By Shawn D. Allison, II
My people, greetings to each and every one of you! We have a three-day weekend on our hands with lots of stuff to get into! So while you find time to indulge in barbeques make sure you find time indulge in all of these goodies I have listed for you this weekend! As you know, I, The Black Ferris Bueller will be hot on the QC streets this weekend and if you want to know what’s really movin’ and shakin’, peep my Hot List just down yonder!
- THURSDAY—MARS Charlotte Knights Outing at BB&T Ballpark
- THURSDAY—“Paint & Drank” at New Era Music House
- FRIDAY-SATURDAY—Charlotte Asian Film Festival at UNCC Center City
- FRIDAY—Jazz N’ Soul Music presents Jazz Revolution at The Morehead Tavern
- SATURDAY– QC Sneaker Expo & 3-on-3 Tournament at The Carole A. Hoefener Rec Center
- SATURDAY—Smokin’ Grooves Saturdays at Firehouse Bar & Lounge
- SATURDAY—I’m A Business, Man Part 2 – Small Biz Showcase at New Era Music House
- SATURDAY– Old School Patio Concert & Day Party at The Morehead Tavern
- SATURDAY—Su Casa – The May Editon at Petra’s
- SUNDAY—Single Saved & Serious Movement’s Memorial Style Sunda Gospel Brunch at Conversation Peace
- SUNDAY– QC Sounds of Summer Block Party at Hattie’s Tap & Tavern
- SUNDAY—The SoulJunkies’ “United We Dance Memorial Weekend” at Mooney’s Lounge
- MONDAY—Session: A Listening Party at Petra’s
——-THURSDAY 5/25——-
The good people of MARS are switching up things tonight from the kickball field to the baseball diamond tonight as they invite you out as they host their Charlotte Knights Outing! Kickback with some of the league’s kickball all-stars and enjoy a game between the Charlotte Knights versus the Syracuse Chiefs. Mix, mingle and cheer on the hometown heroes in this evening of nonstop fun! There will be drink specials including $3 domestic drafts, $1 soda pops and more. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased here: https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2/Buy.asp?EventID=197239#.WRxql5IrK70. MARS will be in the Berm/Standing Room Only section. The game starts at 7 p.m. BB&T Ballpark is located at 324 S. Mint St. in Uptown. #MARS #Funletics
Slide over to The Peace Pipe this evening for some “Smokin’ Spoken Word!” Words fly and penetrate your earholes this evening creating an artsy but pleasant atmostphere from the talents of Sir Abstraxxx, Lady T, One Tough Poet, Mecca Mone’t and a special performance from K. Scott. There will also be an open mic for you to showcase whatever is on or in your mind. The event will be hosted by Allamuto. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/smokin-spoken-word-tickets-34555609759. 7 p.m. The Peace Pipe is located at 204 W. Woodlawn Rd., Suite “H”.
Get your creative juices flowing at New Era Music House and come out for “Paint & Drank!” Relax with some good vibrations provided by local artists, live art, a drum circle and lots of love and fellowship! Painting packages will be available for purchase at $10, $15 or $20 with supplies included. There will also be food and drink available as well. The event starts at 7 p.m. New Era Music House is located at 5814 Old Concord Rd.
Speed Street is back and as you scour around the crowd, head down to the Mello Yello stage tonight to see R&B/Funk band Lakeside performing live with The Magnificient DJ Jazzy Jeff! If you’re unaware of these two acts, you need to seriously check your ears—so much musical goodness your head will spin! Admission to Lakeside is FREE. Tickets for DJ Jazzy Jeff can be purchased here: https://www.cuetoems.com/ckss_2017/Tickets.aspx. 7 p.m. All events will be held in Uptown Charlotte.
——-FRIDAY 5/26——-
Set your weekend off the right way and come out to The Factory Café Charlotte for the FRIDAY After Work Rendezvous – Memorial Day Edition! Hosted by Digital Divas, come get yourselves ready for a three-day weekend filled with lots of cocktail specials, mixing and mingling, food and great tunes from a special guest DJ! Admission is FREE to attend. The party starts at 5 p.m. 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd. #DigitalDivas
Attention QC parents– Take a night out while your children have a miniature camp experience with Charlotte Day Camp! Your young ones will get to engage in fun activities led by an energetic and talented staff. Activities include sports, arts, cultural exploration, team building games and more—also, campers will get a sneak peek into the kinds of activities that’ll be occurring at camp during the summer. The event is for youth ages 5-14. Admission is $10 per family and can be paid here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/parents-night-out-w-charlotte-day-camp-tickets-34667973843. The event begins at 6 p.m. and will be held at The International House. 1817 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
This weekend, take a journey to the far East in film as the Charlotte Asian Heritage Association proudly presents the inaugural Charlotte Asian Film Festival! As part of Asian Heritage Month, this weekend will feature a diverse lineup of screenings including full-length feature films, shorts and documentaries that provide a window on various facets of Asian society, culture and history, both in the native lands and in the diaspora. This showcase for film-making as an art form will provide a unique opportunity for film connoisseurs to enjoy international films with an Asian focus right here in Charlotte. Admission is FREE to the festival but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/charlotte-asian-film-festival-tickets-33259954419. All screenings will be held at UNCC Center City. The opening social begins tonight at 6 p.m. 320 E. 9th St. in Uptown.
Relax at The Third Place this evening and get ready for another round with The Sound as they host their “Christian Open Mic!” Singers, MCs, instrumentalists, poets, comedians and artists come out to showcase your talents for a family-friendly audience! Admission is $5 per person. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. The Third Place is located at 1609 E. 5th 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.
Jazz N’ Soul Music presents some new flavor for you this evening—get ready to experience the cool vibes of Jazz Revolution! This seven-piece rhythm section, plus one vocalist collective fuses Jazz, Blues, Soul and classic R&B so well you’d think you were listening to your favorite drink instead of tasting it! Also, there will be drink and food specials all night long so be sure to treat all of your senses tonight! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jazz-revolution-an-eclectic-blend-of-jazz-and-soul-music-tickets-34613766708. The event starts at 9 p.m. at The Morehead Tavern. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.
Get your laugh on this evening as the Queen City Omegas present another hilarious round of Comedy Night! Bring your friends out and get ready for some side-splitting humor from comedians Damion Rozier and Jawan Charley. Then, be sure to stick around as DJ 06 burns of the speakers with a hot mix of Hip Hop and R&B tunes. The host for the evening is Brother Tito. Tickets can be purchased here: http://piphiomegas.org/events/comedy-gzam/. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m. The Omegas of Charlotte Fraternity House is located at 3301 Statesville Ave.
——-SATURDAY 5/27——-
Rise, shine and release with lovely yoga instructor Tajmah Allison as she starts your day with Mindfulness Meditation. Meditation has many benefits which include increased self-awareness, improved concentration, and stress relief. During this session you’ll practice stillness, intentional breathing to calm the mind, and gratitude to promote positive thinking. Soothing music will also aid in your guided meditation. Please be sure to bring a mat, pillow and dress comfortably. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to leave a love offering at the door. Doors open at 9 a.m. and the session will begin at 9:15 a.m. The session will be held at NoDa@28th Creative Arts Studios. 2424 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
This morning, celebrate the release of Ericka L. McKnight’s newest work, her book entitled, “Silence the Noise.” It’s a story of how Mrs. McKnight navigated through bevy of obstacles ranging from dealing with disturbed family members to her journey of becoming a successful life coach, real estate mogul and educator and philanthropist. Come meet Ericka, grab a copy of her book, read it, be inspired to silence the noise in your life and be a success! Admission is FREE to attend. The event begins at 11 a.m. at The Last Word. 5744 N. Tryon St.
Parents, the school year is almost over, vacation is quickly approaching and I bet you’re wondering what you’re going to do with the little ones this Summer. Look no further! This morning, come out to North Davidson United Methodist Congregation Church to peep the open house session for Summer Camp 2017! This summer camp promises to be one of multifaceted delight for your youth. They’ll be engaged in academic growth activities, arts & crafts and a lot more fun things! Registration fee is $35 and the weekly fee is $65. Any other inquiries, please contact Cynthia Johnson at: (704)-491-0176. The open house will begin at 11 a.m. The church is located at 1025 E. 36th St. in the NoDa District.
Depressed? Feeling stuck in life? Feeling unsure of your purpose. Come enjoy fun, laughter, and discover what Desire Mapping is and how it can improve every facet of your life. Presented by the beautiful Brittyne C. Haynie of The Wellness Key, LLC, get ready for some real talk around wine and a soul inspiring craft that will bring a deeper discovery of your core desire feelings which will help you design a life you deserve to live. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/feel-good-craft-and-sip-an-introduction-to-the-desire-map-a-guide-to-creating-goals-with-soul-tickets-33793009802. The event begins at 11 a.m. and will be held at The Wellness Key headquarters. 51 Union Street South in Concord.
The Jazz N’ Soul Music family invites you back to The Morehead Tavern for some more weekend flavor as they present the Old School Patio Concert & Day Party! Join host and radio personality Chirl Girl for an afternoon full of fun along with DJ Stacey Blackman rockin’ out on the turntables. Also, get ready the return of the band SoundBridge droppin’ off some stone cold grooves for your ears to enjoy! There will be drink specials and a special backyard BBQ menu to satisfy your stomach’s desires! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jazz-n-soul-music-patio-concert-day-party-hosted-by-chirl-girl-with-dj-stacey-blackman-tickets-34613087677. The party starts at 2 p.m. The Morehead Tavern is located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #JazzNSoul
Attention sneaker heads and ballers—head down to the Carole A. Hoefener Center this afternoon and get ready for the QC Sneaker Expo & 3-on-3 Tournament! Scoop up some Spring and Summertime kicks in this buy/sell/trade expo filled with a huge selection of sneakers featuring retro and classic favorites. There will be an awards ceremony, food trucks and live entertainment for the entire family! Also, there will be a 3-on-3 basketball tournament (three age divisions) for all those who desire to compete. Admission to the expo is FREE. For additional info and team registration please call, (704)-771-3522. The event begins at 2 p.m. The Carole A. Hoefener Center is located at 610 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
Get ready to make a joyful noise because it’s time for JoyFest 2017! Get your praise on at Carowinds with hot contemporary Gospel artists, Kirk Franklin, The Mann Family, rapper Dee-1, Travis Greene, Tasha Cobbs and Bone Hampton! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www1.ticketmaster.com/event/0E005239E431906E. The theme park opens at 11 a.m. and the show will begin starting at 3 p.m. Carowinds is located at 14523 Carowinds Blvd.
Moxie Society and Radio Rehab Carolinas have teamed up at Firehouse Bar & Lounge to bring you “Smokin’ Grooves Saturdays!” Come lounge with some funky sounds from critically acclaimed fusion band, Philly’s own—Killiam Shakespeare! Then be sure to stay and boogie with The Mighty DJ DR on the turntables churning out some hot grooves. The host for the afternoon is none other than the great spoken word voice of Bluz. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/smokin-grooves-saturdays-feat-killiam-shakespeare-dj-dr-tickets-34644574856. The fun and funk starts at 3 p.m. Firehouse Bar & Lounge is located at 308 W. Carson Blvd. in Uptown. #MoxieSociety #RadioRehabCarolinas
If you want to explore the small business community here in the QC, I’ve got just the social event for you! Join local culture connoisseur Ron Styles of New Era Music House as he proudly hosts the “I’m a Business, Man Part 2 – Small Biz Showcase!” It’s all things local this afternoon—fresh and hot food from local caterers, a lineup the area’s hottest musical talents, business info platforms and nonstop community networking and fun! Admission is FREE to attend and the event begins at 4 p.m. New Era Music House is located at 5814 Old Concord Rd.
Attention all you grown folks that like to play games—the old way—gather your friends, colleagues and older cousins at Apostrophe Lounge for the Old School Adult Board Game Night! Hosted by Have A Blast Events, get ready for an evening of food, fellowship, music and fun! Games will include Jenga, Spades, Connect Four, Scrabble, Twister, Taboo and more all while grooving to a set of classic 90s Hip Hop and R&B jams! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/have-a-blast-events-presents-old-school-adult-board-game-night-tickets-33148796944. The games begin at 6 p.m. Apostrophe Lounge is located at 1440 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
This evening, join the Guerilla Poets and several other cool cats for “ENCORE! Open Mic & Potluck!” at The Last Word. Every 4th Saturday of the month, gather ‘round as various and diverse individuals engage an open mic with song, poetry and riveting visual artwork. This is a love-filled atmosphere and there will be cool art activities for the kids! If you plan to paint, please bring your own supplies and everyone is encouraged to bring a dish representing their cultural background. Admission is FREE and the love starts at 7 p.m. The Last Word is located at 5744 N. Tryon St. #GuerillaPoets
It’s the time of the month again! Everyone head down to Petra’s for the May edition of Su Casa! Let your body flow free as DJ Steel Wheel, DJ Justice and special guest turntablist, DJ Native Sun of Okay Africa. Move and groove you with the best of Afrobeat, Funk, Soul, House, Soca, Reggae, Brazilian Rhythms, R&B, Rare Grooves, South African House, Pop and more flyness! Also, be sure to stick around for a special live performance from local soul rock band Blame the Youth in celebration of their upcoming EP, “The Hourglass.” Admission is $10 and the party starts at 10 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Mellow out your Saturday with some island-tinged grooves as Pure Fiyah Reggae Band performs live at Hattie’s Tap & Tavern! This easy listening collective out of Greensboro brings some passion to the stage performing some dynamic and relaxing Roots, Rock & Reggae rhythms and good vibrations all night long! The event begins at 10 p.m. Hattie’s Tap & Tavern is located at 2918 The Plaza Rd. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
——-SUNDAY 5/28——-
Awesom Ent. invites you out to Club One as they present the Go-Go & Hip Hop Invasion All-White Affair! Get ready to party and jam to the sounds of Charlotte’s premiere Go-Go band, Uptown Swagga and then be sure to stick around to burn up the dance floor with the legendary DJ Kool and DJ Freedom rockin’ the wheels of steel! All white attire is not required, but it is preferred. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/awesom-entertainment-memorial-day-all-white-party-tickets-33958797678. Doors open at 4 p.m. Club One is located at 950 NC Music Factory Blvd.
The Single Saved and Serious Movement team invites you out to Conversation Peace for a special Memorial Day-style Sunday Gospel Brunch! Bring out your entire family for an afternoon of food, fun and fellowship with Will McCray of WEMJ giving you some smooth, contemporary Gospel tunes! In honor of military veterans, the buffet will be 25% off with proper military I.D. Regular buffet price is $15.95. Admission to the event is FREE and the fun starts at 4 p.m. Conversation Peace is located at 846 Union Street South in Concord. #SSS
The creative energies of Radio Rehab Carolinas, DRC ApeParel, Dupp & Swat and FUNKSHUN joined forces to present to you the “QC Sounds of Summer Block Party!” Enjoy an afternoon of fellowship and eclectic grooves from the funky fusion collective known as Killiam Shakespeare, soulful vocalist Reesa Renee, Quentin Talley & The Soul Providers, Black Linen, DJ SPK, Mason Parker, Autumn Rainwater and more musical magic from DJ Justice! Also, be sure to scoop some fly threads, sounds and other cool items from a few local vendors. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/qc-sounds-of-summer-block-party-tickets-34684626652. The getdown starts at 4 p.m. at Hattie’s Tap & Tavern. 2918 The Plaza Rd. in the Plaza-Midwood District. #RadioRehabCarolinas #DRC #duppandswat
Things heat up at The Oak Room this afternoon as MAZ Entertainment proudly presents “BLAZE the Day Party Memorial Weekend!” Bring your crew out and celebrate the weekend as Charlotte’s own DJ Tramare sets fire to the speakers with a blazing hot soundtrack! Admission is FREE before 5:30 p.m. with RSVP. Please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/blaze-the-day-party-memorial-day-edition-tickets-34358156170. The event begins at 4 p.m. The Oak Room is located at 200 E. Bland St. in Historic South End.
Join the School of Jai along with Yoga with Vivian as they present Jai For Uganda! This social fundraiser is geared towards helping out Janis and Izzy Renzi get to Uganda for their first mission trip. Enjoy an afternoon of reiki healing and touch therapy from Linsun Rising, a relaxing yoga session with instructor Vivian Selles and therapeutic harp with Beth Brown. Admission is FREE to attend but there is a suggestedlove donation of $10-20. The event begins at 4 p.m. and will be held at Studio 1212. The address is 1212 E. 10th St. near Uptown. #SchoolOfJai
Get ready for a steamy, sensual and sexual evening of erotic verbiage as renowned poet JstJah presents the “Erotic Poetry Slam!” Come and experience this tantalizing tryst of titillating wordplay from a host of verbally endowed lyricists as they compete for a cash prize. This night of naughty and sometimes nice wordplay is only for adults 21 and up. If you choose to participate, the fee is $10. Admission for the audience is $5 before 9 p.m. and $10 after. The event will begin at 7 p.m. at Apostrophe Lounge. 1440 S. Tryon St. in Uptown. #SayWord
Come free yourselves at Mooney’s Lounge and get ready to move as The SoulJunkies proudly presents the second annual “United We Dance Memorial Weekend!” Feel the vibe of that hard hitting soulful House from four of the Garden State’s finest—DJ Jazzy Bee, DJ Police, DJ Cee Low and DJ Naeem Johnson back to rock the house one mo’ gin’! There’s no work on Monday so be sure to dance all night long! Admission is $10 and the party starts at 9 p.m. Mooney’s Lounge is located at 2525 N. Graham St. #SoulJunkies
——-MONDAY 5/29——
After you’ve enjoyed all of your delicious feasts throughout the course of the day, slide over to Petra’s for a special evening treat as the lovely LeAnna Eden and DJ Joneses hosts another edition of “Session: A Listening Party!” This eclectic underground showcase features some of the hottest up-and-coming musical acts out of the QC. For tonight’s delight, get ready to experience the sounds of rapper JaH-Monte, vocalist Celeste Fisher and soul rock band Quisol. Admission is $5. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
COMING SOON…
5/31 – 6/9 – Rory D. Sheriff presents “Be A Lion”
6/3 – The Kinfolks’ “Soul Food Festival”
6/9 – 6/11 – Taste of Charlotte
6/15 – 6/18 – 20th Annual Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas
Let us remember, honor and cherish the brave men and women who fought and died for our protection and freedom and let a living military veteran know how much you appreciate their service! Have a great weekend everyone! Peace.
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #CommunityFirst