CLT Blog

This is quite possibly the funniest thing I have EVER seen. Granny DJ Ruth Flowers!

If you ever thought you could never be a DJ, think again! Anyone can learn and prosper as a DJ with today’s technology and the access to the internet. Take this 69-year-old lady for instance. She strolls into a nightclub one night and decides right then and there that she wants to be a DJ, despite her old age.

Way to go Granny!

You have to watch this video. Nothing I can write would really do this justice anyhow.

One of Charlotte’s largest events and the nightlife industry’s premier event, Bartender’s Ball, was once again a huge hit this year. Located at the Blake Hotel, hundreds of Charlotteans packed the banquet hall to celebrate the service industry!

Here is a video of this year’s festivities. Video was provided by VideoCharlotte.com.

The fourth annual Charleston Fashion Week®, owned and produced by Charleston magazine, is a five-night celebration of the region’s flourishing retail and design community. Held March 16-20, 2010 in the historic city of Charleston, SC, CFW will feature more than 30 runway shows, the Emerging Designer Competition: Southeast, and a number of chic after-parties. Named a Top 20 Event for March by the Southeast Tourism Society, the event will feature the Style Lounge, the Catwalk for Kids auction and luncheon, Rock The Runway Model Competition, the Stiletto Stampede, and the Bridal Couture Show.

This year, Carolina Nightlife will be a participating sponsor in the week’s festivities! We are getting involved in each after-party and will be covering the entire week’s events!

Stay tuned to our site for new photo albums from the shows, events, and after-parties!

Here is a teaser video about Charleston Fashion Week 2010!

CFW Teaser ‘09 from Charleston Fashion Week on Vimeo.

I wasn’t always the nightlife type. For the longest time, I was the nerdy girl who spent all her time studying- man, I love college. . .  not! Then I graduated. In fact, you could say I graduated to full on nightlifer. Now I not only write about nightlife, I work in a bar as well. As you can imagine, I’ve seen and heard a lot of crazy things. So after living the night life, I’m here to tell you a few of the stories that we service people see all the time. The things I’ve seen, heard, and been told to forget. . .

“I wanna make love in this club”
One thing I’ve found, is that every club has that cuddly couple, at least, that’s the politest thing to call them. You know the ones I’m talking about. The couple that hides in the hallway or finds the way to the middle of the dance floor and disappears? Where I work, it was a couple who snuck into the women’s bathroom, past the bathroom attendant, to . . . talk, yeah that’s it. It wasn’t until their conversation got a little loud that anyone knew they were in there. Needless to say, the bouncer wanted to get in on the conversation and took them outside so he could hear better.

The Hidden Hulks
You never know why, but there’s always that one guy or girl whose attitude is amped all the way up- but unlike the Hulk, they makes for funny stories when they’re angry! I usually see about one livid lifer every month, both guys and girls. I’ve seen people push others down stairs, and the usual people picking fights with the bouncers. But one night, stuff really hit the fan. . .  well, actually, it was the front door. I was working the front desk, when this guy came storming past me. I noticed a glass in his hand, and as I looked up, the glass ended up in my hand . . .  well, part of the glass that is. I didn’t get injured, but the nightlifer had thrown his glass at the front door and sent shards flying everywhere. I never did find out what made him so mad!

When Dancing Gets Dangerous
While I’ve seen many funny, unforgettable stories, there are also the stories that you’d rather forget. Like when people get hurt. And at every club there is the fair share of dancing turned dangerous. On the night I’m thinking of, someone actually fell off a second floor balcony. I remember the police running down the escalators and crowds of clubbers forming a group beneath the balcony. There were so many nightlifers that it took forever to find out what had happened. To this day, I can never guarantee why the man fell, but the news reports, say that alcohol was involved! (View that news story here)

From couples sneaking into bathrooms, to things hitting the fan, I’ve seen a lot on my nightlife adventures. And now that I’ve graduated to the night life, I’m sure I’ll have many more to share in the future.

Ri-Ra, the quintessential Irish pub here that closed after a devastating fire on May 23 of last year, has reopened after an extensive restoration, just in time for a proper St. Patrick’s Day celebration.  Rí Rá (208 N. Tryon Street, www.rira.com, 704-333-5554) is open 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM daily, serving lunch and dinner, with Irish-style brunch specials on Saturday and Sunday.

“It’s been a long, arduous, but ultimately rewarding process restoring the pub to its original authenticity,” stated David Kelly, co-founder and -owner of Rí Rá. “My partner Ciaran Sheehan and his master Irish craftsmen have meticulously refurbished every piece of our antique furnishings, while making some timely updates to an establishment now in its second decade.  Our customers will find the same genuine Irish pub atmosphere and service, in addition to enhanced menu and entertainment offerings.”

The 7500-square-foot Rí Rá debuted in March 1997 and quickly became a stalwart on the dining and nightlife scene for locals as well as visitors.  The pub’s name means uproar or hubbub, taken from the phrase “Rí Rá agus Ruaile Buaile,” which roughly translates as devilment, good fun, or any social activity that improves with fine food and drink.  Adding to the pub’s authentic milieu are numerous natives of Ireland among the staff.

Original fixtures reclaimed from layers of soot include the Victorian bar, built in the early 1800s for the officer’s mess in the Phoenix Park Barracks in Dublin, removed in 1920 and stored in a Dublin garage for over 70 years before becoming the centerpiece of the original Rí Rá.  It survives with other antiquities such as a restored Guinness mirror; exquisite etched glass panels dating to the early 1800s; a collection of Dublin Corporation Ledgers from 1800-1840 available for pub patrons’ perusal; and a statue of St. Patrick, origins unknown but aged well over 100 years, which presides over the bar.

To replace components of the pub that couldn’t be saved, Sheehan again sourced vintage pieces from Ireland and sailed them across the Atlantic to find a home in just the right spot in the revitalized establishment.  A stunning example is the foyer’s hardwood parquet floor, salvaged from Belfast’s Harland and Wolff shipyard where the Titanic was built.

Rí Rá manager Spencer Brantley handles bookings for private parties; the two-story facility can accommodate groups up to 200 people.  Updated lighting, sound, and electronic components put the spotlight on Rí Rs ongoing entertainment options such as the perennially popular Pub Quiz trivia contests, live Irish music, and sports programming, as well as special events such as oyster festivals.  Rᒭ Rá will participate in Charlotte’s St. Patrick’s Day parade on Saturday, March 13, helming a float, dispensing coupons, and featuring live music in the pub from 12 noon into late night.

The sparkling renovated kitchen is the crafting place of an enhanced menu from Chef Tom LaFauci that features traditional Irish fare as well as regional favorites, many with a contemporary twist and all with a focus on quality and authenticity.  Fresh seafood and locally-sourced seasonal ingredients pair with signature items such as house-brined corned beef, custom-ground burgers, daily baked Irish soda bread, and award-winning Beef ‘N Guinness Stew.

Other traditional pub dishes include Fish & Chips, featuring beer-battered fresh haddock and the kitchen’s hand-cut traditional Irish potato chips; hearty Shepherd’s Pie; Steak & Chips, a 12 oz. NY strip with Cognac butter and malt vinegar mayo dipping sauce; Emigrant’s Corned Beef & Cabbage; and the Traditional Irish Breakfast served at lunch and dinner—a proper fry-up of eggs, Irish sausages, rashers (bacon), black & white puddings, grilled tomato, and pan-roasted mushrooms.  These join contemporary bistro items on the menu such as Steamed Mussels in whiskey garlic butter, white wine, fresh herbs, and crostini; and Broiled Haddock with a savory lemon crumb topping over Parmesan roast potatoes and baby spinach in pan sauce.

Lunch standouts include pan-seared Irish Potato Cakes served with balsamic reduction and savory sour cream and touted in one review as “ethereal cylinders of light potato and cheese, crisp on the outside and fluffy within.”  Rí Rs signature sandwich, the Publicanᒒs Reuben, boasts thin-sliced, house-brined beef brisket, crisp sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and Marie Rose sauce on grilled rye.  The pub’s ½ lb., house-ground burger selections include the Guinness BBQ Burger with the pub’s famous tangy Guinness BBQ sauce, melted Cheddar, and crispy onion rings; and the Paddy Melt topped with grilled Irish rasher, melted Cheddar, and caramelized onions on grilled rye with a side of Marie Rose sauce.

Dessert here carries on the theme with options like the Guinness Sundae, vanilla ice cream over a warm Black & Tan brownie topped with Guinness chocolate sauce, toasted walnuts, and whipped cream.

Saturday and Sunday brunch adds specialties to the lunch menu such as the Irish Benedict, featuring twin pan-fried potato cakes, Irish rashers, poached eggs, hollandaise, home fries, and grilled tomato.

Rí Rs full bar features a wide array of imported and hand-crafted beers and a variety of spirits and wine selections.  The pub also serves Bewleyᒒs Teas of Ireland and classic bistro French press coffee.

The pub’s popular Sandwich Bar on Hearst Plaza has reopened as well, offering freshly prepared, ready-to-eat sandwiches and salads along with a build-it-yourself salad bar Monday through Friday from 11 AM to 3 PM.

Rí Rs owners and long-time team members have been heartened by the support and interest of the pubᒒs many fans who have followed the restoration process with great anticipation of the reopening.  “People have fond memories of Rí Rá,” explained Sheehan, “and in the current time of turmoil and change, people are looking for familiar reliables—authenticity, community, and quality.  We’re proud and thrilled to once again offer those to our patrons.”

About the Owners

Born and raised in Dublin, Ireland, David Kelly and Ciaran Sheehan have been close friends since they were 14 years old.  The two lads took an early interest in pubs when they’d meet at Toner’s Pub on Merrion Row before going to rugby matches.  They immigrated separately to America.  Kelly and Sheehan have stuck to their original goal and made each Rí Rá pub unique.

Prior to co-founding Rí Rá, Sheehan worked as a project manager for architectural firms in Holland, Belgium, the U.S., and Ireland, where he specialized in the renovation of historic homes and castles and even contributed to residences for U2 band members.  Sheehan was offered a position with a firm in Florida that served clients such as Universal Studios, Church Street Station, and Pointe Orlando.

Kelly’s marketing background guided him through 11 years with Guinness, where he received the International Gold Advertising Award for the “I Believe” campaign and redefined Guinness advertising with “Anticipation.”

Sheehan currently resides in Raleigh, NC, while Kelly calls Waterford, Ireland, home.

Boardwalk Billy’s is known as a University area watering hole for many. This hotspot pours the drinks cheap and serves great food all day long!

Live music at Boardwalks is just the icing on the cake. Check out all of Boardwalk’s live music bands coming up in March here.

MARCH BANDS SCHEDULE:

3/5 Goodnight Swim
3/6 Chapel Grove
3/12 Thom Crumpton & Wisdom
3/13 Mike Smith
3/19 Radio Toy Compnay
3/20 Jaymar and the Waiter
3/26 Goodnight Swim
3/27 Patrcik Mckenna

City Limits Saloon is the new addition to nightlife in Charlotte located at 10008 University City Blvd.

This is a new take on country party bars. With a mix of country music and everything else you like, City Limits will start to pack out it’s huge University area bar in short order.

Located in Raleigh, Wilmington, and now Charlotte, City Limits Saloon has a proven track record to throw great parties and keep people happy for years to come. I am excited to see them join the ranks in Charlotte!

MONDAY NIGHT: Infamous Bikini Bull Riding College Night
If the title of this college night is not enough motivation to get you to come out, this party, every Monday night, is going to be the new hot spot in town. Think about a ton of bikini clad beautiful women riding the bull for weekly prizes and the privilege to move on to the finals!

Every Monday will have $1 Draft Beer specials, $2 jello shots, and $2 Donkey Punch Shooters (sounds interesting).

Watch this video from the Bikini Bull Riding College Night Finals in Raleigh… This is what is in store for us every Monday nights in the University!!

You’ve found the perfect dress, your hair and makeup have never looked better, and your best girls are with you. And on top of that natural high of a good night out, you can’t stop staring at the guy by the bar. But while this sounds like your average night on the town, there’s one difference- this is your wedding night, and that guy is your groom.

I work downtown Charlotte, and during wedding season, I see several full bridal parties walking around the Epicenter. In fact, on some nights the private wedding parties fill up more of the bars than the single crowd does. And as a bride-to-be myself, I receive so many emails about receptions and rehearsal dinners at bars and clubs. Like this one. . .


Our private event space offers the privacy and atmosphere that you are seeking. From Rehearsal Dinners to entertaining guests while they are in town, BlackFinn will take care of your every need. (email from BlackFinn)

And then there was talk of receptions too!

I certainly have nothing against brides at bars.  After all, if you want to throw a wedding that guests will never forget, what better place than a private party at a bar or club?

But I can’t help but wonder, what does that mean for Charlotte nightlife? Is the place of single soirees and one night stands becoming the place of married couples?

So I asked around about this new trend. . .

“A friend of my brother’s just had her reception at “Roof with a View” downtown. It was a really nice venue and a great view of the stadium and downtown Charlotte. I’m not sure what you’re looking for, but I think its worth checking out.”  ~ Bess, 22

“I wouldn’t want to have a wedding reception at a bar or club. Only because usually Bar’s and Club’s are loud and its hard to hear everyone. I guess if they were to close the whole bar/club for the reception than it would be different. But as a part of nightlife, I think that should be kept for the singles and Bach parties!!” ~  Jennifer, 22

“I’m old-fashioned, so I’m opposed to doing something like that at a bar. I’ll probably go back home to the outer banks when the time comes for tying the knot. the scenery is just too awesome” ~ Ben, 23

“I would have a wedding reception at the bar or club, but it would depend on the decor of it and the atmosphere, but as long as it was reserved for the night, I think it would be fun!”  ~ Amy, 23

“I would rather get married in an Elvis wedding chapel in Vegas than have my reception at a bar. Having a reception of the bar takes all the intimacy out of it because it’s not as private … which only benefits the single bridesmaid and groomsmen.”
~Brittney, 29
 
Seems like the jury is still out!

As for me, I think nightlife will always be primarily home to the young professional, but maybe this doesn’t mean it’s only the home of the single. Maybe what this all really means is that marriage is no longer a synonym for funeral. With Charlotte’s expanding nightlife, perhaps bars are becoming too much of a temptation for marriage to mean the end of a good night out with friends?

Maybe to become a bar bride means to vow a continued future in nightlife? Or maybe it’s just the best place to put your single soirees to rest!

“It’s just good music if you can feel it in your soul” Tim McGraw. Music has always had a way of bringing people together. It’s also always been a way to help those in need. Think U2 and Bono. Leave it to Tremont Music Hall to take the initiative to help with the Haiti relief effort.

Last Friday Tremont Music Hall held “Give Your Heart to Haiti” featuring Junior Astronomers, The Verdict, Harvard and Red Cloud at Sundown. All proceeds went to Direct Relief International. Despite the snow the turnout was really impressive and I actually had to search the parking lot for a spot. Being from Maryland I’m pretty good at driving in the elements…not too good with navigating parking lots though. Lets just say I tried to park under a tree and it sort of had its way with me. Inside nice and safe, the music hall was cozy and comfortable with a intimate feeling. There are several pool tables  to relax and have a friendly game while bands are setting up and during breaks; platforms for better viewing and even couches for music lovers to chill out and enjoy the music. All in all if you’re looking to hang out with friends and feel like rockers, this is the place. I personally was really excited about the whole thing. Live music has always been a passion It was especially awesome being able to meet some of the band members from The Verdict and Junior Astronomers, and how much they were enjoying playing for fans and a good cause was inspiring.

It was evident that all the bands there supported each other and were really excited about performing. Everyone was there helping to raise money for Haiti and to have a good time. I’ve always enjoyed concerts, there’s just something special about being around people who really are there for the music and trust me, the way the weather was last week, it took some really special people to head out doors. I got to speak with the drummer of The Verdict is a Charlotte based band, helped organize the entire event. The band hadn’t played together since 2007 due to different career paths and goals. They were still friends and kept in contact since ,and found themselves back in Charlotte in January 2010. When the earthquake in Haiti happened the band took action, they decided to get back together for a reunion show. Tremont Music Hall gave them the go ahead to have the event at their location and after a few more phone calls they had recruited Red Cloud at Sundown, Junior Astronomers and Harvard. All agreed immediately. Next thing you know posters were made, merch was set out and the event was underway. I actually go to speak with the lead singer of Junior Astronomers, Terrence. He had been a fan of The Verdict since he was 16 and told me that they really were happy to be doing the concert. The Verdict was a great role model for him and if they (The Verdict) were in involved in the benefit of course he and his band were going to be involved as well.


As far as the crowd goes, besides getting to hear great music were happy to be making a difference. I didn’t see any drama or high stress situations that night. Just good times. I’m super proud to have been at this event, helping those in need, experiencing live music and people who really wanted to be somewhere because they loved the scene. The best part of the night for me was, that a group of four bands and their fans were getting together to make a difference. I hope that the rest of Charlotte can take note on this action and help make a difference in the lives of others.


Do you feel lucky this week. . . .well, do ya? If so, Strike City is throwing a party for you to strike it big! On February 19th, the bowling bar is hosting JokersWild, its own version of poker night. There will be black jack, roulette wheels, poker, and several other gambling games.

In order to play, all you need is Strike City’s funny money, or should we say, their bowling bucks? Winnings are turned in for prizes or gift certificates for bowling, food, or bar tabs.

Speaking of the bar, drink specials include $3 SweetWater and Shocktop drafts and $5 bombs. But drink specials won’t matter if you gamble for the bowling bar’s biggest prize- a $300 bar tab! And that’s no joke. To qualify, you just have to bring all your friends. . .  and then some. The largest group wins the tab, but the group has to be over 15 people.

With drink specials, gambling, and big prizes, by the end of night you’re bound to be singing, “that was a crazy game of poker!