The Distillery Hosting Big Benefit
On Sunday, young local theater company The Distillery will be hosting a big benefit at Amra’s. The event will feature music, snacks, silent auction, door prizes, face painting, drink specials, and performances by Cotton, Sea Cow, Lizh, and more. It will be family-friendly until 5:30 when Amras turns back into a bar, allowing only those of age to remain. The event runs from 3pm to 9pm, and admission is $20 (kids free with an adult).
SPARKcon Raleigh Begins
Today marks the first day of the 4-day creativity festival, SPARKcon . The 4th annual event is a volunteer showcase of the Triangle’s creativity. With an “open source” approach, the festival celebrates many different disciplines including:
- ideaSPARK – help design the future of our communities
- fashionSPARK – see the latest in the area’s fashion and accessory designers
- poetrySPARK – enjoy the works of about 60 different poets
- bazaarSPARK – a collection of artisans, food, fashion, and friends on Hargett Street, Saturday.
- filmSPARK – see independent films, animations, and more from the area.
- tastySPARK – local food presented at various restaurants and food trucks.
- gamingSPARK – a showcase in local video game development talent. Also play the Gears of War 2 tourney.
- artSPARK – local art takes over downtown.
- musicSPARK – celebrates the local music scene, which has gathered much momentum in the past few years.
- storySPARK – hear and see interpretations of “exciting and provocative stories”
- graffitiSPARK – exploring graffiti and its culture.
- danceSPARK – showcases and instruction of a variety of dance disciplines.
- sipSPARK – everything from coffee to cocktails.
Each of the subSPARKs is hosting several organized events, which are well presented in a Google Calendar .
Downtown Bars Approach Opening
A couple of new bars coming to downtown are on the verge of officially opening. The old space that was The Office will soon be Tantra Ultra Lounge. Word is that they are having their VIP opening tonight.
A much-anticipated upfit on Glenwood is finally having its soft opening tonight. Noir Lounge , located next to the Armadillo Grill, is a European, chic lounge with a wide range of music and a patio (great night to be out, tonight!)
Who Should Play Downtown Live 2010?
If you took in any of the Downtown Live events this summer you probably had a good time. The good folks over at Deep South Entertainment want your input for next summer’s lineup. They’ve put together a fun, quick online survey that will help guide them toward what we want. Here’s to 2010 being the best season ever!
WakeUP Sponsors Transportation Discussion
On Wednesday (Sept. 2), WakeUP Wake County will be holding a panel discussion at the Busy Bee Cafe ( directions ). The panel discussion, which begins at 6:30pm, features four speakers :
- David King, President, Triangle Transit Authority
- Deborah Ross, NC Representative, Raleigh District 38
- Nina Szlosberg, NC Board of Transportation
- John White, Director, Durham Chamber of Commerce
Pops To Play in Moore Square
WRAL is reporting that the North Carolina Symphony will be playing a free concert in Moore Square on Saturday, September 12 (7:30pm). The symphony had to cancel its annual Pops In The Park concert due to budget constraints. Attendees may bring picnic baskets, lawn chairs, and blankets. Also performing will be the Red Clay Ramblers.
Everclear Coming to Lincoln Theatre
On Thursday, October 8, Everclear will make their return to Raleigh playing the Lincoln Theatre in downtown. Ticket are $20 in advance.
Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week Begins
Today begins Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week , a weeklong dining showcase of downtown’s culinary talent. During dinner hours thru Sunday night, select restaurants displaying Restaurant Week flags will offer three-course prix fixe dinners for $20 to $30.
President and CEO of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance, David Diaz, says, “We’re excited to bring the Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week to residents, patrons, and visitors alike. This promotion extends diners a unique opportunity to eat at some of downtown’s most reputable restaurants at very affordable prices.”
Although no tickets are required, reservations are strongly recommended (when applicable). Online reservations can be made at almost half of the venues through OpenTable. These reservation links are available on the Restaurant Week website. Menus will also be posted as they are submitted by participating venues. For more information from your mobile device, visit www.YouRHere.com/mobile .
Participating Restaurants
- 18 Seaboard
- Globe
- Second Empire
- 42 nd Street Oyster Bar
- Humble Pie
- Sitti
- 518 West Italian Cafe
- The Irregardless Cafe
- Solas
- The Big Easy
- Jibarra
- Sono
- Bogart’s American Grill
- The Mint
- Sullivan’s Steakhouse
- Caffé Luna
- Mo’s Diner
- Tasca Brava
- Dos TaQuitos Centro
- Poole’s Diner
- Wild Ginger
- The Duck and Dumpling
- Posta Tuscan Grille
- Zely and Ritz
- Fins
- Red Room
101 Lounge Schedules Political Series
101 Lounge + Café has released the schedule for Politics 101, a series geared towards local politics and the candidates involved in the 2009 election cycle for Raleigh. The series is composed of informal information sessions hosted by candidates that will be held throughout the month of September. All candidates for city council and mayoral races were invited to host an event for downtown residents and workers that are open to the public. "Raleigh has become very politically active and 101 is excited by the response from our elected officials and candidates for this series." Says Jen Heasty, Event Coordinator for 101 Lounge + Cafe. "101 supports the diversity of the voters and embraces planning events to help educate and bring downtowners together in an informal, relaxed atmosphere."
During the September series, each candidate is provided a 2-hour block in 101’s upstairs lounge to be used however the candidate desires. Some candidates have chosen to speak on specific topics, while others are planning to use the time to relax and answer questions that WakeCounty voters would like addressed.
Politics 101 Candidate Schedule for September:
- September 2, 6pm-8pm: Rodger Koopman (Raleigh City Council – District B)
- September 3, 11:30am-1:30pm: Lee Sartain (Raleigh City Council – At-Large)
- September 8, 6pm-8pm: Ted Van Dyk (Raleigh City Council – District D)
- September 9, 6pm-8pm: Gregg Kunz (Raleigh Mayor)
- September 14, 6pm-8pm: John Tedesco (Board of Education – District 2)
- September 18, 5:30pm-7: 30pm: Russ Stephenson (Raleigh City Council – At-Large)
- September 21, 6pm-8pm: Charles Meeker (Raleigh Mayor)
- September 22, 8pm-10pm: Mark Enloe (Raleigh Mayor)
- September 28, 5:30pm-7: 30pm: Mary-Ann Baldwin (Raleigh City Council – At-Large)
Retail Corner Store Coming to Chavis
The redeveloped Chavis Heights area is getting an interesting addition at Swain and Lenoir. The site plan (.pdf) for the proposed development calls for a 1,600 square foot retail store with two 750-square-foot condos upstairs. The adjoining land will contain 10 parking spaces.
Isn’t it interesting that we finally see a corner retail proposal with residential upstairs…with a “sea” of parking associated with it. According to the site plan’s scribbling, the city requires 8 parking spaces for the retail component and 3 spaces for the residential. It should be noted, though, that Swain is only a 19 foot wide street. Check out the street view of this area (and you’ll appreciate how narrow the street is).
Dogfish Head Beer Tasting at Sitti Thursday Night
Dogfish Head Brewery will be hosting an evening of beers In Sitti’s courtyard tomorrow night (Thursday). Special pricing will be available on Festina Peche, Raison D’Etre, and Sah’ Tea. A tasting flight featuring these three along with the rare Burton Baton will be available for $14. A Dogfish Head representative will be present from 5:30pm-8:00pm to give insight and answer any questions.
Recent Stories
- North Carolina Loses The Great Teacher February 9, 2015
- City Lays Markings for Currituck Obstacle Course February 4, 2015
- History Making Heels and Wolfpack Prepare for Battle January 14, 2015
- 25 Predictions for 2015 January 5, 2015
- Raleigh’s 10 Biggest Stories of 2014 January 2, 2015
- 2014: The Rain Year January 2, 2015
- Tupelo Honey Sets New Casual Standard December 1, 2014
- 2013 Predictions. A Look Back November 18, 2014
- Wicked Taco Bringing Fresh-Mex to Western Blvd November 17, 2014
- DOT Unveils I-440 Widening Plans November 12, 2014
- County Power Shift Brings Major Changes to Raleigh’s Future November 5, 2014
- Jarrett Bay Store Coming to Crabtree September 25, 2014
- FirstWatch Coming to Glenwood Avenue September 9, 2014
- Big Shindig Releases Set Times September 5, 2014
- Appearance Commission to Review Residence Inn September 3, 2014