Happy Thursday, Qcity. The countdown is on for the weekend to begin, and it’s going to be an eventful one. The Queen City Battle of the Bands is going down. Plus, read on for a Michael Jackson Tribute, soulful performances, black tie galas and several other events happening in the Qcity that you don’t want to miss.
MUSIC + CONCERTS
FREEDOM SUMMER SERIES – Saturday, 6 p.m. @ Freedom Park: Enjoy the last Saturday for this annual concert series with a performance by Chris Standring with opener 5th & York. (Details)
MOONWALKER: CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF MICHAEL JACKSON – Sunday, 7 p.m. @ Neighborhood Theatre: Michael J. Jackson’s, aka The King Of Pop, birthday is Monday. Celebrate his born day & musical legacy this weekend with this jazz tribute featuring a performance by The Harvey Cummings Project. (Details)
2016 “STRAIGHT-AHEAD” JAZZ SERIES – Sunday, 3 p.m. @ Little Rock A.M.E Zion Community Cultural Center: Spend your Sunday evening swaying to the sweet sounds of jazz band A Sign of the Times. (Details)
ROBERT CRAY IN CONCERT – Sunday, 7 p.m. @ McGlohon Theater: Open ears and an open mind are the essence of singer, guitarist and songwriter Robert Cray’s approach to writing, recording and playing music. In just over 40 years, Cray and his band have recorded 20 studio releases, 15 of which have been on the Billboard charts, and played bars, concert halls, festivals and arenas around the world. Four years ago Cray was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame. (Details)
ASHANTI AND JA RULE WORLD TOUR – Sunday, 7 p.m. @ Ovens Auditorium: It’s been a while since we’ve seen these two together. See if Ashanti and Ja Rule still have chemistry together when they perform live on stage this weekend in the Qcity. (Details)
COMMUNITY CALENDAR.
HISTORY TALKS LECTURE SERIES – Thursday, 6 p.m. @ The Charlotte Museum of History: Author and photographer Daniel Coston will give an illustrated presentation of Charlotte’s iconic music venues including The Visulite Theatre, Tremont Music Hall, Double Door Inn and The Milestone. A music lover who was inspired by musicians and artists he met, Coston decided to hit the road with his camera and tell their story and the story of his travels through pictures. (Details)
SOUTHERN WOMEN’S SHOW – Friday – Sunday @ Charlotte Convention Center: The Southern Women’s Show is a lifestyle consumer event featuring exhibits and workshops on cooking, food, health, fitness, business, education, home, design, fashion, beauty, travel, leisure and more. (Details)
FESTIVAL OF MCCROREY YMCA 2016 POOL PARTY – Friday, 6 p.m. @ McCrorey YMCA: Take the kids swimming at the YMCA this weekend and have some family fun. (Details)
CMBCC EMPOWERMENT SATURDAY – Saturday, 9:30 a.m. @ Packard Place: Attend this month’s workshop for a lesson on building your personal brand and attracting business with large corporate organizations and government entities. Plus, learn how to upgrade your presentation skills. (Details)
THE BIG ALUMNI COOKOUT – Saturday, 12 p.m. @ Park Road Park: The JCSU Charlotte Alumni Association is kicking off the school year with food, fun and fellowship. You are invited to join in the fun and bring all your friends and family to fellowship with the Golden Bull family. (Details)
BLACK GIRL MAGIC POP-UP SHOP – Saturday, 2 p.m. @ Dupp & Swat: This unique event will inspire you, introduce you to women in the community, empower you and much more. (Details)
ROCK THE CURVES FASHION SHOW – Saturday, 6 p.m. @ Sacchi Enterprise: Watch curvy ladies strut their stuff on the runway with Miss NC Plus USA as host and music by DJ Dave D. (Details)
SPREAD LOVE SEMINAR SERIES: GETTING UNSTUCK – Sunday, 2 p.m. @ Revolution EGO: This fun interactive workshop with Tinesha Matthews is designed to help you get to the core of what’s keeping you stuck and learn to break the cycle. (Details)
CHARITY EVENTS
CASINO NIGHT FOR A CURE – Friday, 8 p.m. @ The Wadsworth Estate: The American Cancer Society Real Men Wear Pink ambassador Kenneth D. Snow, Esq. presents Casino Night For A Cure. This event will be held at the beautiful Wadsworth Estate in Charlotte’s Historic Wesley Heights. Kenneth’s objective is to help increase breast cancer awareness and raise contributions that will be dedicated to breast cancer research. Dress code is black tie optional. (Details)
GREAT GATSBY GALA – Saturday, 7 p.m. @ Wells Fargo Atrium: This award-winning 1920s-themed event returns for its 28th year. Dance to the 15-piece Russ Wilson and his Famous Orchestra, enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres from Charlotte’s most celebrated restaurants, open bar with wine & beer, a fantastic silent auction and much more. Funds benefit the National MS Society Greater Carolinas Chapter. (Details)
COMICS AT FAULT PRESENT STAND UP AGAINST MS – Saturday, 7 p.m. @ McGlohon Theater: Comics at Fault and the C.E. Riggleman Foundation present “Stand up against MS: A night of Comedy”. A fun filled night of comedy and music featuring Comics at Fault, Courtney Puckett, Dave Meyers and more to help raise money and awareness for the National MS Society. (Details)
SOCIAL EVENTS + NIGHT LIFE
THE RIVALRY HBCU DAY PARTY – Saturday, 2 p.m. @ Apostrophe Lounge: Calling all HBCUs and other Colleges and Universities: North Carolina A&T Alumni Association Queen City Chapter is hosting The Rivalry HBCU Day Party with a portion of the proceeds going to support the chapter’s Scholarship Fund. So before heading out to the Battle of the Bands, stop by to enjoy music by DJ Polo, drink specials, and great camaraderie between college rivalries. (Details)
SILENT DISCO – Friday, 9 p.m. @ Rooftop 210: At Silent disco, music is broadcast and picked up by specially designed wireless headphones instead of traditional speakers. Those without headphones hear no music, giving the effect of a room full of people dancing to silence. People watching is half the fun. (Details)
FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE – Friday, 8 p.m. @ Club One: Party with Moxie Society and Posh Events at Club One this weekend with some of Charlotte’s finest as Tony Lelo and Jupiter Lane bring some soul to one of the city’s newest hotspots. (Details)
I STILL LOVE THE 90s BRUNCH DAY PARTY – Saturday, 11 a.m. @ Sports One Bar Lounge: Head Uptown this weekend for music, a delicious Southern Brunch menu and, of course, the $5 Mimosa special. (Details)
Visit www.WhatsHappeningCharlotte.com
for more events and find something to do every day of the month.
