The now irrelevant Montell Jordan once sang, "It's Friday night and I feel alright ..."
As such, it's a great night to take your man or woman out on a date. Crave Dessert Bar offers a date-night special tonight to add some sweetness to your evening: 15 percent off your delectables with proof of purchase from a show, play or a movie tonight.
If only I could find someone to take me out tonight ...
Oh, and super bonus! Crave now offers patio seating. (Photo courtesy of their Facebook page.)
The Deal: Three years ago the people at Whisky River opened their doors — and what better way to commemorate this occasion than festivities for the patrons. While tonight marks the official three-year anniversary party with a live concert by Rodney Atkins, last night Whisky threw a VIP Anniversary Party for all their friends and family.
The Good: The party may have started at 8 p.m., but the crowd didn’t show till 9 p.m. What first began as a smaller affair, with free food and an open bar, transitioned quickly to a dance-off. And I’m not talking your standard guy on girl grind fest either; I’m talking a regular dance competition fully equipped with what appeared to be synchronized moves and patiently waiting wallflowers lining the sides of the dance floor. While the stage involved both males and females, the males were the dominating group with guys dancing solo and trying to out-dance the rest. These dancers spanned generations; a few of them didn’t even look old enough to be in Whisky. Meanwhile others could sing every last word of Springsteen’s “Jessie’s Girl” — probably because the song conjured up some high school memories. With so many contributors to this dance party it seemed as if we had entered the Twilight zone — or at least the Disney Chanel, where, as one friend put it, “people settle their differences in dance.”
The Bad: “High School Musical” mode was entertaining, to say the least, and we were enjoying the view bar side. That is, until the bouncers kindly asked us to get up so they could take out all bar stools to — you guessed it — make a larger dance floor. Oh, and open bar translates to: free domestic bottles.
The Verdict: Nicely done, Whisky River. Here’s to another three years.
— Jordan Bullington
It's summer concert series time again, and what better place to host live music than the NC Music Factory? Unlike MTV (Music Television), the Music Factory holds true to its name and will be a central location to check out live music and kick off the weekend with Fridays at the Factory. The first event takes place tomorrow, April 29, featuring Eve 6 and American Aquarium.
Tomorrow night's event will also feature huge ice sculptures, giveaways, ice block dancers — and don't be freaked out by any wintry precipitation that might fall in the Fountain Plaza, as part of the Coors Light Super Cold Activation Party. Afterward, each week you can check out Butter, Bask, The Saloon, Wet Willies, Halo and Matties Diner + the Red Bull Outdoor Lounge, as all of the NC Music Factory's nightlife venues will play host to the after-party.
Tickets are $5, which can be purchased online or at the gate, or you can buy a Super Pass, which gets you in for all eight weeks. More importantly, you can get FREE tickets at Scott Clark’s Toyota City located at 13000 East Independence Blvd. But rest assured: A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit “Kids First of the Carolinas."
To find out more information, the schedule of bands, and more, click here.
Thursday
• JCSU: Coca Cola Spin City DJ Battle at Johnson C. Smith University's Bray Gymnasium
• AWOL Festival pre-party at Connolly's with live music from Matrimony
• Butter Thursday - O1NE Spring Look show
• Pecha Kucha Night Vol. 8 at Amos' Southend
Friday, April 29
• Fridays on 5th (free cover charges, food and drink specials to venues all up and down 5th Street)
• Velocity Sneaker Boutique hosts two-year anniversary party at Luna Lounge
• Shock-Pop Party with Dub Step // Elektro Klash // Shock Rock at The Money in Rock Hill
• Sheets for Soldiers fundraiser at Dixie's Tavern
• Origami for Japan featuring live vocals from Christine Navarro at Dharma Lounge
If you've ever stumbled into Whisky River on a Friday or Saturday night, you know that this spot is not just about country music — despite what you might think considering what NASCAR driver is affiliated with the place. It's about having a good time. I have danced to everything from hip-hop to some old timey music, and perhaps that's why Whisky River is able to celebrate their three-year anniversary this weekend.
On Friday night, though, Whisky River returns to its country roots, hosting a concert with Rodney Atkins. While I'm not a country music fan myself, I have been subjected to a few songs from riding in the car with my daddy. The only song I know from Rodney Atkins, "If You're Going Through Hell," has a positive message — and it's a good tune to kick your cowboy boots to, if I do say so myself.
More importantly, I just got word that the Whisky River folks have lowered General Admission tickets to $20. Pit Passes (basically the area closest to the stage) are still $50. Purchase tickets here.
If I had my way, Mondays would be outlawed. But what better way to kick off the workweek than with good times and good drinks?
Mondays are Monday FunDay at Dixie's Tavern, an oldie but goodie in Charlotte's nightlife industry. Next week, when you're sluggishly working to get through the day, reward yourself by hitting up Dixie's that night. These folks were out this past week — and they look they're having a good time, don't you think?
The tsunami destruction and devastation in Japan has crept into most folks' soft spots. If you're like me, you're feeling small and wondering what you can really do to help. During the event Origami for Japan at Dharma Lounge this Friday, you can do your part. The party will feature hundreds of origami birds, as well as go-go geisha dancers, a lion dance, vocals from Christine Navarro (pictured) over house music from Jah Sun Rising and more. All door proceeds and a percent of bar sales will be donated to the Red Cross for aid in the relief efforts in Japan. Minimum $5 donation. 9 p.m. Dharma Lounge, 1440 S. Tryon St. 704-334-8336. www.dharmalounge.com.
— Anita Overcash
The top five nightlife-related events going down tonight, April 27, as chosen from the folks at Creative Loafing.
• Above and Beyond Group Therapy World Tour at Phoenix
• Pop Life with Dj Skillz at RE:Public
• Invasion Latina at Kazba
• "Love in this Club" Level Wednesday at Suite
• A two night benefit concert for the Red Cross Japan Relief Fund at The Evening Muse
The top five nightlife-related events going down tonight, April 26, as chosen from the folks at Creative Loafing.
• Yes Tuesday 'It's a Celebration' at Apostrophe Lounge
• SocialFlockers Boots & Bikinis at Whisky River
• Country Tuesday Presents The Dirt Daubers at Snug Harbor
• The Power Mixer @ Loft 1523
• IN-V-us Tuesdays at The Saloon
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