Congrats go out to Raleigh's DJ Forge, who won the Red Bull's Thre3style DJ competition, held last night at Phoenix. This is the second year in a row he has taken the title.
Each DJ had a 15-minute spin session, and judging was based on choice of songs, creativity, skills and of course, the audiences response.
The vibe at this year's competition was very different from last year's, which was also held in the same venue. Being as Thursday nights are usually Phoenix's college night, the atmosphere was more about the party instead of the music. But that doesn't mean that the battling DJs didn't bring their best (even if a couple of them did look kind of nervous).
I will say, though, that I can definitely go without hearing Petey Pablo's North Carolina-praising song "Raise Up" for a while.
And I was a bit surprised that DJ Forge ended his set with Enrique's song "Hero." When he stood there, his arms crossed over his chest in triumph, as the seconds counted down to zero, I couldn't help but think, "Wow. He's really ending it like this?" It was original, to say the least. But what do I know? The crowd was loving it, and apparently, so did the judges.
Just like a family bringing home their new baby, the folks at Mez want you to come celebrate the new digs in their lounge. On Saturday, June 25, DJ R-Wonz will be rocking the party to celebrate the redefining and revitalization of the space where all the best drink-clinking happens.
If that isn't enough to entice your curiosity, at least head out to Mez to check out their new dessert menu. Come on, it's summertime. Time to indulge yourself.
The weekly Snug Harbor party Shiprocked brings Harajuku a mesh of Japanese street fashion to the streets of Plaza Midwood, and it's a party you won't want to miss.
On Thursday, June 2, Shiprocked celebrates its four-year anniversary, Harajuku style. In addition to the usual shenanigans of burlesque, drag and live music, there will be a special performance by Elektrik Dance Crew, contests, giveaways and multi-colored, sparkly cupcakes. And all attendees are encouraged to dress up in their very best, colorful Harajuku wear.
For costume ideas, Shiprocked king Scott Weaver suggests any thrift stores, Hong Kong Vintage and Boris and Natasha. "Also, any beauty supply store for crazy hair accessories, colorful nail polish and for big avant garde eyelashes, Sephora. People can just Google the look and find tons of examples." he says.
For the past four years, Weaver, Beth AnnPhetamine, Lillith Deville and the rest of the gang have rocked a party that you'd have to attend to really believe. It's always a great way to kick off the weekend. And as they commemorate this occasion, Weaver says "the entertainment and decor are going to be awesome."
The event is free, but in conjunction with their celebration of Japanese fashion, they will be taking donations for Japan tsunami relief.
For more costume ideas, check out this video.
OK, I'm not really sure what to make of this. Butter in the NC Music Factory is posting on their Facebook page that they're debuting this Butter Light Saber tonight at Butter Tuesdays. Here's the photo:
What could this mean? I'm picturing a Star Wars showdown between two Butter VIP server girls battling at one of the tables. But, I'm probably wrong.
Tuesday nights are Butter Tuesdays, girls and guys 18 and up. $3 Domestic, $4 Royal Flush, $5 Well Vodka, $100 Vodka Bottles.
It seems only appropriate that The Chop Shop, a new music venue/hangout/creative space in NoDa, will open on Friday the 13th. After all, this place has been in the works for more than a year, and the right-hand man (or woman) to owner Jay Tilyard is Tracie Nasta, party-girl promoter with Nasty Promotions, known for events like the White Trash Party, A Very Horny Christmas, and more. (We won't say anything about the connotation of the Friday the 13th movies and the word "chop" being in the name of the venue.)
Located on 35th Street, behind Cabo Fish Taco and over the railroad tracks, the "wrong side of the tracks," as they say, The Chop Shop will be a safe haven for artists, musicians, mechanics, martial artists, lovers, and any and all other creative types.
"Keep in mind, this is the beginning of the Chop Shop, not the final product," Nasta says. "There will hopefully never be a totally final product, we want the place to be ever changing and growing."
Grand opening festivities span the entire weekend, Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Bar At 316 is one of the premiere gay bars in Charlotte; they've always got a crowd of eager beavers in that place. Whenever I happen to stumble in, Jeff, one of the owners, always looks after me and my friends. They're good people over there.
Tonight, they're debuting a new addition to their bar, and you should definitely go out and support them. If only because you love the melodies that emit from a piano.
The Bottom Line Piano Bar, located on the main level of Bar At 316, will open tonight for a Family and Friends event, from 7 p.m.-10 p.m.
Enjoy a special performance from Charlotte's very own, Roxy C. Moorecox. It's a good way to start your workweek off right.
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 Clarks 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.
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.
College night is returning to Bar Charlotte. So college students, it's only right that you check out this job fair at Bar Charlotte this week and next it's your civic duty to entertain the masses at one of the city's hottest party spots.
For more information, e-mail workatbar@aol.com.
Howl At The Moon is a great place to get together with a group of friends to have a good time. And the EpiCentre spot wants to celebrate you, the patron, this month.
Click here to get the coupon for free admission during the month of April (not valid Saturdays, during holidays or special events).