Things are starting to heat up, and Charlotte is definitely the place to be.
Last weekend I attended Grammy Award winner Gregory Porter’s jazz concert at Knight Theater and the OnQ production of the play “The Bluest Eye” at Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square.
Although Charlotte is progressing quite rapidly, we are still not ready for some of the outstanding events that come to our city. Porter was phenomenal, and “The Bluest Eye” left me (during certain graphic scenes) trying to catch my breath. Hands down, both of these events should have easily sold out, but they didn’t.
“The Bluest Eye” runs through June 11, and tickets are still available.
I have grown to love Charlotte, and I hope many others who are enjoying our laid-back city avoid sleeping on what it has to offer. So let’s continue to support events in the Queen City and not drive south to Atlanta or north to bigger cities when we have a huge variety of wonderful things in our own backyard.
Now for my weekend picks. I hope to see you on the town.
FRIDAY
All For One Brass Band ~ All for one brass band was founded in February 2003 by young men from Warren Easton Senior High School. These young men found a passion for music at an early age and felt creating a band was the best way to stay off the mean streets of New Orleans. The band has opened for the likes of Angie Stone, Macy Gray, Stevie Wonder, Van Morrison, and Alicia Keys. Double Door Inn (1218 Charlottetowne Ave.) Tickets are $5. Doors open at 9 p.m. Showtime 10 p.m. More info. http://www.doubledoorinn.com/event/1192313-all-for-one-brass-band-charlotte/
SATURDAY
Jazz Under the Stars at Lake Norman ~ Guitarist Chilli Miuccia and Saxophonist Warren Hill are in town this weekend for a special evening of jazz on the lake. Canadian-born Hill has backed up Chaka Khan and Natalie Cole, just to name a few. Minucci, who was born in New York City, is primarily known as leader of the Grammy-nominated contemporary jazz group Special EFX. Definitely heavy hitters for an enjoyable outdoor evening. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Cash bar and food available for purchase. A limited number of tickets are still available. The venue is located outdoors, but in case of rain the show will move indoors. Queens Landing (1459 River Highway) Mooresville. 7 p.m. More info.
SUNDAY
“Under the Cherry Moon” ~ The Classic Black Cinema series is designed to expose the community to groundbreaking black films once a month at the Gantt Center. This month’s featured film is “Under the Cherry Moon.” Released in 1986 and directed by Prince Rogers Nelson, this movie finds two friends from Miami enjoying life in the Mediterranean by scamming money from rich women, until one happens to fall in love with an heiress. Time: 2 p.m. Cost: Free with museum admission. Harvey B. Gantt Center (551 S. Tryon St). More info.
To see a larger listing of local events, visit the Qcitymetro events page at www.qcity2021.flywheelstaging.com/events.
Toni Baker-Tyson is a social butterfly. Her entertainment picks are published each Thursday on Qcitymetro.com. Email Toni at toni@qcity2021.flywheelstaging.com, or join her Chocolate Social Network, a group for the mature (40-plus) but young at heart.
