Monday, January 14, 2008

I'm the new girl

Hey, everybody. As of today, I’m your new Paid to Party girl.

Some of you may already know me from the Dishing It Out column I write for the Observer’s ‘A’ List. And while I will continue to dish on local and national celebrities, I’m psyched about this new gig – if only because for the past three years I’ve worked the night shift on a Tuesday through Saturday schedule. A Sunday-Monday weekend is worse than you could ever imagine.

I know I have big shoes to fill left by Tonya Jameson and I hope to continue her legacy of filling you guys in on the hottest events, parties and shows.

Bear with me as I get my feet wet in this new venture and adjust to a “normal” schedule.

And, if you see me out, don’t be shy.

Just a few of my favorite spots:

I love Cans on a Thursday night, dancing at Forum on Saturdays and Loft 1523 when I’m in the mood to chill with good friends.

Look for my first Paid to Party column online and in the Observer’s E&T section on Jan. 25.

56 comments:

Anonymous said...

God help us.

Anonymous said...

Amen

Anonymous said...

Good riddance to Tonya. Unfortunately she will pop up somewhere else!

Anonymous said...

The Observer can't even get the news right. Why do they need to get the entertainment scene wrong as well.

Sex and the City ended years ago. A column like this is trite by definition.

Anonymous said...

Yeah, this should go in the Charlotte.com Kiddie Corner.

Catholic101 said...

While I, for one, am so glad to see aspiring Rapper Tonya Jameson gone, this type of column has no place in a respectable newspaper.

For the Observer, it's perfect!

We need a "Charlotte Tribune" or a "Charlotte Times."

Anonymous said...

Oh, you people are so negative. I love Sarah's A-list stuff. It's funny and edgy. I think you old fogeys ought to give Sarah a chance. But always keep in mind ... this blog isn't being written for you old codgers.

angie said...

Welcome, Sarah. :)I don't understand why the above persons have to be so negative. If they don't like the column, don't read it. I am looking forward to your columns!

Anonymous said...

Go Bobcats!

Derwood said...

Sarah, I wish you good luck. Tonya was edgy but gave those who wanted to read stories about the ins and outs of Charlotte an avenue to do so. Make this your own and don't let the nay sayers detract from that. I'll be looking for you out on the party scene.

Anonymous said...

Morgan Fogerty is hotter.

Anonymous said...

Oh Boy!

Anonymous said...

I've read your A-List column and look forward to seeing you change this column. You are definitely an upgrade over Tonya and I look forward to a direction that doesn't put down rock and focus on the GLBT hip-hop scene.

Anonymous said...

Tonya was not a racist and she offered a very balanced view of Charlotte's up-and-coming party scene. Her columns helped bolster Charlotte nightlife.

Your comments suggest that you might be racists yourselves.

So, where is Tonya going?

Anonymous said...

What happened to Tonya? Was she fired? Is the Charlotte Observer reducing staff because of financial issues and declining circulation?

Anonymous said...

Welcome Sarah.

Not that I think your column will add anything to our way of life, unless your way of life is self-absorbtion, where can I get my beer at? lifestyle.

But, at least write and use the English language.

Ebonics does nothing for our youth, so if you're not part of the solution, at least please, for the love of all things Holy, don't be part of the problem.

Can you imagine TJ adding anything objective to the political scene? GEEESH!!!!

Anonymous said...

I just hope that Sarah branches out and tries everything, and not just give us insight on the Cans and Forum crowd. There are more than preppy or slutty 22 year olds that like to go out on the town at night.

Good luck Sarah.

Anonymous said...

I'm tired of seeing the word "Geesh" used in blogs by transplants. Its a ridiculous expression and doesn't belong in Charlotte. Don't you think so Harry???

Anonymous said...

Hey Sarah,

Can't wait to see you in that absurd hair-do that Tonya sported. You know that is a job requirement, right? Whadya think HLXL???

Anonymous said...

Tonya you will not be missed. Oversized White T-Shirts, lol!

Anonymous said...

Thank God for Sarah:

1. Much hotter than Tonya.
2. More likely to recommend stuff for the 90% of us who are straight.
3. Much hotter than Tonya.
4. Better sense of humor than Tonya, from what I've read.
5. Much hotter than Tonya.
6. There is no item #6.

Welcome aboard, Sarah.

Anonymous said...

Sarah, please remain objective in your coverage of Charlotte nightlife. I hope you accepted this job understanding the multicultural aspcet of it. It would not be fair to Afro-American readers to focus exclusivley on the Cans scene and exclude the Afro-American activities. Do remember CIAA is coming up and that is MAJOR and I look forward to a well compiled list of happenings. Good luck!

Anonymous said...

These columns belong in Creative Loafing not a mainstream newspaper.

Anonymous said...

Hey Saraha,

If you EVER feel like getting away from "down-town" Charlotte and talking about something else... PLEASE DO!!!!

Anonymous said...

I've still yet to read anything in the Observer that was remotely edgy. Everything covered in Entertainment has been firmly rooted in the mainstream, unless it's Tanya giving us the blow by blow of the trip she took with her "boo" to New Mexico. PS, Radiohead is coming to Charlotte. Haven't seen anything in the Observer about it, and I know how the people in the Entertainment section like to be cutting edge...

Anonymous said...

Ahhhh....no more stories about gay bingo? That was such cutting edge journalism.

Anonymous said...

What is a Afro-American? I assume it is a immigrant from the Sudan or somewhere. Certainly it is not a red, white and blue born US Citizen. Otherwise, we would all be Euro-Americans, Asian-Americans, Scotch Irish-Americans. Afro-American is the most divisive term anyone can use and certainly does NOTHING to bring us all together UNITED.

Anonymous said...

Re Tonya: She's going to be a video columnist covering the election:
http://www.charlotte.com/politics/
Clue for the over-45 crowd: Look for the video link.

Re Radiohead: Charlotte's on the tour list but the date hasn't been confirmed. No dates for the tour have been confirmed. Until there's a date, what more is there to say?

Sarah, good luck! And you might want to turn on the comment moderation function.

Anonymous said...

Harry says - GEESH!!!

Anonymous said...

You know what I think? I don't see nothing wrooooooooong with a little bump and grind!

Anonymous said...

Wow you guys really need to get a life. The poor girl hasn't even done anything yet and you're already being negative. I can't believe anyone ever says there is still southern hospitality in this town. You guys sure don't show any.

Anonymous said...

SARAH....

The other picture of you is MUCH Hotter!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

"I love Cans on a Thursday night, dancing at Forum on Saturdays and Loft 1523 when I’m in the mood to chill with good friends."

wow - how utterly unimpressive. Is that your social life? Yawn.

Cant wait until you have to cover a rock show at Treemont or Visulaite- you'll stand out every bit as bad as Tonya did-

HA

Good luck! You'll need it!

Anonymous said...

I second the CIAA comment, it is MAJOR and full details of events will be expected....

Anonymous said...

All things being equal, yes, Sarah has some very large shoes to fill. TJ was out almost EVERY night of the week, covering events across the spectrum. Because she was open about her sexuality was no reason to judge her journalism. In fact, it made for interesting reading for someone who either never goes out, or, only frequents the same bars. Charlotte in many respects is a little Hollywood. Its a very see and be seen crowd,everyone wants to be at the new club, whos wearing the latest and hottest, etc... All I can say is have fun, introduce yourself to lots of people, and spread yourself around!

Anonymous said...

Believe me...Sarah won't be anywhere near the CIAA tourney if she's smart.

How is that considered "major"? The only thing major about it is major price increases for clubs that are trying to keep out black patrons. I love how TJ put in the CIAA as a major event, but somehow left out the ACC tournament...the NCAA tournament...etc.

Anonymous said...

"Charlotte in many respects is a little Hollywood. Its a very see and be seen crowd,everyone wants to be at the new club, whos wearing the latest and hottest, etc..." Anonymous

You're kidding, right?

Anonymous said...

Welcome!!

Glad to see that Tonya is out of here! Now maybe we will get more than hip hop crap.

Doc said...

Welcome - I like your A-List articles. Looking forward to reading your P t P things...

Anonymous said...

Boy,
All of the negative comments are funny. What paper have any of you written for and recieved a paycheck?
This is not an easy job and TJ did a great job of showing more versatality than I am reading in these comments.
Yes Charlotte is growing but as a black woman who was also secure in her sexuality she traveled all over to new and old spots highlighting what she saw. How many of you go outside of your personal boxes.
Also as a black person if they want to be identified as AFRICAN AMERICAN then they can since AMERICA has never treated blacks as anything but second class citizens. Good for building this country but not to be recognized. get over yourself.
As for you Sarah you do have big shoes to fill but make your own way. Get out as much as possible and do not get stuck in Uptown. There are people who read this blog that stay as far away from Uptown as possible and would like to know about the cultural happenings around town.
Tonya you will be missed by a lot of readers.

Anonymous said...

I certainly will miss TJ. Maybe she can keep up her blog elsewhere.

Anonymous said...

Welcome. Please be unbiased in your weekly blogging, reporting, etc.

When you party, be sure to do it for all races, sexual preferences, cultures.

Also, please do not follow Tanja negativity path she wore in.

:-)

Anonymous said...

By no means am I one to judge...but TJ's writing I must admit was boring...maybe she new a lot about the "scene", but I like to read more than "dude, it was off the chain". Anyone can give a play by play of an evening out. Maybe Sarah can spice this column up. And to the old fogeys...enterntainment and fun things to do can have their place in a newspaper. Don't take yourself so seriously...have some fun.

Anonymous said...

Welcome. As soon as you get into the party mode come check me out Monday nights at The Graduate Plaza Midwood. Hip Hop For everyone!! Underground, Color blind, and Real!

Hope to see you soon,
E

Anonymous said...

Sarah, congrats on the new column. my roomate and I met you yesterday. represent miami U and keep us informed on the hot spots in charlotte. my suggestion is we need to bring in better concerts, all the indie bands bypass us for chapel hill and asheville. good luck!

Anonymous said...

Welcome aboard Sarah. As you can tell, there are still quite a few nimrods in this town who would rather go home at 5 every night, cook a TV dinner and watch Matlock reruns. Fortunately thare are quite a few of us who know Charlotte is full of people who love to go out, experience new things, and are not threatened by a black lesbian living within ten miles of us. Why these narrow-minded bigots keep reading this column is a mystery to me. They are probably the same ones tapping their foot at the men's room at the airport. Anyway, get out there and let the people know that Charlotte does have a scene and plenty of choices for people want to live beyond the suburban yawn. If it rattles a few nutjobs here, so be it.

metroniner said...

50 comments



3 are pro Tonya



nice

Anonymous said...

ok...new girl...lets see if you are going to cover all of charlotte entertainment...I cant see you at Tempos...

Anonymous said...

"As you can tell, there are still quite a few nimrods in this town who would rather go home at 5 every night, cook a TV dinner and watch Matlock reruns." Danimal

So...people that don't care who was DJ-ing (or spinning, as ms. Jameson would put it), fall into your stereotype? Another dig at those of us not hip enough to live in center city charlotte (newsflash...some people don't want to live in a condo). As a local musician, I can tell you there's a heck of a lot more going on than Tonya ever covered, even though there's a lot to be desired as well. By the way, Tonya's writing skills had nothing to do with her sexual preference, and I don't think anyone was implying such.

Anonymous said...

Welcome aboard, god help you with all the negativity I've read form commentors in the past. It would be great if we could get some coverage from places other then the "seen and be seen" Cans, Forum, etc. I know they're packed and I've been there myself, however generally by only promise of free drinks or a gun to my head.

Anonymous said...

So why dont you introduce yourself? Where were you from the Midwest, New England, The West Coast? Who really are you ? Are you aPUPPET from the closet of a rich few that have a harness on the city? Who are ? What are your credentials ? Are you independent from the the DRACONIAN that rules Charlottes Empire?

Anonymous said...

the reasona ll of the indie rock bands bypass Charlotte to play Chapel Hill is because not only are there three major universities within 20 miles, but Chapel Hill was at one point to center of the indie rock universe. Asheville has better venues and a better arts commununity. Charlotte had a group of guys who booked bands like Band of Horses, Cursive, Sunset Rubdown, Xiu Xiu, etc but nobody ever came to the shows. the reason why the indie bands most people like, who are commercial successes, don't come here is because places like Chapel Hill supported them when places like Charlotte wouldn't.

Anonymous said...

For those looking for more live indie band coverage, please check out Emily Benton's 'Girl About Town' blog. She covers that stuff extensively. That's why I look at both her's and 'Paid to Party' to get a real broad view of what's going on around here.

I still think all the Tonya haters should just stick with the buffet at Golden Corral and keep their apathetic and ahteful comments to themselves.

Anonymous said...

Welcome Sarah! I love reading about Entertainment in the Charlotte area and I look forward to reading your blog!

Anonymous said...

Some of you need to get a life. If you don't like P t P, don't read it. Why spend so much time complaining?

Welcome and best wishes, Sarah !

Anonymous said...

tonya was awful. Her stuff was awful. I am shocked they paid her as long as they did. It had nothing to with sex/race whatever. She was just a one sided person. I could do that. "Holla-Holla Yo Yo Dawg! I was a party yo. Check out dez photos! DJ Bozo was in the house."