Charlotte.com: Nightlife

Sarah's Six

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:10 EDT

A guide to getting you through that mid-week slump.

Friday

IN THE LIFE: It's black gay pride weekend in Charlotte. Kick off the festivities with a dance party at Hartigan's. Free from BET's 106th and Park hosts. 10 p.m. 601 S. Cedar St. $10 before 10:30 p.m. www.inthelyfe.com.

MOVIE PREMIERE: "The Dark Knight" flies into theaters. See how spooky Heath Ledger's Joker is at a midnight showing of the film. Tickets are going fast, so buy them now. Various locations. www.movietickets.com or www.fandango.com.

Sunday

WEENIE ROAST: Snug Harbor will grill up some dogs and cook up some local music with its Weiner Roast. Bands include: L.A. Tool & Die, Love Craft and George Brazil. Free hot dogs while they last. 4 p.m. 1228 Gordon St. $6. www.snugrock.com.

Next week

SOUL SINGERS: 10 p.m. Tempo, 4809 Wilkinson Blvd. $20 in advance. www.ez-txx.com. The Underground Soul tour features the smooth voices of singers Eric Roberson (pictured), Bilal and Yahzarah.

ADULTS ONLY: Parents, leave your kids at home and check out "Avenue Q," which opens Tuesday at the Belk Theater. Sure, the puppets look cute and kid-friendly – until they open their wise-cracking mouths. Warning: show contains mature language and full puppet nudity. Various times through July 27. 130 N. Tryon St. $20-$65. www.blumenthalcenter.org.

SINGLE LADIES: Looking for love, reality television style? Producers from ABC will be interviewing potential bachelorettes for the next season of “The Bachelor” at Alive After Five on Thursday. Bring recent photos of yourself, along with a completed application from the “Bachelor” Web site. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Wachovia Plaza. http://thebachelor.warnerbros.com.

Garden and Gun and Gastrolounge: GTG

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 10:19 EDT

Are things finally picking up over at the N.C. Music Factory?

A news release sent out recently to members of the Charlotte media announced a new venue in the uptown entertainment complex tentatively set to open late this month.

It's called The Garden and Gun Club. Motto: “No Velvet Rope. No Plasma TVs. No Attitude.”

It promises to bring pure dance back to Charlotte nightlife, focusing on progressive dance music and the latest international sounds.

GGC's creative consultant is Andy Kastanas, a local DJ and one of the men behind Forum, Alley Cat, Cosmos and the legendary Mythos – one of the first clubs to open uptown before there even was an uptown.

The concept behind the unusual name comes from a study in contradictions, Kastanas says.

“(It) is a play off of classic Southern archetypes,” Kastanas' e-mail said. “You know, the ladies hang out at the garden club, while the gentlemen are off to the gun club to skeet shoot with the fellows. On the surface it sounds like an old-South aristocratic country club. In reality it will be the furthest thing from it. The Garden and Gun is about diversity and mixing of things that don't usually go together. One represents the soft and the other the hard; such as will be our clientele, our music, and all things that the club has to offer.”

Sexygroovy surroundings

Kastanas is a busy man of late. He is also involved in another new concept – Soul GastroLounge on Central Avenue in the old Lotus location. A MySpace profile for the spot describes it:

“This lounge will encourage conversation and creativity with a perpetual sexygroovy house music soundtrack. ... Our love for cuisine matches our love for music. Expect imaginative concepts from our bartop sushi bar and global tapas from our open kitchen.”

It's an exciting time for Charlotte nightlife, what with the EpiCentre's new scene, the N.C. Music Factory adding venues, and others like Kiss Lounge and Apostrophe opening this month.

But is there enough demand in Charlotte to keep up with the growing supply?

Six picks for your weekend

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 10:00 EDT

A guide to getting you through that mid-week slump.

Thursday

SHAKE YOUR BOOTY: In honor of this weekend's 24 Hours of Booty bike race, the Irish are hosting a Booty Block Party. All tips at The Attic, Madison's and Connolly's will benefit the race and the Lance Armstrong Foundation. If you go, order the $5 Booty Bomb (Red Bull, plus your choice of flavored vodka). 5-9 p.m. Corner of Tryon and Fifth streets. No cover. www.24hoursofbooty.com.

Friday

SWEET TOOTH: Consuella, Power 98's resident DJ cutie, is throwing a belated birthday bash for herself. The theme: Candyland. Bring your sweet tooth to partake in the candy bar, cotton candy and a candy-colored specialty drink. The event also benefits the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Charlotte. Singer-actress Mya will host. 9 p.m. Stir Concert Theatre. 3500 E. Indendence Blvd. Ladies free before 9:30 p.m. $20 in advance. www.ez-tixx.com.

ON A BUDGET: Head to Buckhead Saloon on Friday and you could win a free tank of gas. Kiss 95.1, K104.7 and Charlottemeetingplace.com are teaming up to give away gas cards all night. Added bonus: Members of Charlottemeetingplace.com will drink free beer while the keg lasts. Looking for more low-budget nightlife options? Pick up a copy of Eye magazine on Wednesday for more ideas. 7:30 p.m. 201 E. Fifth St. Mention Charlottemeetingplace.com for free entry.

GRAND OPENING: Charlotte's newest night spot isn't in the EpiCentre – in fact it isn't even uptown. Drive south on Tryon Street to check out KISS Lounge. The newest venture of The Sunset Club's Sonny Gur opens Saturday. Dress code: chic. 10 p.m. 204 W. Woodlawn Road. $10. www.kisscharlotte.com.

Saturday

DINNER FOR TWO: Celebrate a special occasion (or just treat your deserving significant other) during Charlotte's first Restaurant Week. For $30 a person, you'll get a three-course meal from some of the city's most upscale restaurants. Choose from Hotel Charlotte's southern-heavy fare to the modern mediterranean flavors of M5. Various locations through July 18. Visit www.charlotterestaurantweek.com for more information.

CHARLOTTE OLYMPICS: This years' Summer Games come to Charlotte – the Socialympics. Get your team together (8-10 people, minimum of four women) or just be a spectator for the madness taking place on Lake Norman. Socialympics is a cross between the “Old School” competition and the Greek Week events from “Revenge of the Nerds” – think Bathing Suit Swap, Three-Legged race, Dizzy Bat Contest and so on. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Midtown Sundries. 18665 Harborside Drive, Cornelius. $400 per team (only two spots remaining). www.lazyday.com.

Six picks for your weekend

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:43 EDT

Friday

In the club

Oscar winners

9 p.m. NV Lounge, 20924 Torrence Chapel Road, Cornelius. $10 before 10 p.m. $15 general admission. www.nvlounge.net.

Three years after winning an Academy Award for “It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp” from the “Hustle & Flow” soundtrack, Three 6 Mafia is still reeling from its historic moment. The hip-hop group is in town to put on what's sure to be an energetic show, with all proceeds benefitting the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Charlotte.

Free! Free! Free!

Summer party

5:30 p.m. Brevard Court Sundries, South Church Street, between Martin Luther King Jr. and Third streets. Free.

The guys who put on the wildly popular Phrozen Hour during the CIAA Tournament are bringing it back for a summer edition. Arrive early for free draft beer and free food while it lasts. The organizers of Phrozen Hour live life by the slogan: “Money is tight. Gas is high. The job is trippin'. Going out is becoming expensive. Well this is FREE and involves no thinking.” The free afterparty continues at Picasso's uptown, with DJ DR spinning from 10 p.m.-2 a.m.

Bar crawl

Around the world

8-11 p.m. Cans Bar, 500 W. Fifth St. No cover. www.cansbar.com.

Tonight you can get a taste of the world without ever leaving Charlotte at the first Around the World Pub Crawl. Each of Cans' five bars will feature drink specials and food from Mexico, Asia, the U.S., Poland and Ireland. A prize will be given away for the best worldly costume.

Saturday

Summer tradition

Cornhole tourney

4 p.m. George Herman's, 144 Brevard Court. $20 per person gets you a minimum three tournament games, free beer (while it lasts) and a chance to win some great prizes. www.rockhouseevents.com.

Ah, cornhole. It's a summertime tradition. And this weekend you can play in a RockHouse Events-sponsored tournament for a good cause: Proceeds benefit Carolina Pride, Charlotte's blind baseball team. Ladies, don't be intimidated by the frat boys who eat, sleep and breathe cornhole. RockHouse is offering a ladies-only division at half price.

Live music

Early fourth fete

6 p.m. Dixie's Tavern, 301 E. Seventh St. $15. www.dixiescharlotte .com.

After you play a few games of cornhole, continue the summer party theme by celebrating the Fourth of July a week early. WNKS-FM (95.1) is hosting the Uncle Sam Jam, featuring pop-punk band Simple Plan (left). Also performing: local bands Simplified and Valor Bound.

Sunday

Concert

Soul diva

7:30 p.m. Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. $47-$57. www.ovensauditorium.com.

After months of rumored appearances and cancellations, Jill Scott is finally coming to Charlotte. Hear how Scott puts her poetic words about love into song.

Six picks for your weekend

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 08:12 EDT

Friday

SKETCH COMEDY: Get your abdominal muscles warmed up before Chris Rock (Thursday) by taking in the Robot Johnson show. After successful runs first at The Graduate in Plaza Midwood, then the Duke Energy Theatre, the sketch comedy troupe is moving into even bigger digs – Spirit Square's 730-seat McGlohon Theatre – for a five-show engagement. Come see why the troupe – led by MTV's Talking Baby creator Sean Keenan and Blaine Miller of The Perch – is catching on among your fellow Charlotteans. 10 p.m. 345 N. College St. $15. www.blumenthalcenter.org.

Saturday

CHARITY EVENT: All genres of music will be represented at Future Fest 08, a charity event at Jeff's Bucket Shop for the Mighty Riders Cerebral Palsy Organization. From spoken word, reggae and hip-hop to alternative, soul, funk and rock, you'll be sure to hear something you love, all while supporting a great cause. 3 p.m. 1601 Montford Drive. $8 in advance, $10 at the door.

A-LISTER: Actor-rapper Ludacris will bring a little taste of L.A. to the QC when he hosts the “Black Hollywood Party” at The Big Chill. The red carpet will be rolled out and the cameras will be flashing. A-list attire is a must. 9:30 p.m. 911 E. Morehead St. Tickets available at all DTLR locations and No Grease barber shops.

BIG DOGS: The Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League will honor the gentle giants at Daneapalooza '08. Activities include a kissing booth, microchip clinic, paw-print pottery and a doggie pool bobbing contest. 12 p.m. at Meow and Fetch (corner of 36th and North Davidson streets). The party continues at 5 p.m. at The Dog Bar (3307 N. Davidson St.). www.magdrl.com.

Wednesday

GIRL POWER: 6 p.m. Loft 1523, 1523 Elizabeth Ave. Free. www.thesolkitchen.com.
Come out for a special edition of Pop Life, honoring your fellow women. The creators of Pop Life – Michael Kitchen of The Sol Kitchen and Carlton Hargro of Creative Loafing – will pay tribute to some of the women who rock the city of Charlotte (including yours truly).

Thursday

DRAFT PARTY: 6-9 p.m. Whisky River, 210 E. Trade St. Free. www.bobcats.com.
Raise your glass to the 2008-09 Bobcats season at the team's “Draft Day Live” party. Bobcats broadcasters Steve Martin, Dell Curry and Muggsy Bogues will host live coverage of the draft from the bar. The Lady Cats and Rufus Lynx will be entertaining the crowd with giveaways – including game tickets and autographed memorabilia – throughout the night.

STAND-UP KING: 8 p.m. Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. $44.50-$74.50. www.ovensauditorium.com.
Chris Rock brings his “No Apologies” tour. Black, white, gay, straight, Obama or Hillary, no one is safe from Rock's wickedly funny rants on pop culture, racial stereotypes and adventures in fatherhood.

Sarah's Six

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:12 EDT

A guide to getting you through that mid-week slump.

Friday

DATE NIGHT: Take a romantic stroll with your sweetie at the South End Gallery Crawl. Park at Woods on South, have a bite to eat, then take a vintage trolley bus to each of the eight art galleries participating in the historic district's event. You'll be guaranteed to score bonus points with your date if you use at least one fancy art term (like chiaroscuro ) in a sentence. 6 p.m. 2100 South Blvd. Free. www.historicsouthend.com.

VIP ACCESS:

Looking for an excuse to check out the hip new Suite in the EpiCentre? Put on your sleekest black or white attire for the Black & Ice private party at the uptown nightclub. Guests will get the red-carpet treatment. The first 100 to arrive will get a free shot of Patron XO or a free Bud Light. If you're fashionably late, don't worry – organizers will hook you up with two tickets for well drinks.

8 p.m. 210 W. Trade St. Free with flier from www.rockhouseevents.com.

Saturday

GO-GO BEAT: If you've never heard the infectious beats of DC's go-go music, you need to go-go down to The Big Chill for the JunkYard Band. If you don't come out of there bobbing your head and trying to imitate the sounds of the drums, you need more rhythm in your life. 9 p.m. 911 E. Morehead St. $20. www.executiveent.com.

ROCKABILLY BBQ: Take a step back in time when cars were hot rods, hair was greased back and wallet chains were wardrobe staples. The Rockabilly BBQ at Puckett's Farm Equipment will have it all – and some great live music, too. Check out the custom cars and enjoy some barbecue. Bands include the Bo-Stevens, Jem Crosland and the Hypertonics, the Psycho DeVilles and Slip and the Spinouts. 12 p.m.-2 a.m. 2740 W. Sugar Creek Road. $15. www.rockabillybbq.com.

Sunday

FREE CONCERT: The popular Summer Pops concert series at SouthPark kicks off today. For the best vantage point to hear this week's Summer Serenade, leave the blanket and picnic basket at home and head to Village Tavern's patio. Order the fried potato chips (trust me, they're good) and a beer, then kick back and enjoy the music. 8:15 p.m. Symphony Park. 4400 Sharon Road (behind the mall). Free. www.charlottesymphony.org.

Next week

‘80s FLASHBACK: Alley Cat continues to bring in the hair bands of the 80s. This month, it's Skid Row. The glam-metal band will perform their biggest hits such as “18 and Life,” “Youth Gone Wild” and “I Remember You.” Get there early to get a spot near the stage. 9 p.m. 314 N. College St. $18 in advance, $25 at the door. www.ticketalternative.com.

Elegance swirls at Suite

Fri, 30 May 2008 05:43 EDT

If anyone is doubting Charlotte's climb as a world-class city, the cynics need to check out Suite, the sleekly designed nightclub with a big-city feel that opened last weekend in the EpiCentre. After a two-day grand-opening party in which the lines of people waiting to get in stretched out the door, Suite is sure to become Charlotte's next hot spot.

The Scene: The club is divided into three different sections – or suites. Behind the high-tech DJ booth is the Club Suite, a sleek seating area with black leather chairs accented by a textured wall with fluorescent lighting. Next to that is the Hardwood Suite, so named for the beautiful dark wood floors of the dance floor. The Hardwood Suite is slightly raised from the main floor and includes five VIP booths. Modern-looking mirrors line the wall and track lighting seems to twinkle from the ceiling. Another area called the Executive Suite includes a separate bar and is decorated in deep, rich, earth tones – chocolate-brown leather stools, a bar whose top reminded me of a chocolatey swirl, and Ralph Lauren suede paint. My favorite detail: the faux-crocodile wallpaper used as a subtle accent.

But the focal point of the club is its half-moon-shaped main bar. The bar area has a South Beach feel to it, with lots of white and slate gray, mod bar stools, intimate lighting and glass garage doors that open up to the Skyview Terrace, overlooking the heart of uptown. The terrace is decorated in the same trendy fashion as the rest of the club – green banquets and ottoman seating, plants and silver high-top tables.

Each suite and the terrace tables are available for rent, with bottle service and a private waitress. No doubt the men will appreciate the lingerie-clad cocktail waitresses and female bartenders. The ladies' uniform includes black or gray lace corset tops and black hot pants.

Some kinks still need to be worked out. The bartenders looked overwhelmed by the amount of people clamoring for drinks late Thursday night, and some people waited as long as 45 minutes to close their tabs. And the cocktail waitresses might need a refresher course in job responsibilities – I saw one taking shots with her customers.

A couple of other drawbacks: It's definitely not smoke-free and seating is limited, unless you want to pay $350-$450 for bottle service.

The Crowd: Young professionals dressed to kill. Women wore short, slinky dresses or jeans and sparkly halter tops. Guys were in blazers and button-downs.

Overheard: “I want another Segway.”

The Music: It definitely had more of a loungey feel to it early in the night, with house music playing at a reasonable decibel, before the DJ cranked up the energy (and the volume) with Britney Spears, Madonna, Justin Timberlake, Michael Jackson, Run DMC, Kanye West, Nelly Furtado and Snoop Dogg.

Suite is located on the third floor of 210 E. Trade St. in the EpiCentre. 704-999-7934. www.suitecharlotte.com.

Sarah's Six: Hot ideas for cool after-hours fun

Fri, 23 May 2008 15:28 EDT

FRIDAY

Street Fest

Country concert

10:30 p.m. Trade and Tryon streets. Free. www.600festival.com.

When you're done stuffing your bellies full of funnel cake and your pockets full of free stuff at Food Lion Speed Street, head over to the Coca-Cola stage to see North Carolina's sweetheart Kellie Pickler. The former “American Idol” contestant and Albemarle native will perform live as part of Race Week. After the concert, keep the NASCAR party going by racing over to Whisky River, Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s new bar at the EpiCentre near College and Trade streets. Look for Junior in his corner VIP booth, tossing back his favorite drink – Amp Energy and vodka.

SATURDAY

Music

For the greasers

9 p.m. 1228 Gordon St. $10. www.snugrock.com.

Come to Snug Harbor on Saturday and see why Johnny Cash once told The Belmont Playboys they sounded just like Cash's band did when they first hit the music scene. The self-proclaimed Kings of Greaser Rock will play at the intimate Plaza Midwood venue as part of the club's first Snug 600 – a play off the Coca-Cola 600 race – weekend music festival. Among the rockabilly band's influences are Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, George Jones, and of course, the Man in Black himself. Wear your leather jacket and stop into the Penguin before the show for a drink and a smoke. Tattoos not required, but highly encouraged.

Dance party

80s night

9 p.m. 1820 South Blvd. Free before 11 p.m. with flier on www.704events.com.

Hike up your legwarmers and head to Totally '80s Night at The Sunset Club in South End. DJs Nick Spain and Rocco will be spinning all of your favorite remixes from the decade – Cyndi Lauper, The Cure, Culture Club and Michael Jackson. Can't make it on Saturday? Get your '80s fix any other weekend at The Breakfast Club uptown.

SUNDAY

Pre-Memorial Day Bash

On a budget

9 p.m. 116 W. Fifth St. $10 in advance. www.thesolkitchen.com.

Sure, gas prices are going up, homes are going into foreclosure and more and more businesses are laying off workers. But no matter how bad the economy is, a good party always falls within your budget. If you're staying in town this weekend – because, seriously, who can afford vacation anymore? – stop by the Cheap is Chic party at Hom. The Sol Kitchen promises a low cover and won't increase it at the last minute. DJ DR and guests will spin your economic sorrows away for one night.

THURSDAY

Cocktails

Girls' night out

6-9 p.m. 14021 Conlan Circle, B-6. $15 includes your first martini. RSVP to mandh@streamersevents.com or call 704-969-0490.

Get into the “Sex and the City” spirit by putting on your favorite stilettos and sipping on a Cosmpolitan (or two) at the “Martinis & Heels” party at On the Roxx in Ballantyne. Network with other independent women, compare shoes and get a free lesson in mixing drinks from the bartender. For more ways to channel your inner Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha or Miranda, turn to page 10.

DATE NIGHT

Dinner for two

6:30 p.m. 4310 Sharon Road. $75 a person. For reservations, call 704-909-5500.

Nothing is sexier than a fabulous meal and good wine. Tempt her tastebuds on date night at the BR Cohn Wine Dinner at M5. The SouthPark hotspot will host Dan Cohn, the marketing director for BR Cohn, and some of the label's award-winning wines. Executive chef Tom Condron has prepared a five-course menu to complement the wine pairings, including tuna carpacchio, quail and sea bass.

Go upstairs and unwind

Thu, 15 May 2008 22:36 EDT

Looking for a place to sit back and enjoy the spring weather with a cocktail?

Check out these sky-high options that offer beautiful views of the city, away from the noise and exhaust from traffic.

The best rooftop patios in our area include some old standbys, a lakefront oasis and a brand-new addition to Charlotte's skyline.

The Roof Garden at Forum

For an upscale experience under the stars, check out the chic rooftop deck at the Forum. Rattan couches, greenery and a teakwood floor are the centerpieces of this uptown hot spot's patio, which overlooks Sixth and College streets and the bustling alley behind the club.

This spring/summer, the club will host various DJs on the roof on Thursdays and will have live music on Saturdays.

300 N. College St. 704-375-8765; www.thecharlotte.forum.com.

The Pavilion

The newest addition to the uptown skyline is scheduled to open by the end of the month. The 25,000-square-foot open-air venue on top of the EpiCentre will offer soaring views of the center city. Pavilion will feature a covered bar area where glass, garage-style doors can be closed to keep out the elements. The entire space will be able to accommodate up to 2,000 people.

Shiela Fletcher, a partner in and manager of Pavilion, hopes to bring in big-name music acts for entertainment and is planning an EpiCentre at Five event, similar to the popular Alive After Five party on Wachovia Plaza.

210 E. Trade St. http://pavilionatepicentre.com.

The Dock Bar

Looking to get out of the city? Check out the beautiful homes on Lake Norman and watch the boats come in from this floating waterfront bar at Queen's Landing in Mooresville.

You can get there by car or by boat and tie up right at the bar's dock. Grab a drink at the snack bar and head up to the roof for the best view.

1459 River Highway, Mooresville. 704-663-2628; www.queenslanding.com.

The Gin Mill

This South End watering hole's rooftop offers unobstructed views of uptown and is a popular place to rent out for private parties.

Owner Chris Healy says there's a private event at least once a weekend. He says the bar attracts business people after work, before skewing younger late at night.

1411 S. Tryon St. 704-373-0782; www.ginmill.biz.

Mint Museum of Craft + Design

You can take in amazing views of Tryon Street and its skyscrapers while flanked by serene Four Season statues.

But only if you're invited to a private party there, or attend one of the Mint's special events for the public – like the outdoor reception the Young Affiliates of the Mint will host there tonight as part of its Mint After 5 series. Held the third Friday of the month in May, June and September, it features music, food from area restaurants, and a cash bar. (6-9 p.m. $15, free for Young Affiliates of the Mint.) -- OLIVIA FORTSON

220 N. Tryon St. www.youngaffiliates.org.

Six Pence Pub

For a small-town setting, head down to Fort Mill and take the lift up for a pint at this British pub in Baxter Village (think Birkdale Village on a smaller scale). The rooftop terrace seats about 50 at wrought-iron tables and has a private bar. Worth noting: It's limited to those 21 and older. The patio overlooks the shops and colorful townhomes of the tree-lined community.

The setting is so quaint that we were (almost) able to overlook the below-average service.

993 Market St., Fort Mill. 803-802-5885.