The Rundown – Thursday, October 6 – Sunday, October 9

By: Shawn D. Allison, II

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

People, the weekend is here so it’s time to let lose, have some fun and make a difference in Charlotte! From movie screenings, to jazz, to theatre, to spoken word there is something for everyone! However, if you want the scoop of where I’ll be kickin’ it this weekend, just check out my “Hot List” below, ya dig?

  • Thursday—Red, Red Wine
  • Friday—Diasopora
  • Saturday—I Love the 90s Brunch & Day Party
  • Saturday—DOPE: An Ode to the Dirty South
  • Sunday—Classic Black Cinema Series screening of “The River Niger”
  • Sunday—Diggers Delight Pop-Up Record Swap

——-THURSDAY 10/6——-

As The Levine Museum of the New South approaches the closing of its incumbent exhibition, ¡NUEVOlution!, the Musueum will wrap up its year-long exploration of what it means to be Latino in the New South. Everyone is invited to UNCC Center City for a conversation entitled, “The State of Latino Charlotte.” There will be two panels: People & Policy and Culture & Community, both featured with distinguished and knowledgeable scholars and activists. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://38686.blackbaudhosting.com/38686/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=d7fe5202-8f93-4af6-81b5-9b47aab9970d. The discussion starts at 5:30 p.m. UNCC Center City is located at 320 E. 9th St. in Uptown.

Kick off your Thursday evening in an island-themed cool down known as “Red, Red Wine.” Join S. Kehinde & DJ Corporate at Vin Master Wine Lounge. Bring your friends out, enjoy great drink specials and let the sounds of Caribbean, Reggae, African, Soca and Lover’s Rock tunes soothe you. Admission is FREE. 6 p.m. Vin Master Wine Lounge is located at 2000 South Blvd. in Historic South End.

Join Ms. Terry Berry of TerryBerry Events as she hosts another relaxing installment of “Movies Under the Stars.” Grab your blankets, lawn chairs, friends and your main squeeze and come out to The Palmer Building as you view the throwback Black film classic, “Love and Basketball.” This is an adults only event so please keep the little ones at home or find a sitter. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here: There will also be free popcorn available and other foods for purchase. The film starts at 7 p.m. The Palmer Building is located at 2601 E. 7th St. on the outskirts of Uptown.   #TerryBerryEvents

Got a lot on your mind? Do you need a mature and understanding platform to vent your frustrations with life, relationships and the like? Join Christian Life Coach, Tina L. Jones and fellow Pride Magazine Online Contributor, and Certified Professional Life Coach Eddie D. Love as they host another edition of Therapy Thursdays. The theme for this evening will be, “Strong Relationships = Stronger Community”. You don’t want to miss this powerful two-part dialogue about relationships and the Charlotte community! Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/therapy-thursdays-tickets-28273741522. The discussion starts at 7 p.m. and will be held at Carolina Ale House. The address is 8695 Concord Mills Blvd. in Concord.

Take a short drive down to Rock Hill and relax yourselves at the 12th Annual Blues & Jazz Festival and Restaurant Crawl! Enjoy some fly and mellow tunes from The J’Michael Peeples Duo, Adrian Crutchfield, The Letron Brantley Duo and more at a select number of acclaimed restaurants! Tickets an additional info can be found at: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?actions=4&p=1. All acts will be performed in Rock Hill on Thursday (10/6) and Friday (10/7).

An era comes to an end as Touch One Productions hosts its last showcase, “Wine Up @ UpStage” this evening. Come out for one final hurrah at one of Charlotte’s most beloved, longstanding venues before they close their doors for good. Enjoy some premiere special guest spoken word and music talents and tunes spun by The Mighty DJ DR! The fun starts at 9 p.m. UpStage is located at 3306 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.

——-FRIDAY 10/7——-

Everyone is invited down to First United Presbyterian Church as they present another soul-stirring edition of their United In Jazz Concert Series. Enjoy a delicious dinner, good fellowship, and live jazz from the electrifying Dante Lewis on saxophone! Admission is FREE to attend and all ages are welcome. The event begins at 5 p.m. First United Presbyterian Church is located at 406 N. College St. in Uptown.

It’s time to honor some of Charlotte’s most creative figures this Friday night! Everyone come out to The McColl Center and join Creative Loafing as they host “Best of Charlotte 2016!” Ditch that formal wear attire, be colorful and come celebrate the heroes of this beloved city filled with appetizers from local restaurants, live entertainment, cocktails and fellowship! Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1292665?utm_medium=bks. The event starts at 6 p.m. The McColl Center is located at 721 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.

All you cool cats come out to The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art this evening for another riveting installment of “Jazz at The Bechtler.” Tonight’s feature performance is quite a treat! The in-house band, The Ziad Jazz Quartet teams up with acclaimed saxophonist Joe Gransden to channel the smooth and timeless vocals of Frank Sinatra through live instrumentation. There will be two shows: 6 p.m. an 8:15 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here: https://30796a.blackbaudhosting.com/30796a/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=4da6e24a-581e-49be-8880-1dfa5301c724. The Bechtler Museum is located at 420 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.                                                                                                     

The Women’s Inter-Cultural Exchange (WIE) will celebrate its 10th anniversary tonight, at the Ritz Carlton. Co-founders Stephanie Counts and Dee Dixon will be recognized along with three amazing trailblazers–Venessa Harrison, president, AT&T North Carolina, Sally Robinson, community leader, and Joan Zimmerman, co-founder, Southern Shows, Inc. – for their steadfast commitment to WIE’s dream, To Build Trust Across Race and Culture in the Charlotte Community. Tickets can be purchased at: http://03badae.netsolhost.com/wie3/. The event begins at 6 p.m. The Ritz-Carlton is located at 201 E. Trade St. in Uptown.

Parents, the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte returns with “A Year with Frog and Toad!” Based from Arnold Lobel’s beloved children’s literature series, this whimsical show follows two friends — friendly Frog and the cranky Toad — through all four of nature’s seasons. Presented as a jubilant musical, this show is a celebration of what makes us friends and the differences that make us special. This show will run from Friday, 10/7 to Sunday, 10/16. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.ctcharlotte.org/. Tonight’s show begins at 7 p.m. All performances will be held at ImaginOn. 300 E. 7th St. in Uptown.

Jazz N Soul Music welcomes the innovative Electro Soul of Jason Jet and the Kru, performing live at Charlotte’s only soulful, live, rocking Speakeasy @ Ella’s! Blessed with a brilliant tenor voice, astounding production prowess and gripping lyricism, this sensuous singer/songwriter has an almost trancelike effect on anyone who listens. Welcome to Jason Jet’s world–where his music is an unforgettable experience. Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jazznsoul-music-first-friday-featuring-jason-jet-and-the-kru-tickets-28173608020. Showtime is at 9 p.m. and will be held at The Tavern. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.   #JazzNSoul

Charlotte World Music Week kicks off the first full week of October! Come celebrate with The Dynamic DJ Kato and On Track HD at Apostrophe Lounge this evening for “Diasopora!” Dance the night away with the best world music rhythms in Afrobeat, Soca, Reggae, Dancehall, Semba, Salsa, House, Brazilian, Afro-Latin, Funk and more! Admission is FREE before 11 p.m. and afterwards it’s only $5. The party starts at 10 p.m. Apostrophe Lounge is located at 1440 S. Tryon St. in Uptown. #AfricanaConnections

——-SATURDAY 10/8——-

Bring the entire tribe out to Discovery Place this morning for the Charlotte Mini Maker Faire! This one-day celebration of will host a family-friendly showcase of invention, arts and crafts, resourcefulness, science and a celebration of the Maker Movement. This event will host exhibitors, vendors, workshop teachers, speakers and performers from across the region. All ages are welcome and tickets can be purchased here: http://cltmakerfaire.org/. The event starts at 9 a.m. Discovery Place is located at 301 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.

Moxie Society keeps things rolling right along at Sports One Bar & Lounge with their ever-popular, “I Love the 90s Brunch & Day Party!” For today’s edition, things get mixed up a little differently—one of Charlotte’s baddest turntablists, DJ Justice will be making his debut and if you don’t know how he rocks on the 1’s & 2’s, you are in for a special experience! Also being featured are the designs of fashion designer Melyssa Nycole Couture who will be displaying pieces from her A/W 16 Clothing Line. Admission is FREE to attend. The party starts at 11 a.m. Sports One is located at 521 N. College St. in Uptown. #MoxieSociety

Start your morning at With These Handz DJ Academy this morning for the H2O Jam Sessions: The Improv Edition. If you’re a creative who’s interested in putting their stamp on the Hip Hop Orchestrated sound & vibe are welcomed to join others at a midday jam session. Those musicians that are interested in coming on as H2O Resident Artists will have the chance to learn more about upcoming gigs for those in their H2O Resident Artist Program. It is also for those musicians that just simply want to play music among other talented musicians. This is a FREE session but please be sure to RSVP here: http://www.hiphoporchestrated.com/the-sessions/h2o-jam-sessions-10-08-2016. The session begins at 11:30 a.m. The address is 516 E. 15th St. Suite #12B

Everyone is invited to experience what makes McColl Center the vibrant contemporary art center that it is by engaging in this special Family Art Making Day at Open Studio Saturday! Explore all sorts of ways to create art alongside our Artists-in-Residence including one of my favorite art exhibits, “Intergalactic Soul” created by Jason Woodberry and Marcus Kiser. They’ll open their studio doors to you and your family to talk about their work and creative process, and guide you through hands-on art-making activities. Admission is FREE for everyone and the fun starts at 12 noon. The McColl Center is located at 721 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.

Brothers and sisters, come out to Symphony Park this afternoon to mingle with thousands of culture and music lovers at one of Charlotte’s largest cultural events, the Latin American Festival! There will be an incredible lineup of musical artists and dance performances, a diverse selection of Latin American food, handmade crafts, visual artists, and an interactive street festival environment with activities for the whole family. Admission is $5 for adults and FREE for children. The festivities commence at 12 noon. Symphony Park is located at 4400 Sharon Rd. in the South Park Area.

Charlotte’s own, filmmaker/writer/producer Devyne Johnson returns home for a two-day screening of her latest film, “MOSAIC.” It’s the story of a family matriarch who is a highly driven and successful lawyer who clashes with her more free-spirited and creative daughter. Filled with past brokenness, the path to reconciliation will be a testament of faith in this riveting drama. There will be two screenings: Saturday (10/8) at 7 p.m. and Sunday (10/9) at 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.tickettailor.com/all-tickets/19752/02f2/. Both screenings will be held at Ayrsley Cinemas located at 9110 Kings Parade Blvd. near S. Tryon and I-485.

At Advent Coworking this evening, come out for a multisensory art showcase entitled, “Sound Sleuths.” Filled with hidden themes, a variety of sound and visual frequencies and fellowship, this showcase will explore how music influences some of our local and regional artists. Admission is FREE to attend and it begins at 6 p.m. Advent Coworking is located at 933 Louise Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.

Get ready for a special editon of Blues & Grooves Saturdays at BluNotes this evening. Hitting the stage for your listening pleasure is the acclaimed and talented Gi Spot featuring GiGi Mack! If you’ve never heard this sultry Amazonian chanteuse before, you are definitely missing out! There will be two shows this evening: 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Admission is $4 per show. BluNotes is located at 3425 David Cox Rd. in the University Area.

Everyone hop in your Heavy Chevys, Bourbons, ‘Lacs, Cutlass Supremes and take a funky ride out to The Press Box for “Dope: An Ode to the Dirty South!” Enjoy and relive the gritty, trunk-rattlin’ sounds of Hip Hop from below the Mason-Dixon Line as DJ Kato and DJ Fannie Mae provide the sounds and flavor! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dope-an-ode-to-the-dirty-south-tickets-27340245410. The event begins at 10 p.m. The Press Box is located at 9609 N. Tryon St. in the University Area.

——-SUNDAY 10/9——-

Join Mr. Felix Curtis this afternoon at The Harvey B. Gantt Center for another historically fun screening of Classic Black Cinema Series. Today’s feature is the 1976 film, “The River Niger” starring James Earl Jones, Cicely Tyson, Glynn Turman and Louis Gossett, Jr. It’s a story of family recurring hardships set in Watts, California as they battle illness, financial struggles, friendships and faith. Don’t miss this rare screening! The film will begin at 2 p.m. and is FREE with museum admission. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.   #CBCS

The community is invited to a Candidate Meet and Greet reception hosted by the Charlotte Alumnae Chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Featured with refreshments and conversation, you will have the opportunity to meet and pose your own questions to Democratic and Republican candidates running for national, state and local offices in the upcoming election. This is a more casual environment for dialogue to hear candidate views on issues important to you. Admission is FREE to attend at the event starts at 2 p.m. The address of the venue is 5408 Beatties Ford Rd.

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. Bring a stack or some crates of timeless music as you fellowship with other collectors 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.

NextGen Climate is bringing Jessica Williams, formerly of the Daily Show and co-host of “2 Dope Queens” to Charlotte to connect with millennials about the importance of being registered and turning out to vote for climate champions this election. This event is FREE to all but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nextgen-climate-presentsjessica-williams-live-in-charlotte-registration-28206389069.   The event begins at 3 p.m. and will be held at CenterStage@NoDa. 2315 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.

The Steel & Velvet Brothers of MALIK Fraternity, Inc. will be hosting a Red Carpet Movie Premiere of the Nat Turner biopic, “The Birth of a Nation” at Regal Stonecrest At Piper Glen Stadium 22 & IMAX Theaters this afternoon. Visit, for ticket purchases https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-birth-of-a-nation-red-carpet-movie-premiere-tickets-26742965931. The event attire is semi-formal and it’ll begin at 3 p.m. Regal Stonecrest is located at 7824 Rea Rd. in the Ballantyne Area.

“Human beings cannot be willed and molded into existence.” -Angela Davis

Have a great weekend and keep the faith! Peace.

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

#WeekendWarrior   #TheBlackFerrisBueller