’ understanding of what is going on with this charming woman and the complications she brings with her.Admission is FREE to attend and the film will start at 2 p.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown. #CBCS
The team at the Single Saved & Serious Movement (SSS) invites you out to Conversation Peace for the Sunday Gospel Buffet Mother’s Day Comedy Special! Enjoy a delightful and hearty selection of eats, including seafood for $18.95 and laugh off those calories with local funnymen Huey Baby and Charles McMurray II. Then be sure to stick around for the hilarious headliner and nationally travelling comedienne, Julie Scoggins who’ll make you humorously rethink motherhood, life and love! Admission is $10 and all mothers are admitted for FREE. The event begins at 5 p.m. Conversation Peace is located at 846 Union Street South in Concord. #SSS
——-MONDAY 5/15——-
Put some mood music in your Monday evening as the good people of On Q Productions returns with another exciting edition of Mo’ Betta at The Morehead Tavern! Treat your senses to some eclectic delight with some radical jazz numbers, riveting spoken word stanzas and lots more fun with Quentin Talley & The Soul Providers! The event will be hosted by Quentin, himself and On Q Music Director, Tim Scott, Jr. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/onq-presents-mo-betta-may-edition-tickets-33973760432. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #OnQ
Rounding out your marvelous Monday, head out to Petra’s Bar for the “Second Monday Jazz Workshop & Improv.” Join host, instrumentalist and local jazz enthusiast, John Shaughnessy as he conducts a live jazz session in front of an intimate audience. All are welcome to join in! Whether you are a flautist, guitarist, funky drummer, vocalist, horn-blower, percussionist or ivory tickler, this is the workshop for you! FREE. The jam session begins at 8 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
COMING SOON…
5/20 – African-American Hidden Gems Tour
5/21 – Soul Sunday
5/27 – Su Casa – The May Edition
Mothers are our life force—be sure and love on yours and all that you encounter this weekend. Be easy everyone! Peace.
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#TheBlackFerrisBueller #WeekendWarrior #CommunityFIrst