By Shawn D. Allison, II
What’s the word family? We made it to the weekend! JCSU’s Homecoming is poised to paint the city blue and gold with all sorts of cool events. However, if you want to celebrate alongside with them, I’ve cultivated a special list of goodies just for you! To know what’s really lit this weekend, peep my “Hot List” just below!
- THURSDAY-SATURDAY – BNS Productions presents “Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters First 100 Years”
- THURSDAY – SociaLight and The Dooby Shop hosts Open House & Networking Mixer
- FRIDAY — Black Food Truck Friday — Halloween Edition at Recess CLT
- FRIDAY – Kia Flow presents Friday Flow
- FRIDAY – Radio Rehab Carolinas presents JAMES BROWN vs. EVERYBODY at Crown Station
- SATURDAY — 9th Annual FestiVille Celebration – JCSU Homecoming
- SATURDAY – The Vulnerable Black Man Film Series screening of “Get Out” at Main Public Library
- SATURDAY — Freaquency : Soundwave I at Tip Top Daily Market
- SATURDAY – Afro Funk 2018 at Camp North End
- SATURDAY – Lagos Bugalu at Snug Harbor
- SATURDAY – Su Casa: We Love FELA! At Petra’s
- SUNDAY — The Jerk Chicken N’ Waffles Brunch: Smiff Homecoming Edition at Mangos Caribbean Restaurant
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, OCTOBER 25——-
Come out to The Gantt Center this evening as the New Generation of African American Philanthropists presents a special forum entitled “Making Change: A Case For Black-Led Social Change.” Susan Taylor Batten, President & CEO, Association of Black Foundation Executives (ABFE) will deliver some words of wisdom to promote knowledge, connections and collaboration that bring about social change in Charlotte challenging others to learn, lead and give back. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/making-change-a-case-for-black-led-social-change-tickets-49583485540. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a social reception including refreshments. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
SociaLight is back in full effect this evening as they once again teamed up with The Dooby Shop to present to you a special Open House & Networking Mixer! The event, sponsored by the non-profit organization Skill Builders Institute, is an informative event that allows us to make the community aware of the importance of investing in a future cosmetologist career. The cosmetology school focuses on providing opportunities for those who need affordable payment plans, flexible scheduling and no student loans. Admission is FREE but donations are also accepted. Please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/open-house-networking-mixer-tickets-50485820448. The event will begin at 6 p.m. The Dooby Shop is located at 2107 Beatties Ford Rd. #SociaLight
Start the weekend off by stimulating your senses at The McColl Center for Art + Innovation in a special workshop entitled, “Stimulus: Fantasy” this evening. What inspires artists to create? What stimulates their imaginations? Stimulus offers you deeper insight into the work and ideas of contemporary artists. These sessions aim to make connections between current McColl Center artists-in-residence, McColl Center alumni artists, and our constantly evolving local arts community. Artists are inspired by many things: culture, nature, and food, to name a few. What about the intangible things that cannot be physically seen, witnessed, or held? The intangible things, dreamt up by an artist’s imagination, that find themselves situated more in the realm of a fantasy world rather than our actual reality? During this workshop current McColl Center artists-in-residence and an alumnus will share what fantastic visions, illusions, and experiences they’ve had as individuals and how it has affected their work and their realities as artists. Admission is FREE to attend, but please be sure to RSVP here: https://53393.blackbaudhosting.com/53393/Stimulus-25Oct2018?fbclid=IwAR2WqavquAkbzUSyyjxa1vWHYKoo-Zvk2fjc2E_9qtHeixBbe6tJwFgbkfw. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. The McColl Center is located at 721 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Fill your spirit with an abundance of creativity and come out to Artists Spotlight Thursdays this evening! Step into a world where words and visuals harbor a harmonious vibrancy with featured acts and power creative couple CFour Black and Aiden Lee! This ongoing showcase will also feature local creatives bring forth their talents of singing, instrumentalism, visual art, spoken word or however else they feel creative led to express themselves. Admission is FREE and there will be plenty of drink specials, $5 wing baskets, $15 hookahs and other leisurely elements to enhance your experience. The event will begin at 7 p.m. at The Rack CLT. 6912 Old Lawyers Rd.
The esteemed Rory D. Sheriff of Brand New Sheriff Productions returns for the Fall lineup and for the next few days, come and witness theatrical greatness with Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters First 100 Years! Trailblazers, activists and best friends, the Delany sisters—103-year-old Sadie and Bessie, age 101—take us on a “provocative and entertaining” (The New York Times) journey of triumphs over prejudice in times of social unrest. Celebrate the story of a century as lived by “two strong, vibrant women dispensing joy and wisdom” (Chicago Tribune) in this funny and heartfelt family drama based on the bestselling memoir. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/having-our-say. Tonight’s performance will begin promptly at 8 p.m. at the Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
——FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26——-
People, head down to C3 Lab for the Wraps Around the World & BYOP social this afternoon! It’s the official Fall BYOP (Bring Your Own Pumpkin) event and you’re invited to carve, paint or even glue to create your own fun Halloween décor on your pumpkin. C3 Lab will have some tools, but you’re also encouraged to bring some tools to share with others. Also, Wraps Around the World Food Truck will be selling wraps inspired by different countries. They take extra special steps to make sure your food is fresh and healthy. Choose from “Me Wanna Tijuana Burrito” to “Havana Cubano” or their vegetarian option “Mediterranean Mistress”. Admission is FREE and the event will begin at 11:30 a.m. C3 Lab is located at 2525 Distribution St. in Historic South End.
This afternoon, Tom-Tom Productions invites all JCSU Golden Bulls out to Sage Restaurant & Lounge for the JCSU Homecoming 2018 Alumni, Family & Friends Day Party! Come and celebrate the spirit of this grand HBCU institution during its homecoming weekend with a fly selection of eats, treats, cocktails and music from DJ Meddi Meddi! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jcsu-2018-homecoming-alumni-day-party-tickets-51591837575. The party starts at 3 p.m. Sage Restaurant & Lounge is located at 505 E. 6th St. in Uptown.
Charlotte Black Restaurant Week 2018 may be in the history books, but the crew at Black Business Owners of Charlotte have got some more tricks and treats up their sleeves as they invite everyone to Black Food Truck Friday — Halloween Edition! Come out for yet another taste of “Chocolate Charlotte” with a lineup of your favorite Black-owned culinary chariots, vendors, dope music from my brother DJ Steel Wheel and much more! Also, each vendor will have a bowl of candy and treats to pass out to the kids and costumes are encouraged. The event will begin at 4 p.m. at Recess CLT. 832 Seigle Ave. in the Belmont Neighborhood.
Step into a world where words waft across the landscape of your minds and willfully warp you through the essence of creativity at one of the QC’s newest cool outs – Friday Flow! Join the scintillating siren of stanzas, the one-n-only Kia Flow for an evening of rhymes, sounds and frequencies designated to help you flow into the weekend. This total art open mic showcase will feature a colorful cornucopia of classic R&B, Soul and Hip Hop grooves & jams from DJ Franchyze, an open stage for you to express yourself however you feel creatively led, games and food/drink specials to enhance your experience. Admission is only $5 per person — yes, only $5! Cop your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/friday-flow-tickets-50813266849. The jump off is at 7 p.m. at The Legacy Center. 4217 South Blvd.
Tis’ the Fall and get ready to fall out laughing in your seats as the Queen City Omegas present another raucous round of Comedy Night! Bring your friends out to get ready for some side-splitting humor from headlining funnyman, the hilarious T. Ray Sanders and the wildly funny Trevor Springs! Then, be sure to stick around as DJ 06 burns up 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: https://www.even tbrite.com/e/queen-city-omegas-comedy-night-tickets-51288390958. 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.
Get your blue and cold Go-Go groove on at Club Vibrations this evening and get ready for the Swagga Friday JCSU Homecoming Edition! Charlotte Nightlife Entertainment is poised to once again to bring the funk with Charlotte’s premiere Go-Go band, Uptown Swagga rocks out a special set for JCSU Homecoming Weekend! Also, be sure to stick around and boogie as DJ K.L. rocks out some hot tunes to add more excitement to your night! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/swagga-friday-jcsu-homecoming-edition-tickets-50514831220. Doors open at 9 p.m. 5237 Albemarle Rd.
JCSU Alumni, family and friends, come rock out your evening with GoodLife Ent. as they proudly present JCSU Flashback Fridays 2018! It’s homecoming weekend and it’s time to party with your crew as the energetic and legendary DJ Kool slides down from DC to give you and incredible night of nonstop music, fun and positive energy! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/goodlife-presents-flashback-friday-the-dj-kool-edition-tickets-49971539219. The party starts at 9 p.m. at Stats Restaurant & Bar. 3425 David Cox Rd. in the University Area.
This Friday night, the good people over at Radio Rehab Carolinas invites everybody out there to get on up, get into it, get involved and get on the good foot as we proudly present JAMES BROWN vs. EVERYBODY! Come and honor Soul Brother #1, The Godfather of Soul, Father of The Funk and The Hardest Working Man In Show Business — James Brown with an eclectic and electric night of nonstop music! My man DJ Boney B will be commanding the wheels of steel spinning out an incredible arsenal of Funk, Soul, Breakbeats, B-Sides, R&B, Hip Hop and much more!! Then be sure to stick around for another sonic get down featuring Quentin Talley & The Soul Providers boasting an incredible instrumental interpolation of Mr. Dynamite’s greatest institutions of sound! This joint will be hosted by the one n’ only Bluz. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/james-brown-vs-everybody-tickets-50918437417. The jam starts at 10 p.m. at Crown Station. 3629 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District. #RadioRehabCarolinas
——-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27——-
The mighty men and youth of The Male’s Place have been working hard in their organic garden for some time now and today you’re invited out to their Ceremonial Blessing of the Harvest 2018! Come out for a midday adventure of a gardening tour, agricultural education, drumming and dance performances, healthy food preparation and demonstration, and a lecture on Black farmers. Admission is FREE to attend and donations are always welcome. The event kicks off at 10 a.m. and will be held at Fred Alexander Park. 1909 McAllister Dr. #TheMalesPlace
Bring the entire family out to JCSU for their 9th Annual FestiVille Celebration! In honor of Homecoming 2018, come mingle with the community, students and alumni as you explore the yard filled with lots of vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, music, games and much more! Then, head over towards the stadium as the mighty Golden Bulls take on the Falcons of St. Augustine University—and you don’t want to miss the band throw down at halftime! Admission for the festival is FREE. Tickets for the game can be purchased here: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3504136. The festival begins at 11 a.m. and the game starts at 1 p.m. JCSU is located at 100 Beatties Ford Rd.
Charlotte was rocked to a pale standstill last year with Charlotte Black Restaurant Week and now this time around, our Chocolate chalices and cups will be overflowing with all sorts of tasty cocktails at the This is Charlotte – Black Owned Bar Crawl! Join hosts Craft House Agency and Twoin B. as they keep things strictly for the culture as they have linked all the Black-owned bars, lounges and nightclubs to create a day full of good, clean, “sophistiratchet” fun! The sole purpose of this event is to patronize our businesses while aiming to generate over $100,000 to pour back into our community. Please note, there will also be several Black-owned businesses on display to support as well. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-owned-bar-crawl-tickets-49676911981. The crawl will begin at 12 noon and a list of participating venues will be provided upon ticket purchase(s).
Black Business Owners of Charlotte keeps things rockin’ this weekend as they proudly present the March to the Polls Block Party! Gather all of your crew, colleagues and cousins and come celebrate community economic empowerment and unity with a variety of food trucks, vendors, live music and much more! Also, this block party is to influence people to go cast their ballot for the upcoming and pivotal midterm elections. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/march-to-the-poles-block-party-tickets-51692645093. The event will begin at 1 p.m. Event venue is TBA.
Create Amazing, LLC invites you out to The Carole A. Hoefener Center for the 2018 Queen City Fall Festival! This colorful community festival will feature 50 vendors from the Charlotte Metro area showcasing their respective arts and crafts companies. Spice up your residence with homemade products from local crafters and artisans. Food and dessert merchants, live music, and more surprise goodies will round out the event. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2018-queen-city-fall-festival-tickets-50320023545. The event will begin at 1 p.m. The Carole A. Hoefener Center is located at 615 E. 6th St. in Uptown.
This afternoon, join Charlotte Mecklenburg Library as they host the third installment of their brand new interactive cinematic platform entitled “The Vulnerable Black Man Film Series.” In today’s society, the Black man has been pitted against our own livelihood leaving us devoid of necessary expression of our emotions. Today, join the beautiful Angel Truesdale as she hosts a screening of the Academy Award-winning film “Get Out.” It’s the story of a young Black man seemingly intuitive and understanding of his interracial relationship with a young white woman that evolves into a psychological thriller plagued with subliminal social and racist elements eventually leading to a fight for his life. After the film the audience will examine how this complex identity plays out in contemporary American society with a facilitated discussion from the lovely and multitalented Andrea Chandler. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: http://events.cmlibrary.org/eventsignup.asp?ID=314472. The event will begin at 2 p.m. at the Main Library Branch. 310 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
This afternoon, slide out to Tip Top Daily Market for a special not-your-average networking jam session entitled, “Freaquency : Soundwave I.” This gathering of creatives will feature some dope music of course, but at the core its main focus is to create a platform for artists and art enthusiasts to meet, greet and collectively share positive vibrations. Beatsmiths, producers, instrumentalists, poets, MCs and musicians, bring your sounds and skills to the stage and give the audience a taste of your flavor for them to experience and relish. There will be performance sets from Jason Herring, FLLS, SEGA, Probably Will, Jah Freedom and a special speech from North Carolina’s first platinum-selling Hip Hop producer, Laquan aka “Lay Low.” Admission is FREE and food will be provided. The event will begin at 2:30 p.m. Tip Top Daily Market is located at 2902 The Plaza Rd.
Head down to Rock Hill and get ready to be on the edge of your seats as Jesonda Productions proudly presents the stage play, “Stuck” this evening! Written, produced and directed by the lovely Ylonda Powell Medley, “Stuck” explores generational cycles of poverty, teen pregnancy, alcoholism and abuse – that is until one designated family member boldly declares that the curse will cease here. Featuring a colorful tapestry of laughter, drama, dance, music, mime and an all-star cast, you’ll be sure to be engaged with every line and scene. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stuck-in-rock-hill-sc-tickets-49131577872. Doors open at 5:30 and the show will start promptly at 6 p.m. at McGuirt Auditorium. 801 Crawford Rd. in Rock Hill.
This evening, music bridges the generational gap at Camp North End as A Sign of the Times proudly presents Afro Funk 2018! Come and enjoy a fabulous night under the stars as one of Charlotte’s most talented instrumental ensembles lays out some classic flavor with a bevy of timeless R&B and Soul joints from yesteryear. Then for the new school crowd, get up and get down with the energetic sounds of DJ Fannie Mae spinning out the best of current frequencies with her specialized mixing skills! It’s an “age-old” party jam that you don’t want to miss! Also, there will be an African marketplace full of various items to enhance your experience. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/afro-funk-clt-2018-tickets-49366501535. The event will begin at 7 p.m. Camp North End is located at 1824 Statesville Ave.
Abari Game Bar wants to add some digitalized fun to your festive Saturday as they host the second annual Abari Monster Bash! Invite your friends for some spooked-out fun, games and fellowship! Also, a list of horror-themed games will be free play. Prizes will be awarded for the best male, female and couples costumes and a special guest DJ will be spinning some dope 80s and 90s tunes and Casa Food Truck will be out there to serve your stomach’s needs! The fun kicks off at 7 p.m. Abari is located at 1721 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Gather up your comrades, co-workers and older cousins and head down to Good Road Ciderworks Playhouse for the Charlotte Adult Game Night Costume Party! Hosted by Timothy and Diamond Nurse, bring your skills to the floor and step out in your best Halloween costume to compete in a variety of games including Uno, Twister, Beer Pong, Taboo, Jenga, Corn Hole and of course—Spades! Also, this event is a fundraiser for Black Fathers ROCK – an organization which provides resources to support fathers in the high poverty areas in Charlotte. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/adult-game-night-costume-party-tickets-50757822012. The games begin at 8 p.m. 117 Southside Dr.
Step away from your phones and step into a Halloween party like no other as online dialogue social group The Conversation invites you to “HEY BOO: The Conversation Halloween Party!” Throw on those costumes and join lead conversationalist and host, Ms. Elyse Sadler for an evening of spooked-out fun with your friends as you jam all night long with a vibrant soundtrack featuring today’s and yesteryear’s biggest Hip Hop and R&B hits! And you know the bar is fully stocked, so be sure to grab a drink to enhance your experience! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hey-boooo-the-conversation-halloween-costume-party-tickets-51233020343. The party starts at 9 p.m. at Tropix. 4701 N. Tryon St. #TheConversation
The stage is set, the time is right and get ready for a night of fright as online social group Truth Be Told presents the “Boo’s & Booze Halloween Party!” Head truth seeker Makeshia Ducre-Potts invites you out for an evening of Halloween delight with a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Singles, here’s your chance to step outside the chat room and step into the light, with or without a costume and enjoy an evening of games, cocktails, stogies and much more! Who knows – you just may find a boo under the full moon! Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/truth-be-told-halloween-boos-and-booze-party-tickets-50318721651. The party starts at 9 p.m. at Secret Society Cigar Bar & Lounge. 2415 W. Morehead St. #TruthBeTold
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 Boimah Sandimanie aka DJ Beezy. There will also be vendors and a food truck on site. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lagos-bugalu-october-edition-2018-afrobeats-afro-house-afrofunk-tickets-51306452982. The event will begin at 10 p.m. at Snug Harbor. 1228 Gordon St. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Su Casa returns to Petra’s for one of its most popular editions this Saturday evening—“We Love FELA!” This annual celebration of the life and legacy of Fela Kuti with colorful sounds and grooves set to a funky Afrobeat rhythm! Resident turntablists DJ Justice, DJ Steel Wheel and Loot-Tenant Trax bringing nothing but that pure, raw and uncut Afrobeat, Latin, Soca, Reggae, Dancehall, House, Funk, Brazilian, Salsa and Soul flavor straight to your earholes! Admission is $10 all night long and the party starts at 10 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
——-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28——-
CALLING ALL JCSU STUDENTS AND ALUMNI – Start your Sunday off with Charlotte’s hottest tropical style midday getdown as The Culture Cooperative proudly presents The Jerk Chicken N’ Waffles Brunch: Smiff Homecoming Edition! Join your maestros The Dynamic DJ Kato and DJ Heff as they spin an incredible blend of Afrobeats, Hip Hop, Soca, Reggae, R&B and much more! And while the music is blasting, be sure to scope out the menu and give your taste buds a reason to dance from a delectable lineup of Caribbean-flavored brunch menu items, cocktails and desserts! Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jerk-chicken-n-waffles-sunday-brunch-smiff-homecoming-edition-2018-tickets-51297176235. The jump off is at 11 a.m. at Mangos Caribbean Restaurant. 3112 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Put some soul in your Sunday and head over to Little Rock Cultural Center for the final installment of the 2018 “Straight-Ahead” Jazz Series by A Sign Of The Times! Hosted and played by A Sign Of The Times, come celebrate jazz—the “gift” our culture gave to America. This event will include a free jazz workshop where they explain the basics of playing the ‘Blues and Rhythm’ changes and a special interactive performance featuring some notable straight-ahead jazz classics from jazz masters of yesteryear! Admission is $5 per person and tickets can be purchased at the door or here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2018-straight-ahead-jazz-series-april-thru-oct-by-a-sign-of-the-times-tickets-45283776996. The event begins promptly at 3 p.m. Little Rock Cultural Center is located at 401 N. Myers St. in Uptown.
——-MONDAY, OCTOBER 29——-
KoCo Entertainment, Inc. and Trinity Universal Center, Inc. is proud to present Coré Cotton: A Woman Evolves this evening. Take a look inside one woman’s journey of self-discovery, courage and empowerment to live a life of fullness and completeness, her way. Coré Cotton, formerly of the Grammy-winning Sounds of Blackness shares her powerful journey, through engaging stories and soulful music, of her personal struggle and ultimate triumph in merging seemingly competing facets of her life –her dream of practicing law and her passion for connecting with others globally through the universal language of music. Though told through personal experiences, the journey resonates with everyone – the passion, the dreams and all the life lessons in between — who journeys through her own evolution. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/a-woman-evolves. The event will begin at 7:30 p.m. at The Booth Playhouse of the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. 130 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
COMING SOON…
11/2 — Rich Medina presents HOME
11/3 — Early Voting Party & Parade To The Polls
11/3 — Off the Wall “Memory Lane Edition” feat. The JETA Team
GO GOLDEN BULLS! Have a great weekend everyone! Peace.
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #EarsToDaSkreets #CommunityFirst