Last week I decided to enjoy the mild temperatures and patronize African-American-owned businesses during Black History Month. The University area is growing like a weed and I had been planning to stop by the shops on Arbor Creek Drive for quite some time. I was curious about the barbershop in that area and figured why not go in and take a peek. I quickly engaged in conversation with owner Darryl Irby and the gentlemen in the shop.
Darryl moved to Charlotte about three and a half years ago from New York and his dream was to open his own shop. Neat Kutz barbershop is a quaint, appealing shop for men and women. Eyebrow arching is available for the ladies. I did manage to interrupt the guys for a few minutes (as they were discussing their Super Bowl picks) and asked what did they enjoy about Neat Kutz?
Crisp clean lines and the price is right was the response. So if you’re new to the University area and looking for a barber, check out Neat Kutz.
The last few weeks I’ve been hearing about another African-American-owned business called Seafood Connection. Patrons have been raving about the seafood on Facebook. I stopped by Tuesday to find the place was empty. I checked social media to see if I overlooked anything and found out they were open Wednesday through Saturday. Judging from the photos — you can certainly see the line is out the door — the seafood is delicious.
Seafood Connection has a food truck and is preparing for CIAA in the coming weeks. Owners Jamie Walker and Yashica Russell just celebrated their one-year business anniversary in the Charlotte area. The shrimp combo is a crowd-pleaser and sells out quickly. Business was brisk when I arrived, and I’m thankful I was able to grab Yashica for a few minutes while Jamie held things down in the kitchen. You definitely want to follow them on Facebook because their food truck is bound to be all over the Queen City.
Check out my weekend picks.
FRIDAY
Men Are from Mars Women Are from Venus ~ Are you stuck trying to figure out the psychological differences between the sexes? Check out the off-Broadway hit comedy based on John Gray’s best-selling book, “Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus.” Presented by Emery Entertainment, this funny, playful, and humorous comedy covers everything you need to know from dating and marriage to the bedroom. This play is for mature audiences only and features adult content. Location: Booth Playhouse (130 N. Tryon St.). 8 p.m. Cost: $59. For tickets, go online or call (704) 372 -1000. More info
SATURDAY
Saxophonist Jeanette Harris and the Terence Young Experience ~ This weekend saxtress Jeanette Harris will be appearing at Spirit Square with electrifying guitarist Terence Young, who has performed with Al Jarreau, Roberta Flack, Patti LaBelle, George Duke, and more. Hosted by Charlotte’s very own Jazz Diva Tammy Greene, this show will definitely sell out and tickets are moving fast. Location: McGlohon Theatre at Spirit Square (721 N. Tryon St.). Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $20 -$49. More info
SUNDAY
Starving Artist Market ~ Looking to grab that must-have gift for your Valentine? The Charlotte Art League (1517 Camden Road) could be your one-stop for one-of-a-kind items. Open from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sundays only. Enjoy specialty items from over 30 local artists and vendors. Free parking and admission is free. 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.
