Friday, June 27, 2008

New clubs opening this summer

Are things finally picking up over at the N.C. Music Factory?


A press release sent out Thursday night to members of the Charlotte media announced a new venue in the uptown entertainment complex tentatively set to open in late July.

It's called The Garden and Gun Club. Motto: "No Velvet Rope. No Plasma TVs. No Attitude."

It promises to bring pure dance back to Charlotte nightlife, focusing on progressive dance music and the latest international sounds.

GGC's creative consultant is Andy Kastanas, a local DJ and one of the men behind Forum, Alley Cat, Cosmos and the legendary Mythos -- one of the first clubs to open uptown before there even was an uptown.

Kastanas is a busy man of late. He is also involved in another new concept -- Soul GastroLounge on Central Avenue in the old Lotus location.

A MySpace profile for the spot describes it as such:

"This lounge will encourage conversation and creativity with a perpetual sexygroovy house music soundtrack. ... Our love for cuisine matches our love for music. Expect imaginative concepts from our bartop sushi bar and global tapas from our open kitchen."

It's an exciting time for Charlotte nightlife, what with the EpiCentre's new scene, the N.C. Music Factory adding venues, and others like Kiss Lounge and Apostrophe opening soon.

The question remains though: is there enough demand in Charlotte to keep up with the growing supply?

29 comments:

Anonymous said...

I will pack my glow sticks and meet you there. Yeah right.

Anonymous said...

Yet another place I will never go downtown.

Anonymous said...

Does this remind anyone of the "Club Kid" skit from SNL.

Anonymous said...

It's about time something started happening ut there.

They have a dress code against boat shoes I hope.

Anonymous said...

I think the more bars/clubs the merrier. I'd like to see if someone can come up with some new ideas. Yes the names are all different and maybe the layout is different but still alot of the places are the same as in the same crowd and the same music. I love hearing that new places are opening and not just uptown.

Anonymous said...

I'm hearing that "Apostrophe" will be the next sexy spot for Charlotte's "Who's Who"! I'm excited!!!

Anonymous said...

Can't wait for Apostrophe to open!!!!

Anonymous said...

"Apostrophe" sound's like its going to set the trend for that upscale night-life Charlotte been looking for.

Anonymous said...

Night clubs never last.

Anonymous said...

where will Kiss Lounge be located?

Sarah Aarthun said...

Kiss Lounge will be on West Woodlawn Road near South Tryon.

Unknown said...

I agree, the more clubs the better. Especially, clubs that dont offer VIP. Where everybody is treated the same. I've never been a fan of VIP and I dont understand why some clubs uptown have them(Silly, Whiskey River)

Anonymous said...

Because in Charlotte, it's all about status, even at the clubs, it's about status and exclusivity.

Anonymous said...

Are there any clubs that cater to African American professionals over the age of 30? If so, can you refer me to these places?

Anonymous said...

the thing is, that people who actually have status, don't go to clubs. Then again, if I went to CPCC and spent $500 on the kind of outfit Bret Michaels wears, then I might want to pretend I am important

Anonymous said...

Where is Apostrophe located ?

Sarah Aarthun said...

Apostrophe is on South Tryon St., across from Amos' Southend.

Anonymous said...

Why are people so negative? Charlotte needs more nightlife to attract younger people here because they are the FUTURE. The baby boomers are on their way out and as a city, if we want to succeed, we need to keep on attracting young talent to this city. Most normal people enjoy doing normal things like having a night out on the town and not four wheeling or turkey hunting. I also second the comment about a dress code against boat shoes. HAHAHA.

Anonymous said...

The more nightlife the better. I know a lot of young people my age who leave Charlotte for other places because of it. We need to continue to attract young professionals here and keep them here. People want things to do and new places to go. I'm excited and I hope Charlotte can support all these new places. I would hate to seem any of them go under.

Anonymous said...

Considering Charlotte is an overgrown country town, I wouldn't be suprised if they don't last. I hope they do last, but then again, this is Charlotte: the city of churches and NASCAR.

Woo... hoo...

Anonymous said...

Is their a website for Apostrophe? What will it be/when will it open? I am interested.

Anonymous said...

Look at the first 3 comments. Why are people in Charlotte so sarcastic about nightlife? What do you like to do for fun? I see nothing wrong with new places opening up. It is exciting.

Sarah Aarthun said...

Details are still sketchy. It's set to open at the end of the month, but the opening has been pushed back the past few months. Check them out on MySpace or Facebook.

Anonymous said...

THANK GOD places like these are opening! I am so excited. We are one of the fastest growing cities/metro areas in the country and we already have a lack of places like these, so if Charlotte can't support them, than this town really sucks!

Anonymous said...

Someone told me the Garden/Gun Club is gonna be a new gay bar? Any truth?

Anonymous said...

It claims to be everything and anything: gay, straight, whatever. They celebrate diversity and want it to be a place everyone can come together, get along, and have a good time. So will it be a gay bar? Yes and no. :-)

Anonymous said...

I don't do the clubbing thing, but I would like to know something. Why is it that we have a lot of trolls on here always posting their negative comments all the time? If you don't like it, that's your perrogative, noone's forcing you to go to these places. As for Charlotte attracting these new and different types of establishments, good for Charlotte. That's what Charlotte needs to attract a younger and more diverse crowd. And as one poster said, the more diverse offerings that come to Charlotte, the more it makes Charlotte more attractive. And yes, these places will succeed in Charlotte. Charlotte is growing and changing everyday and these new establishments will succeed in the long run. Enough with the negativity!

Anonymous said...

I applaud the people trying to bring the city out of the duldrums. If you think a bar is a bad idea then why acknowledge it, your wasting time. If its a nice club and a good vibe it will be ok, if not it will go away.

Anonymous said...

Repetitive music that has not changes since the mid 90's, sounds like a good time.