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 didnt 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 Im not talking your standard guy on girl grind fest either; Im 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 didnt even look old enough to be in Whisky. Meanwhile others could sing every last word of Springsteens Jessies 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. Heres to another three years.
Jordan Bullington
The Deal: Friday night, Feb. 11, I joined the stage along with 14 of Charlottes hottest bachelors and bachelorettes at Whisky River for the Ace and TJs Auction of Love. The festivities started just after 10 p.m. with all the proceeds benefiting Ace and TJs own charity: The Grin Kids.
The Good: The event required a dynamic crowd with an upbeat atmosphere and as usual, Whisky River delivered full force with a packed house, and beautiful people to boot. Ace and TJ were joined on the stage by singles from bartenders to the Whisky Girls not to mention one real life auctioneer whose fast-paced dialogue made my head spin. If watching WSOCFm radio personality, Big Sexy, shed layers of clothes on the catwalk wasnt enough to keep it interesting, each bachelor and bachelorette came equipped with his or her own extravagant prize package. Packages included, but werent limited to: Autographed memorabilia, ski passes, V.I.P. access to the Flogging Molly show tonight at the Fillmore, and weekend passes to Carowinds combined with complimentary reservations at one of Charlottes top hotels. Not to worry though as Ace and TJ assured the crowd, just because you were the highest bidder didnt mean you had to snuggle up in a four-star hotel with Crash and Otis, 95.1s own most eligible bachelors. As the night wore on, each package got better, the bids grew higher, and thanks to a few cocktails to calm our nerves prior to showtime, dance moves down the runway got a little more entertaining.
The Bad: My only feasible protest is that Ace and TJ themselves werent up on the auction block. Who wouldnt want the chance to bid on that rowdy duo?
The Verdict: It was the picture perfect way for all those unattached in this bustling Queen City of ours to celebrate Valentines Day; and with all the money raised in support of the Grin Kids, you could let loose for a good cause.
The Deal: Reggae Central (the long-running retail shop in Plaza Midwood) hosted Reggae at the Lake with a live performance from the band Jah Creation at Amos at the Lake last Friday, Feb. 11.
The Good: This was my second time going to a Reggae at the Lake party, and I was thoroughly entertained. Jah Creation did a fantastic job performing and engaging the diverse crowd with its live roots reggae music. The band performed songs from its own repertoire, along with covering numbers from other popular bands (including a cool Sade cover). They even did a little birthday shout-out for a woman in the crowd; there was definitely a friendly island vibe flowing through the venue. Some people danced. Some people sat back and watched the band while others mixed and mingled at the bar. In other good news this is a monthly event and there are two more parties scheduled for March and April. (March 18 features music by Chalwa, and on April 15 Crucial Fiya takes the stage.)
The Bad: Parking can be a little tight. You definitely want to get there early.
The Verdict: If you are looking for a nice live reggae set, you should definitely keep up with Reggae Centrals parties at this venue.
For more information visit: Reggae Central, 1506 Central Ave. 704-377-2782. www.reggaecentralstore.com. www.facebook.com/reggae.central.
Venue info: Amos' at the Lake, 19501 West Catawba Ave., Cornelius. 704-895-6875. www.amosatthelake.com.
Tiffany Hill
The Deal: Boardwalk Billys Raw Bar and Ribs finds its third home in historic Dilworth, nestled among the many restaurants and bars East Boulevard has to offer.
The Good: The drinks are cheap, and the atmosphere inviting whats not to love? The famous $2-you-call-it Thursday nights have found their way into the heart of Dilworth and the people are pleased. The Boardwalk on East is the answer to all those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the college mass at the University location, and the slightly older crowd in Matthews. This new location attracts the vivacious in-between circle of Charlottes residents. The rooftop patio is a promising haven for both summer days and nights fully equipped with good food and live music. Not to mention the Dilworth sidewalks are almost always brimming with locals on foot, giving the new location that same neighborhood vibe most venture to NoDa to find.
The Bad: There may be a good reason for all the sidewalk traffic, as it happens the parking on East Boulvard is brutal. Across the way Cantina 1511 survives with Valet services on their busy nights, but for the rest of us, the spaces are far and few between.
The Verdict: The well-known sports bar is exactly what Dilworth needed. The new spot is already a late-night hit with the local service industry, and the 9-to-5 bunch is discovering a new retreat for a post-work drink. If youre in search of a new bar, with a laid-back feel, make your way to the new location. The Boardwalk Billys tradition continues.
Jordan Bullington
The Deal: Crave Dessert Bar offers bottomless wine on Thursday nights for $20.
The Good: Despite the swanky decor at Crave, the idea of free-flowing wine attracts all kinds of folks. On the particular Thursday I was there, to the left of me seated at the bar was a group of nicely dressed gentlemen with a bottle of champagne on ice. (Although it seemed only one was repeatedly filling his glass.) At one of the couch areas, a group of trendy hipsters were puffing off a hookah and celebrating a birthday. Across from me, on another corner of the bar, was a very casually dressed man and woman (perhaps on a Friday night, they'd be at Thomas Street or Solstice Tavern) smoking a hookah. And as we were leaving, a couple, clearly on a date, walked in, holding hands. The atmosphere here is clearly welcoming.
The Deal: Paradice Entertainment and promoter/photographer Clarence Young hosted a Pre-Valentines reggae event at Twilight Caribbean Restaurant and Bar last Saturday, February 5.
The Good: A number of reggae events have been sprouting up in Charlotte lately, and Paradice Entertainment and Clarence Young cooked up a sweet Pre-Valentines Day bash. The music was predominantly reggae with blends of old and current dancehall, roots, hip-hop and Soca tunes. Both DJs, Badala B and Almighty DJ Freedom, engaged the audience and kept the dance floor filled. The crowd was thick but not to the point where you thought you would spill your drink on someones neck navigating through people. And the venue is relatively new and upscale with a comfortable atmosphere.
The Bad: The party ended around 2 a.m., which is common for Charlotte, but just doesnt feel right for a reggae party. It gave me that Brooklyn, Eastern Parkway vibe wherein people usually get to the club by 2 a.m.
The Verdict: If you are looking to hear some good reggae in a comfortable environment you definitely want to follow these promoters. They have big plans for reggae in Charlotte.
For more information visit: Twilight Caribbean Restaurant and Bar:10210 Berkeley Place Drive, Suite 100. 704-295-0102. www.twilightcaribbean.com.
Tiffany Hill
When someone invites you to a potluck dinner, there is usually a stereotypical assumption of the evening's events everyone brings a dish, eats and socializes.
But an Afterbirth Casserole Productions potluck is a completely different story, a story that was lived out Jan. 17 when they held their second potluck dinner, equipped with awesome bands at the Belmont Haunted Mill.
Yes, it's a true story: Haunted 3D Putt-Putt, a haunted house, music, and of course, a table lined with various dishes for consumption (including a Sloppy Joe MRE and remarkably tasty PPSHIVERS squash casserole). Not to mention, the event was BYOB, so there was no worry concerning the cost of drinking at a bar if you chose to engage in heathenism. It was a lethal combination for fun times. Patrons filled the establishment; some playing putt-putt and exploring the haunted house while others watched Fat Camp, Pullman Strike, Blossoms and Cheap Girls play.
Music, for our listening pleasure, started almost immediately and Charlotte's premier homosexual party rock band, Fat Camp, amused us with quirk and their lewd and hilarious songs. Singer and guitarist Lee Grutman dressed as a Jedi and the band jammed out while the whole crowd could not help but giggle and groove.
Maybe it was the fact that I had my very own 12-pack and a DD but after Fat Camp I was in a goofy mood that required adventure and where I was, it was at my fingertips. It was time for me to meander on into the haunted house. Within, rooms were filled with frightening décor and various ghouls and devils jumped out from behind fixtures to give us a jolt. The most awesome part of it all was the vagina-esque exit. Seriously folks, it was like climbing out of the womb all over again. That is the only way to describe it. I recommend you experience it for yourself to truly understand.
By the end of the night, I became so excited that I ran around the entire haunted mill like a 2-year-old at a playground. I didn't play putt-putt but I spent some time in a spinning vortex room that surprisingly didn't nauseate me. Seriously, you should keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming show here. Word on the street is there is another one in the making. Come and check it out because by Lord it is overwhelmingly fantastic.
The Deal: Karma Lounge (located at 1925 Westinghouse Blvd.) has added its name to the list of local venues vying for a spot in the lucrative nightlife market in the Q.C. We headed down south this past Saturday to see what's up.
The Good: First of all, the attraction in Karma is that it's located in South Charlotte perfect for those club rats who want to party close to home. On the inside, the venue looks great. From the gorgeous door girl and buff door guys, to the equally hot and friendly management, good looks are clearly a prerequisite. Fortunately, the eye candy doesnt stop with the staff as the club also boasts sleek, flat screen-lined V.I.P. areas and a relatively decent-looking crowd. The DJ was pretty standard, playing to the crowd as well as spinning in all the latest club bangers, and the fully stocked bar is has a wide assortment of spirits guaranteed to get you feeling right.
The Bad: If you base your decision on whether to go inside solely on the view from the parking lot, chances are youll be bolting back down I-77 at speeds well above the legal limit. This place looks pretty suspect on the outside. The fact that it also shares a building with a super sketchy-looking bar does nothing to help the cause, and the gravel-lined parking lot, while spacious, would seemingly be hell on heels. But if you can remain distracted long enough to actually get inside, youll more than likely have a good time.
The Verdict: If you live in South Charlotte and looking for a club thats not overcrowded where you and your crew can let loose, head to Karma. The people have a good attitude, the prices are reasonable, parking is free and the music bumps. While I wouldn't call this a sexy, upscale environment fully equipped with all the bells and whistles, it definitely has a sleekness factor inside.
Debra Renee Seth
The top five nightlife-related events going down tonight, Jan. 18, as chosen from the folks at Creative Loafing.
Party with Vinny from Jersey Shore at Butter Tuesdays
Young Affiliates of the Mint's January Happy Hour at Crave Dessert Bar
Gorilla Preschool at Petra's Improv Night
Wok Bar's Wok On Tap beer tasting event
Foreign Affair Tuesdays at On the Roxx Southend
When Snug Harbor's Shiprocked celebrates something, I must say, it certainly is a celebration. I would imagine this seems like a no-brainer, considering that their regular fare revolves around dance parties equipped with go-go dancers and drag shows. But to truly understand the extent of which they throw down, you have to witness it for yourself.
This is exactly what I experienced Thursday, Jan. 13, for their Halo project Pinups and Pets calendar release party. When I arrived, it seemed like it was going to be a slow night. But before I could even grab my second drink, people started filing in at such a massive rate that Snug was instantaneously packed to the point that I couldn't even get around without having to push through a crowd.
I would say that this is when the dance party started but I'm not sure if that would be totally accurate. People were trying to dance to Scott Weaver's DJing, but they were so crammed (and sober) that it proved incredibly difficult. Everybody just needed more celebratory booze. If it weren't for the bartenders at Snug, Shiprocked's fun times would be virtually nonexistent. I cannot praise their skills enough. During peak hours (between midnight and 2 a.m.) they slam out drinks like they were born to pour and make sure everyone in the house that wants to get liquored up (which is pretty much everyone) gets their fair share.
Needless to say, by the time the performances started, everyone was very happy and ready to watch Drag Queen Lilith Deville and Burlesque dancer Cherry Von Bomb tease us with their uncanny ability to entertain. Paying homage to the calendar debut, the theme of the night was pin-up pets, and Lilith, dressed as a cat, performed to a song about a sore, wet, hot, free, bald pussy. As you can imagine, the performance did not take the direction of kittens. After Cherry Von Bomb teased us with her fierce jungle cat moves, everyone had loosened up enough to break it down for Lilith's last performance, which led into an all-out dance party from the stage to the end of the bar, until everyone was getting kicked out.
This Shiprocked was certainly an enjoyable one. I recommend that everyone with an open mind come out and experience it at least once.