Time for a task force

I like how the Forum handled an e-mail complaint accusing them of ethnic discrimination. The Forum is the latest nightclub to face one of these e-mail campaigns, and like previous accusations this boils down to he said, she said.

In an e-mail last November, member Joe Wind accused a bounce at the club of barring he and his Asian friends from getting in. When the club received the e-mail from Wind describing his experience there, the club's management sent an e-mail apologizing for any "perceived impropriety" and invited Wind to return with friends for a free evening in the VIP area Prive, according to Forum spokesperson Carol Adams. The club did not receive any response from Wind, but the offer still stands, she said. (I have not received a response from Wind either as to whether he plans to accept the offer.)

At a staff meeting, the Forum's management reiterated the clubs desire for diversity and reminded the staff that any sort of discrimination would not be tolerated, Adams said.

Although the club doesn't admit any wrongdoing, they recognize that a patron was upset with the level of service they received, and the club tried to rectify it before Wind's e-mail got a bunch of press.

Still, I'm concerned about the persistent perception that uptown establishments don't welcome ethnic minorities. Whether it's true or not, that perception means when minorities have negative experiences uptown one wonders if skin color played a part in it. On Sunday, Observer writer Gillian Wee writes about her experiences as an Asian in Charlotte. It's not pretty.

You can tell from my previous posts that the issue of how minorities are treated uptown sparks heated debate. Ranting about it on blogs and through e-mails won't solve this problem. I would like to see city leaders form some kind of task force to look at the issue of diversity uptown, from restaurants and bars to the way the city handled the cruisers. Invite people who are black, white, Asian, Hispanic, gay, transgender and anyone else who I've left out to be a member of this task force to identify the problems and solutions. The city should also increase the fine for violating the human relations ordinance. Anything less than $1,000 per incident is laughable.

What do you think? Post your replies below.

Waiting for Uma Thurman

Ever had a night when you're out, and all of sudden you feel like this can't be real? This moment right here, right now feels like you're in a movie.

Saturday was one of those, and no, I wasn't high. It started with a picture.

I'm inside Lava for Freaky Wack, the grand opening party for Eden, formerly Sky. I see this Korean cat, smoking a cigarette standing alone. Now, Asians often hang at Lava, but typically they travel with friends. This dude is standing alone, taking in the crowd. His air was so cool, I snap off a few pictures for Party Pix and introduce myself. We start talking, his name was Do Kin. He used to live in L.A. and loves to breakdance.

We head next door to Cuisine Malaya, which is hosting a private Chinese New Year party. Kin's Korean, but he has Chinese friends. For the next hour or so, I talk with him and one of his buddies about the difference between Koreans and Chinese, clubbing in different states and for Do in different countries (He loves South America). There's a football game playing on TV, a group of Asians talk at a table near the door. Couples pack up to go boxes of food and their children to leave (it's after 2 a.m.) and three other people sit near us talking.

Except for me and a few white people, everyone else is Asian. It was at that moment, when I'm soaking it all in and Do is telling me about why black people love him -- because he's from Seoul and he's got Steez (aka style)-- that I wonder if I'm in some kind of Quentin Tarantino movie. Do keeps saying, "Holla' at your boy" and throwing his hands up. And at any moment, I expect Uma Thurman to bust through the door, and pull out a sword.

The moment passes, we talk some more and then return next door to Eden. It's 3 a.m. and the dancefloor is still jumping. Muscle guys in tight T-shirts and itty-bitty women on their arms fill the dancefloor. The Freaky Wack crowd is gone. Music is pumping, but this DJs has no mixing skills. His song transition is, well there is no transition. Do and I shake our heads at the music then find a space on the floor.

Do isn't exaggerating, he moves with soul. Holla' at your girl.

40 and still groovin'

Hey party peeps,
I regularly get e-mails from my 40 and older crew wondering where can they go dancing in Charlotte other than shag and beach music places and to a place where they won't be running around with a bunch of young'un's.

I've got a spot for you, but it's not in Charlotte. City Tavern at the Lake on Wednesday was rockin' and the crowd was 30 and up with plenty of people who were over the big 4-0. And let me tell you, they were on the dancefloor doing their thang and singing along to the hip-hop and rock.

I met a grandmother who recently moved down from New York and she stayed on the dancefloor. I also saw several guys with bad toupeés,
but the best part is that the crowd was also a mix of 30 and a few 20 somethings. Everyone danced with everyone. Great vibe, good time.

Ooh, if you're looking for something to do this Saturday. Andy Kastanas will be back on the decks at Liquid Lounge He hasn't deejayed around town in a minute, so it should be a good time. Drop in and give him a shout.

Britney in the Q.C.

Morton's is the only Charlotte restaurant to get big time celebrities. Apparently, we've been trying to track this down for a while now, but it's true.

Paid to Party hears that Britney Spears recently dined at Restaurant i, a Japanese restaurant that isn't a bunch of hibachi grills, on East Boulevard. We don't know why the former Bad Girl of Pop now turned Mommy Dearest was in town.

Dude where's my parking space?

Hey party people, so uptown is jumping and parking is scarce. I'm sure all you avid Observer readers have been following our stories about how tough it is to park uptown now.

We had a piece in Monday's paper about the challenges of valet parking, and we had a story in Sunday's paper about how free parking is scarce.

I'll be the first to say, I'm cheap so I loved free parking at the Seventh Street deck, but all this whining about parking uptown is a bit much. You've got to pay to play. After 5 p.m., it typically costs $5 to park uptown on weekends and up to $15 if there's an event at the arena. I typically pay $10 max.

I know all my big city transplants can attest, that $10 is not a lot to pay to park downtown.

So party people tell me is parking uptown really that big a hassle? And is parking keeping people from coming uptown? Post your comments below.

Worst day of my life

Saturday started great. I rocked my Darrel Green jersey all day and random people on the street were wishing me good luck. Other Redskins fans gave me dap.

When I arrived at Picasso's on East Boulevard at 4 p.m. I saw maroon jerseys lining the bar. Tim, the bar manager, sat in the middle nursing a beer and greeting fellow fans. (He wasn't working.) I snagged a stool next to John and his friend, both Loudoun County, Va., transplants. Carlton, a D.C. native, pulled up stool beside me.

For the next three hours, it felt like Fed Ex stadium. We banged on the bar, jumped out of seats, gave high fives, did shots of Jager, chugged beer and hung our heads in utter frustration as the Redskins took us on an excrutiating ride to defeat. The emotions we felt during the Seattle game is quintessential Redskins. They build our hopes and then break our hearts.

I was so depressed after the game, I cussed out my roommate -- a Panther fan and a really nice guy -- and another friend who simply asked who won the game. (I apologized to both on Sunday.)

If the Redskins had gone to Seattle and been blown out or resoundly beaten throughout the game, that would be fine. They made me believe we would win, and when we didn't all I was left with was a hoarse voice, a slight hangover and hopes for next season. I'm tired of waiting for next season. (The worst thing I heard on Sunday was "there's always next season." Ugh)

Panther fans, I know this is selfish, but I wanted you guys to lose to Chicago. I didn't want to be the only person bummed at work on Monday. I got over it at a Panther party on Sunday. I'm glad ya'll won and I'll be pulling for the Panthers against Seattle.

Last night, I stayed home and watched "American Idol." The barefoot guy was too silly to be funny, but the overly tanned girl and her equally clueless mom were hysterical. Sitting on my couch for the third night in a row made realize it was time to shake off the blues. Tonight, I'll be back on the prowl. See you in the streets.

Promise U Won't kiss and tell

Out: Prenups
In: Pre-sexual agreements.

That's right, according to a recent Fox news story, entertainment lawyer Ron Skoler has come up with pre-sexual agreements mostly for celebrities. The person signing promises to be over 18, have no STDs, will never seek money or compensation and to keep the "sexual liaison private and confidential."

Here's my question, we've got some big dogs here -- Panthers, Bobcats and NASCAR drivers. Plus, we're getting more celebrities stopping through Charlotte. Lenny Kravitz will be here Thursday, Star Jones on Jan. 28 and Will Ferrell shot a movie in these parts.

If your favorite celebrity came to town, would you sign a pre-sexual agreement? And which celeb would that be? I know a couple of famous honeys who would get me to sign my name. What about you? Post your reply below and keep it PG-13!

No wheelchairs allowed

I'm still cracking up.
Super Bowl planners don't want people over age 45 on the field during the Rolling Stones halftime show. The NFL is offering 2,000 people a chance to watch the Stones play during the Feb. 5 event, but those lucky fans will be expected to dance, sing and cheer. The Super Bowl planners say they're trying to protect old(er) people because halftime revelers would be expected to run and stand up for a very long time. (And people over age 45 can't do that without a wheelchair, walker or cane.)

I don't think the physical challenge is the real reason planners don't want old(er) people on the field. I know plenty of them who mountain bike, jog regularly and go dancing weekly. The real reason old(er) people aren't welcome is because they're aren't as sexy as young folk.

Viewers want to see barely-dressed girls gyrating together or with virile young men. Who wants to see Viagra candidates kickin' it with menopausal women?

What do you think? Post your replies below.

They're taking over

"I wish I could quit yeewwww."

I love that line from "Brokeback Mountain." It absolutely cracks me up.

Okay, I digress. The boys of Takeover Friday are kicking the New Year off by taking over the Manor on Friday for the Charlotte premiere of the critically acclaimed "Brokeback Mountain." The Takeover peeps helped sell-out the first two shows at the Manor on Friday. As of late Thursday, there were 70 tickets left for the third show and plenty for the last one. "Brokeback" follows the love affair of characters played by stars Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal.

The predicted voices have lined up on both sides of the film. The moral police hope it flops, and gay rights activists are urging gay folks to see the movie and take a friend. Before we get too serious about the "Brokeback" hype, I'd like to defer to David Letterman...

Top Ten Signs You're A Gay Cowboy:

10. "Your saddle is Versace."

9. "Instead of 'Home On The Range', you sing 'It's Raining Men'."

8. "You enjoy ridin', ropin', and redecoratin'."

7. "Sold your livestock to buy tickets to 'Mamma Mia'."

6. "After watching reruns of 'Gunsmoke', you have to take a cold shower."

5. "Native Americans refer to you as 'Dances With Men'."

4. "You've been lassoed more times than most steers."

3. "You're wearing chaps, yet your 'ranch' is in Chelsea."

2. "Instead of a saloon you prefer a salon."

1. "You love riding, but you don't have a horse."

Lighten up. "Brokeback" is a good old-fashioned romance -- a story of love, loss and denial. If you're into those types of films, you'll like this movie whether you're gay or straight.

"I wish I could quit yeewwww."

Bobcats arena the best?

Did you hear that according to Pollstar magazine, the Charlotte Bobcats Arena has been nominated as one of the best new concert venues of the year. Winners will be announced in Vegas Feb. 15.

In past blogs, I've written about us being excluded from other national list. We finally got some major recognition from a respected publication, but I have a feeling some Charlotte concert-goers don't think the new Bobcats arena should be so highly regarded.

I saw the Rolling Stones there, and I had a good time, but I've heard from several people who aren't impressed. The biggest complaint is overpriced food, which is expected, and bad acoustics.

Urban Vixen, who saw U2 in Houston, said the sound was muffled at the Charlotte show, and the Edge's guitar wasn't crisp and lacked depth. At the Dolly Parton concert, Urban Vixen said you could barely hear Parton's vocals.


What do you guys think? Have you been to the new arena and do you think it should be considered one of the best in the country?

No alcohol for New Year's? No way!

I don't know if you heard, but Charlotte Center City Partners announced that vendors will not be selling alcohol on the streets for the big Downtown Countdown. Instead Charlotte Center City Partners wants revelers to go to restaurants, hotels and clubs for their alcohol fix. The keepers of Uptown also asked the news media to remind all the lushes that it is illegal to walk around with an open container of alcohol unless they're on private property or in a closed festival area with an alcohol permit. Apparently, the beer-coozie clutching Panther's and Bobcats fans think they're on Bourbon Street.

Moira Quinn of Charlotte Center City partners says the NYE switch is so that Downtown Countdown doesn't steal alcohol sales from businesses. She assured me that the NYE change doesn't mean alcohol won't be sold at other uptown street events. She also says the open container law is old school.

I'm a little bummed about the alcohol-free countdown, but I'm even more disappointed about the open container law reminder. Walking around with cups of beer or Bloody Mary is part of the ballgame tradition. You tailgate with friends and carry your cocktail or brewski from the asphalt party to the gate. Then you guzzle your drink before you go inside. It's all part of the game-day ritual, like players taping up their ankles. Ball games are special events. It's not like people are drinking beer on the streets uptown every night.

Partiers, am I the only who thinks the city is being a bit too uptight? Post your comments below. (P.S. no cursing, your post will be rejected.)

No Menage? No Forum? We stink -- again

OK, I know some of you doubted the credibility of the Axe deodorant survey showing Charlotte was one of the worst cities to hook up in, but guys we got slighted again.

This time by the respectable Nightclub & Bar trade magazine. They published their Top 100 bars and clubs in the U.S. and guess what - we're not in it. But guess who at least got a shout out -- Raleigh! Their Long Branch Saloon got a mention, but didn't make the top 100 list either.

Click here for the Top 100 Nightclubs and Bars for 2006. The list is in alphabetical order.

Here's a sample:
1. 115 Bourbon Street Pub (Chicago)
2. 32 Degrees Street Pub (Philly)
3. AJ's (Destin, Fla.)
4. Ampersand (New Orleans)
5. Ava Lounge (New York)
6. Aria (Boston)
7. Avala and Spider Club (L.A.)
8. Beach Bar at the W. Hotel (San Diego)
9. B.E.D. (Miami)
10. Billy Bo's Texas (Fort Worth, Texas)

Considering the Coyote Ugly's in New York and Jillians in Dallas made the list, I decided to call Tad Wilkes of Oxford Publishing, which publishes Nightclub & Bar to find out the deal, and if Charlotte sucks.

Wilkes was kind enough to explain that the bars were chosen for their innovativeness, uniqueness to the market and/or revenue. He assured me however that we're a great party town.

"We have not intentionally left Charlotte out," Wilkes said. We definitely don't think Charlottee sucks. I know that there are some good bars there, I can't think of them off the top of my head."

What do you guys think about this latest slight? Are we really lying to ourselves -- does Charlotte's nightlife really stink? If not, what clubs and bars should have made this list? Post your comments below.

Sippin' on some syzzurp

Wow, some of you got downright rowdy last week when I asked about diversity uptown. Some people stayed on topic and seriously tried to address the issue. Others slammed me for race baiting (and other things). To whoever posted that I should ride off into the sunset with my butch wife on my motorcycle, that sounds so romantic. Thanks sweetie. Speaking of which, for some reason a couple of you went on this whole gay tangent. I can see homosexuality being part of the discussion of diversity uptown, but when did you know you were gay conversation threw me. What was that about?
Anyway, as the Community Relations Committee's investigation of Menage continues, I'm sure we will return to the topic of diversity uptown. FYI: any comments that insult or slander a person (other than me) or club by name will be removed as soon as I see it. That's not cool, especially if you don't have the guts to include your name and e-mail address.
Alright, on to this week's topic.
I know people think I have the coolest job ever, but I met a woman who gets paid to drink scotch. For real.
Marcy Ruderhausen is a master of scotch, and last week she conducted a scotch tasting at Morton's to introduce Johnnie Walker Green. Ruderhausen also schooled me on the basics, such as scotch is whiskey made in Scotland (Duh) and how to drink the liquor.
And just because a scotch has an older age date, for example a 12-year Dewars, doesn't mean you'll like it better than a 10-year Talisker. Age ain't nothing but a number.
If you're new to scotch or whiskey, the first thing to figure out is if you like it smoky or not. It's kind of like fruity versus dry wine. When tasting Ruderhausen suggests sampling several different kinds at one sitting, and sampling them neat (straight).
First, sniff the liquor, then sip it. See what flavors you notice and how you like the taste. Using a straw, add a couple of drops of water. Sniff it, and then taste it again. See how the water changes the character of the liquor. Drink some water and then try the next scotch.
Ruderhausen let us try a yummy drink called the Gold Digger (She ain't messin' with no broke, broke...Just kidding). It's a shot of Johnnie Walker Gold and a shot of Godiva chocolate liquor. Oh my goodness.
Okay, enough talk about drinking. Time to party.

Diversity uptown

The accusations of racial discrimination at Menage couldn't have come at a worse time for the city. In three months, Charlotte will host the CIAA tournament and thousands of African Americans are expected to be here for a week of partying.
Whether the accusations are true or not, they reinforce an existing perception among some African Americans that blacks aren't welcome uptown. The issue of diversity uptown surfaced last month, when I wrote about a poll showing that Charlotte is one of the worst places to hook up. Several people complained that uptown isn't diverse.
So, I'm putting the question out there to you. To me uptown's nightlife is more ethnically diverse today than it was five years ago, from Phil's Deli to Crush to the Forum, you see range of ethnicities partying.

No More Have A Nice Day Cafe

This weekend I have to pour out a little liquor for my homey -- Have A Nice Day Cafe.
The popular College Street nightclub closed after Halloween weekend because business was slow, said BAR Charlotte manager Joe Salamino.
The folks at Bar Management group, which ran the club, blamed the customer drought on the nearly four month shut-down of the club last year when the roof of the Hut collapsed, and forced Have A Nice Day to close. Salamino said business never picked up after that.
I think Have A Nice Day Cafe fell victim to increased competition. It was competing for the same dollars as BAR Charlotte, Dixie's and Buckhead Saloon.
Bar Management group plans to keep the lease and is trying to figure out how to replace Have A Nice Day Cafe. They won't do anything until the first of the year, Salamino said.
So, what do you think should go in there?
I'd like to see a place for people over age 40. I get emails all the time from people in that age range looking for a nice place to go. Another cool Latino club like Salamandra would be great too. And of course, I'm always pushing for a true hip-hop club.
What do you think? Post your suggestions below.

Got the hook up?

Hellooo, party people.

Welcome to the Humpday edition of Paid to Party. Along with my blog about nightlife stuff, you'll also find links to Paid to Party Humpday and a guide to weekend activies.

This week's blog topic is living single:
I wanted to follow up the blog I wrote a couple of weeks ago asking whether Charlotte was the pits for singles. We ranked in the bottom 25 in an Axe survey of best cities to hook up. Party peeps, man did that item strike a nerve. You guys blew up the blog with comments about how the city stinks for single people. Now, I'm wondering where is the best place to hook up here?

I've always had good luck in the clubs, but last Thursday I tried something different. I was the guest bachelorette on WLNK's Matt & Ramona show.

It was weird.

I love Matt & Ramona, but talking to callers about what I like in a woman made me feel desperate. And I'm not even pressed like that. Just last week, Just Woo Me added its name to the list of groups doing the Speed Dating thing, and V101.9 rejuvenate its V Singles Connection.

Here's my thing, if I felt desperate on the Matt & Ramona show, I'm wondering if speed dating, personals and dating services really work.

What do you think? Why or why not? And if you don't use matchmaking services, where is the best place to hook up in Charlotte? Post your replies below.

Charlotte's the pits for single

Forget landing a NASCAR museum or passing school bonds, we've got bigger problems here. I've never been one to lack a date, so I was stunned to read a new survey showing that Charlotte stinks for singles.

According a national survey by AXE deodorant, Charlotte ranked No. 65 in "AXE's Best Cities for Hooking Up in America." We ranked so low, we could've been in the Top 25 for worst places to hook up. That dubious honor went to Birmingham, Ala.

No. 1 hook up city? Seattle, Wash.
How can you even tell if a shorty is cute, underneath all that rain gear? Heck, even Raleigh-Durham ranked ahead of us (They'd better thank all the drunk college coeds).

I know Charlotte is great for couples and families, but it can't be that bad for singles.

What do you think? Is Charlotte one of the worst places to hook up, and if so why? Post your comment below.

Top 25.
1. Seattle, WA
2. Honolulu, HI
3. San Francisco, CA
4. Austin, TX
5. San Diego, CA
6. Portland, OR
7. Providence, RI
8. New York, NY
9. Denver, CO
10. Baltimore, MD
11. Oakland, CA
12. Buffalo, NY
13. Los Angeles, CA
14. Rochester, NY
15. Dallas, TX
16. Tacoma, WA
17. Milwaukee, WI
18. Boston, MA
19. Fort Worth, TX
20. New Orleans, LA
21. San Antonio, TX
22. Salt Lake City, UT
23. Oklahoma City, OK
24. Phoenix, AZ
25. Raleigh-Durham, NC

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.