Who let the air out? Roo roo

In today's Paid to Party column, I wrote about how uptown basically died after the Rolling Stones concert last Friday. My theory was that Stones' fans went home after the show because it was past their bedtime, and partiers who usually go uptown on a Friday night didn't, for fear of traffic congestion and parking hassles. Read the Paid to Party column

A couple of readers called me offering theiropinionss as well. One avid uptown supporter who has season tickets to the N.C. Dance TheatreCharlottee said she's angry that parking decks that used to be free now charge a fee after 5 p.m.

Another reader said he tried going out after the concert, but he wasn't feeling it. The club catered to their regular audience and not Stones fans. Neither of the two clubs he checked out played Stones music or even rock.

So, what's up? Why do you think uptown was deadish after the concert last week? Post your comment below.

Make Ron Artest wear a kimono

If NBA commissioner David Stern really wants to make fans feel more comfortable, he should require players to wear kimonos.

Sounds ridiculous? So is the newly required dress code, which feels like an ageist and bigoted decision by Baby Boomers who can’t relate to the young black men of the hip-hop generation who now dominate the NBA.

Read my Sunday Arts column. Also read Tom Sorensen's column.

Then tells us what you think by posting your comments below.

Goodbye Charlotte Coliseum

Ever since the Rev. Billy Graham dedicated the $52 million facility in August 1988, the Charlotte Coliseum has given us some rockin’ good memories -- from the scoreboard smashing to the ground that same month to housing Hurricane Katrina victims this summer. Read Tonya's Top 10 list of acts at the Coliseum. What shows did we leave out?

To post your favorite moments click on the "comments" link below.

Stones right act for arena debut

Initially, I was bummed U2 wasn’t the first act to perform at the arena, but after seeing the Rolling Stones on Friday, I realized they were a perfect fit. Arms stretched to the ceiling, fists pumped in the air and throats were screamed hoarse as Mick Jagger kicked the show off with "Start Me Up." The band’s hard-charging, beer-toasting, scream-’til-you-cry rock was just right on opening night. It was feel-good music with fist-in-the-air attitude for an arena that was built on time and within budget.
My favorite part of the show was the tribute to Ray Charles when Jagger sang Charles' hit "Night Time is the Right Time." Keith Richards sat on the drum stand, smoking a cigarette and playing his guitar while Jagger wailed as if Charles' spirit had taken him over.

What did you think of the show and the new arena? Click on the "Comments" link below to share your thoughts.