Belle-y Dancing at Menage?

Greetings from vacation, where the Crawl gets ready to camp at 12,000 feet in the Rocky Mountains...
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Stefan Latorre's latest experiment in late night cuisine makes its debut in part of the former Menage Ultra Lounge with Belle's BBQ, his first endeavor into Southern grub.

We already know of his work in Latorre's Latin Cuisine next door and Aquavina. But 'cue? It's an unusual option for this savvy lawyer better known for dabbling in South Beach fare.

The third floor of Menage remains intact, but perhaps this change was inevitable. Competing for nightclub traffic was becoming an issue as observed from the long lines at Forum up the street and reader email. Latorre has also had to shake allegations of discriminatory behavior that was addressed in this blog and by the Observer in recent history.

But late operating hours, live music, and a tempting late night munchie option deserves a chance. After all, he's entitled to run a profitable business.

Charlottenightlife.com reports that they seek a run at the hottest bar staff. Have they ever been to Phil's Deli?
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I redacted part of last week's blog about the Skeeball championships at Joe's Raw Bar after organizer Brian Farrell misinterpreted my usual sarcasm that litters this column.

Citations regarding his cheeky use of the word "skee" ("skee you later," "skee"-E-O, etc.) in his email correspondence and a discretionary reference to labeling him as a tool were taken out of context, and after an email apology, all is well.

So why mention it?

Please, stop taking me seriously. This is a column about drinking, and written within the PG-13 confines of a demographic viewing the city's most popular website. In other words, it's for entertainment purposes only.
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A fellow friend and reader named John advises me that South Charlotte's (waaaayyy South Charlotte) newest addition is O'Shea's, an authentic Irish pub perched at the new shopping center development at Ardrey Kell and Tom Short roads.

For a reportedly five bucks a pint, the Guinness is flowing and the business is co-founded with the 5th St. crew owning Madison's, Connolly's, and The Attic. This information has yet to be corroborated.

But more importantly, at this intersection, are we really in Charlotte anymore? Seems like Waxhaw to me. Go get your own nightlife column.

Reach Bryan. All emails will be answered.

What a Great Set of Cans

Cans announces the launch of its THP cannery--in dedication to the Three Headed Productions parent company--starting Thursday, July 20th, with a $2 tribute to its inaugural microbrewery in the Cotton Mills warehouse basement.

Playing it safe with a Light, Dark, Amber, and a Belgium White (although the latter is enhanced with fresh orange and coriander), the brewery process is reduced to a three man operation of brewmaster Charles Joly, a canner filling two at a time, and a third man that we'll simply call the "lidder" sealing off the finished product. Six packs are sold for $8.99.

Since this writer prefers the more complex compositions of a lager, stout, or an IPA, I'll take the Dark, sight unseen. A Light simply questions my masculinity, an Amber reminds me of a fat girl that had a crush on me in high school, and Belgium White probably resembles a Blue Moon, a forbidden attraction accentuated by an orange slice that I appreciate only in private, in the absence of fellow men.

With born-on dating already yesterday's news among the major breweries, the local fresh canning might have some traction.
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The Mint Museum's "Mint After 5," reserved for the third Friday of each summer month and hosted by their Young Affiliates of the Mint sibling, invites you to their North Tryon rooftop deck for its happy hour affair starting at 6:00.

We'll call it the perfect weekend prelude; nowhere else will you get all you can drink, eat, and music for twenty bucks, unless you're me, enjoying the rare media pass.
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The area's latest addition to the philanthropy pool is Guys with Ties, comprised of five native Charlotteans applying for 503(c)(3) status as a nonprofit organization seeking the usual greater good.

Saturday, July 22nd's "Concert for a Cause," expected to attract some two to three thousand patrons, will benefit the Misty Meadows Mitey Riders, a horseback therapy offered to area youths afflicted with Downs, CP, autism, and more.

Scheduled acts include national touring act Two Step, MTV college band finalist Rhymes with Orange, and local fave Dear Carolina.

Tickets are ten bucks in advance at Dixie's online and fifteen day of the show.

Reach Bryan. All emails will be answered.

Cruisin' for a Bruisin', and Pray 4 Ray!

So I return from vacation to learn that twenty-four people were arrested uptown last weekend. Char-Meck police are cracking down on cruising, they say. Without a city ordinance in place to forbid it, the violations center around loud music, open containers, and even illegal weapons possession.

We already know about the 2nd annual Riot After the Fireworks.

What's going on?

The same issues that have plagued any town with a successful nightlife district. In a few short years, Center City is now the place to see and be seen, and with that success breeds an attraction of all types.

Consider the difficulties facing Atlanta's Buckhead district, as well as Tampa's Ybor City. In what amounts to an inevitable vicious cycle, deserted areas under the right circumstances blossom into a bustling area soon overrun by trouble and a police presence, then return to normal.

But let's don't overreact. The arrests were largely preventive measures, and other than an unexcusable shot fired at the July 4th riot, we still love us some Uptown.

Or shall we call it Downtown again?
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Congratulations to our buddy Chuck Wilson, proprietor of www.carolinanightlife.com. Thanks to early success, he's made a formidable attempt at franchising, having sold three templates to Iowanightlife.com, Indianaevenings.com, and NightlifeVirginia.com.

Operating under the www.thenightlifenetwork.com mother ship, franchisors spend a measly $8,000 for a state license fee along with a $300 joining fee and $150 monthly dues.

He deserves it. For years, we've watched him prowl the bars, tirelessly hording the photo shots to take a grassroots website to buzzworthy recognition.

I had no idea Iowa was rockin' after dark! Is it even a state?
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While the Elizabeth area quietly creeps into a desirable Crawl stop, Visulite's recent press release indicates business as usual at perhaps the city's best live indoor venue (okay, Neighborhood Theatre deserves equal billing, and I have not seen Amos' renovations yet).

I don't follow our music scene, but the Wednesday, September 20th show for Cowboy Mouth is a bittersweet appreciation for this band I once applauded.

Lead singer/drummer Fred LeBlanc's tired "Are you glad to be alive?" chant, and his hairy gorilla arms are wearing me out, and after a lackluster attempt a year or two ago at Buckhead Saloon, this band's flame has flickered out.

"Jenny say-as! Turn off the ra-d-io." Enough. The radio already turned them off.
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Lazyday.com is promoting what appears to be the first fundraiser for Ray Ducharme's "Pray 4 Ray" website quickly embracing his tragic accident in Pamploma, Spain while preparing for the Running of the Bulls.

One hundred percent of the "Sharin' Sugar Pub Crawl's" proceeds will benefit Ray, with whom I already know I share two degrees of separation. My Myspace account already has at least one blast bulletin, so it appears the guy's got a lot of love around here.

My prayers for his difficult recovery.

Reach Bryan. All emails will be answered.

Who Wants to See a Billionaire

The Bobcats wasted no time getting back to business last week; their special invite we'll call a cocktail party introduced young and poor alike to the hidden hallways of the Arena for some season ticket prospecting.

Resembling the old Coliseum's Crown Club, this VIP lounge adjacent the courtside exit is normally limited to Inner Circle Club members parting ways with over $200 a game. But bottomless Heinekens and a meet and greet with owner Bob Johnson and Coach Bickerstaff lifted the veil on its affluence.

Never mind that Bob donated $33,000 on the spot to local charities or took fan Q&A about the elephant in the room--the conspicuously-absent Michael Jordan. The evening's rimshot at the conclusion of the short presentation was the invitation to observe the final auditions of the Bobcats Dance Team.

Still lacking a catchy nickname (remember my prior suggestions? Cat-tails, Felines), the creepy assembly of men sitting at the court's perimeter with drink in hand (myself included) could not console the crushed hopes of the last cuts. The final twenty or so should have no problem stretching the entertainment dollar, or those tight boyshorts.

Back to business. According to account executive Ryan Coman, early season ticket sales are brisk, up some twelve to fifteen hundred since season's end. The $199 season ticket is popular, accounting for some five hundred of those to date. The average thirty-three percent reduction in prices doesn't hurt, and neither does MJ's sudden involvement.

Wednesday's draft party (June 28) starts at 6:30 pm and is open to the public. For season ticket info call Ryan at 704-688-8814 or 704-BOBCATS.

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Believe it or not, but I'm investigating a lead that Joe's Raw Bar (Central & The Plaza) is hosting a skeeball league. A full review is forthcoming, but "skee-son two" starts in late August.

My oh my, is Whack-A-Mole next?

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Defending my position that the best spot to catch the July 4th fireworks show will be the balcony of Loft 1523, owner Adam Whalen is capitalizing on the event with a specially-ticketed six-kegger, catered food, and patriotic drink specials.

The price? A lofty fifty bucks, but the fireworks will be shot off the rooftops of CPCC, some three blocks away. A 4:00 opening leaves, um, some five hours before dusk to get your money's worth. Probably a good idea to take Wednesday off while you're at it.

Wave over Adam's name above for email, or call 704-953-1757.

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Talk amongst yourselves: Flat-rate tickets to get into bars for all you can drink a good idea? A bargain? Or a rip? Post your replies. (Consider: New Year's Eve, overindulgence, tip not included, mystery beer)

Reach Bryan. All emails will be answered.

Fashion Your Seat Belt

Thankfully, I wasn't the only one not clad in all white for last Wednesday's White Party hosted by Elevate.

I was half-white, with no racial pun intended.

While yet another event to raise founder Steve Caldwell a little dough to benefit Kids First of The Carolinas, the matter was a first-rate mid-week excuse to iron your best linen, and find a million reasons to spill sauce on it.

The flat rate ticket earned the usual unlimited beverage and food selections, and a fashion show at dusk provided by Modern Salon & Spa.

Now, I don't like fashion shows, because skinny models really creep me out, and I find fashion altogether effeminate. But the evening's brief raucous atmosphere and a well-oiled soundtrack didn't have me feeling like turning in my man card.

Instead, I reflected on the city's past, and realized that we never would have had something like this five or ten years ago.

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The16th Annual Lake Bash, hosted by aqua-celeb Ronnie Stephens, will raft up at its usual spot on Lake Norman at marker D-5 starting at 1 pm on Saturday.

Expect this reporter to be present, but I won't be working. Somehow the attraction of over three hundred boats and fifteen hundred people might encourage me to lose something valuable like a digital camera or a certain nightlife notebook, chock full of goodness with your business card after over three years of this work.

Bring your own beverage, food, and well, just about everything else as I wouldn't expect Mr. Stephens to foot your bill, either (hot dogs will be provided).

Directions by land? Find someone who has a boat, and mooch like me. If necessary, call Ronnie at 704-905-3457 or 704-664-6147 or www.lknfun.com's Nate Davis at 704-953-8138 for additional information.

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Cans would like for you to know that starting Sunday, June 25th at 8 pm, they will begin offering what I believe is the only live karaoke in the city, accompanied by local fave Orange Crush.

As a fellow crooner myself, a chance to sing with a live band is intriguing, but not on a Sunday. It takes a PBR tallboy or two of liquid courage beforehand, and I'll be darned if I'm going to miss Entourage on a school night.

But if you'll hug it out with me, maybe I could be easily persuaded otherwise.

Reach Bryan. All emails will be answered.

Strike, They're Out

The recent demise of downtown's Angry Ale's and Hoops & Dreams wasn't surprising; location and adaptation, respectively, ran out the clock on these sports establishments.

Is our appetite for televised athletics fizzling like Bobcats' season ticket sales? Hardly. Ale's suffered from a geography handicap, where the desolate stretches of Church and 3rd were only populated during home Panther games. H&D never shook the stigma of its comparisons to an airport bar and a pesky nightlife writer who picked on its cheesy menu headings.

Picasso's Sports Cafe will replace Ale's, supposedly waiving the aforementioned location issue, while Verona Lounge will occupy H&D's former second story spot over the 5th and Tryon intersection. Picasso's East Boulevard location will be unharmed.

Other suggestions for H&D's old prime spot:

• Duty-free shop; they got that airport thing going for them.
• Storage for a creepy mannequin display, with all that glass up there.
• Free BB gun target practice--make your best spiderweb crack!
• Innovative satellite Charlotte-Mecklenberg police station, to detain the surly types in a drunktank while we peep.
• Blow out all that glass, and make it the city's largest tiki bar.

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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Charlotte cordially invites you to save the date on July 20, 2006 for an evening with aspiring heavyweight champ Calvin Brock at Cans from 6-8 pm.

I don't know the man, but he's awful pretty in his press release and I wonder how this "boxing banker" keeps that nose so straight. It almost makes me not want to hit him.

The event's interest is in recruitment; obviously, this organization's influence changes lives, but let's hope they leave the Little Brothers and Sisters at home while promoting their cause at a bar.

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While the University area teems with traffic and coeds, CarolinaNightlife.com is capitalizing on the sun with pool party dates at area apartment complexes.

I see no July dates, but a combination of bikinis, free drink and food, and a DJ would indicate that this coming weekend's first trip to Campus Connection may change that...if the bikinis show up.

I see no problem there.

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Grand Central celebrates its third anniversary on Saturday night with a little help from its friends at Lazyday.com where they'll buy your Bud Light from 7 to 10.

I've long preached this is the new Hut, for those who remember The City's Best Former Tiki Bar on College Street where eighties and nineties singalong ruled the day.

A good friend of mine calls it Satan's Lair, where its dark myths have dropped him all over the city in strange girls' apartments. Even the Number of the Beast on 6/6/06 left it unfazed.

Here's to many more.

Reach Bryan. All emails will be answered. Join his Myspace friends group...none of his real friends will sign up.

Hammer Mime?

Well, since you asked....

• If that was the real M.C. Hammer on stage last Thursday night, I don't know what concert I was attending. How could my girl Ashley, twelve more friends, and anyone else within earshot unanimously agree that he bailed? I watched gyrating dancers freestyle one of his songs, while listening to a voice track, and I was sober. Yet others (although alcohol-influenced) tell me he was spotted. An urban myth in the making? Either I'm right or we had sight angles at the stage worse than a scalene triangle. See postscript below.
• Congratulations, American Idol fans. You just voted in the worst winner in the show's history in Taylor Hicks. I have nothing against him personally, but consider that his personality, that herky-jerky delivery, and his trademark moptop do not convey over the airwaves. Instead, your new champ will deliver another rousing rendition of the blues, which you snoozed through before he got famous. His limited vocal range will wear thin as the Billboard charts, last time I checked, were not riddled with anything resembling the "Soul Patrol." Call me a homer, but I think you know who should have won.
• I presented a story idea to the Charlotte.com staff to simply write about whom I think are the five hottest female bartenders in Charlotte. It's a simple strategy, really: Pictures will be mandatory as I sell out to a page-click ratings smash. What do you think? Post a reply below or email me.
• More Speed Street: Reader email expressed some disappointing behavior by bounce staff at the area's greater clubs, and a close friend of mine actually complained of the predictable traffic inconvenience and the appalling concept that a beer was five bucks. Rather than whine, I say: Get in line. Capacity crowds...a free event...you'd think they were crotchety old folks waxing nostalgic about the good ol' days. Take a chill pill and hug it out; would you rather we return to the ghost town?
• Climbing the ranks for best bar, pound for pound, in the city (proven tenure a plus)? Jackalope Jack's in the Elizabeth area. Cozy amenities like private booths and the torch-lit front deck, shuffleboard, billiards, karaoke, and an appreciation for casual attire (I once wore a swimsuit in there) merits little adverse criticism.
• Press releases: Fourth annual Y'allternative Rockfest Friday & Saturday, June 2nd & 3rd in the parking lot between Amos' Southend and The Gin Mill, two day pass for $15 (www.etix.com) or $10 at the door. Twelve band set includes Shadowflag and DMB cover band Two Step. Hard to beat the price... Info: meckdeckproductions@hotmail.com.
• 5th Annual 1st Ward Summer Kickoff Party Saturday, June 3 from 4-11 at Tivoli, 770 N. Davidson. $20 provides food, beverage & entertainment (DJ JD). Proceeds to benefit Kids First of the Carolinas.

Reach Bryan, who reports the M.C. Hammer Houdini act under confident observation, but stands ready for the abuse with some solid photography. He'll post a retraction next week, if necessary, with the reliable evidence. Join his Myspace friends list!