Although several outdoor events were cancelled because of Hurricane Matthew, I managed to find happenings uptown at the First Presbyterian Church and at the Evening Muse in NoNa.
Music is the key to my soul. I seldom miss out on some type of live music event in the city, and I incorporate it religiously into my weekly schedule. One of my favorite jazz artist, saxophonist Dante Lewis from Columbia, entertained me and others at First Presbyterian’s monthly United in Jazz event. If you were not there, let me be the first to tell you how you missed out on an amazing evening. Lewis won over the crowd with his old-school music selections of Anita Baker, Grover Washington and the Isley Brothers, just to name a few. Although this event is held in the sanctuary, the pews were filled with finger snapping, head bopping, standing-on-their-feet mature grown folk. Yes, yes; we had a ball. Be sure to check out Dante’s gospel CD, “Songs of a Servant.” It will blow you away!
One of my favorite spots around town is the Evening Muse, located in NoDa. This past weekend I attended the annual 15 Short Film Festival, where the audience gets to vote on their favorite award-winning International short film. If you are gaga about film like I am, you’ll definitely want to check this event out in the future. NoDa also has several upcoming events that may catch your fancy. Be sure to check the Evening Muse website for a tribute to Al Green in November, followed by a tribute to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, in December.
Have you heard about Koffee-Kup-Cafeteria on the Westside? They’ve been open since March. The owner wasn’t available for a meet and greet, but I hear he has a wonderful story to share with me about his vision. In the meantime, get over there and continue supporting black-owned businesses in our communities.
Now for my weekend picks. I hope to see you on the town.
FRIDAY
Exploring Lewis Klahr’s Master Piece Sixty Six — Enjoy a 90-minute film of culmination artist Lewis Klahr’s work in animated collage filmmaking at McColl Center for Arts & Innovation (721 N. Tryon St.) Lewis has been known for his animated films since 1977. Time: 8 p.m. -9:30 p.m. Cost: $5 for members and $7 non members. More info. http://mccollcenter.org/events/new-frequencies-lewis-klahr-sixty-six/151
SATURDAY
Groove Masters Band — Enjoy a night to remember with one of Charlotte’s premier bands at Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge, 1000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway. This popular Charlotte jazz band has a huge following. You don’t want to miss out. Time: 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. More info. https://www.reverbnation.com/groovemasters
SUNDAY
Hola Charlotte Festival — Enjoy Latin musical performances, authentic Latin cuisine, vendors and much more at the Hola Charlotte Festival. This fun and free event is for the whole family. Located on Tryon Street between Trade and 7th. Time: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. 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.
