This past First Friday marked several interesting developments in the growth of arts and culture in Downtown Raleigh. Notably, the new Contemporary Art Museum had its inaugural First Friday opening, DesignBox revisited the extremely popular PBaRt show, Centerline Studios had a Tornado Fundraising art auction, Flanders Art Gallery had an opening, and it was announced that the Visual Art Exchange would be moving from its current location in City Market to a new location in the Warehouse District. Coupled with the Raleigh Institute of Contemporary Art, 311 Martin Street studios, Raleigh Denim’s recently opened store/production center and a very convenient R-Line stop, the Warehouse district seems fully poised to take over as the central cultural and artistic sector of Downtown Raleigh.

Realistically, this was bound to happen, and while it is nice to have lots of galleries strewn all over downtown (this promotes a wider circulation of people and therefor more exposure to the city as a whole), it is comforting to know that there will always be a central area where there is a large concentration of creativity. And what a hub it is! The new Contemporary Art Museum is a fantastic addition to Downtown Raleigh, with large installation pieces and unique architectural stylings that blend a very New York City warehouse gallery feel with an interesting modern flair. Inside was artwork made from industrial byproducts (coat hangers, large cardboard boxes, stretch film) by Dan Steinhilber (below).

The title image at the top of the article is taken from the outside of the massive inflatable installation, looking in. This piece was very popular, and a long line had formed to go inside of it.

Naoko Ito’s work, unlike the massive Steinhilber pieces, was much more fragile and articulated, making commentary on the interaction of humans and nature (or the obvious lack there of) in urban environments. Her pieces illustrated the tendency and necessity of people to import nature to their cities, where it cannot easily flourish on its own. The fact that the branches she used were cut up and compartmentalized into jars is also an interesting statement about how nature has to be altered, cut, and dismantled just to move it from wild spaces to urban locations, and how its relocation ultimately emphasizes how out of place it actually is.

The Contemporary Art Museum’s inaugural First Friday show was everything I’d hoped it would be. CAM Raleigh was a smashing success and a good sign for the future. More information about CAM’s hours, exhibitions, location and other events can be found at their website.

Right across the street from CAM was the second annual PBaRt show, put on by DesignBox. Inside was PBR inspired artwork (is there any other kind?) and outside was a band, an OnlyBurger food truck, and a deep supply of PBR. With such a great combination of things, how could one not enjoy themselves?

Sadly, there were several shows I attended but did not take sufficient pictures of: String Theory, a  textiles show put on by the NCSU College of Design’s Fish Market, displaying the high quality of work of students from the school. The Fish Market is located at the corner of Fayetteville Street and Hargett Street, right below the Urban Design Center. They would love to see you any Saturday. Stop by sometime and check them out!

Lump also had a show, it was a bit tame by Lump standards, but still interesting with some nice contemporary paintings. If you’ve never been to Lump, or just haven’t been there when the sun is up (kind of like most people’s relationship with the bar formerly known as Jackpot!), they are on Blount Street a block east of the Lincoln Theatre, next to a church.

(Photo By Ian F. G. Dunn)

Lastly, the bikers showed up again, in force, for the monthly Bike First Friday. We easily had over 100 riders, and almost everyone got a free CAM Raleigh T-Shirt. Thanks again to everyone who came out! If you’ve never biked a First Friday, we meet at the Belltower at 7pm and leave soon thereafter for a great ride to lots of cool places. Bring locks, lights, and friends (and bikes, of course!)

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King’s Barcade rejoined Downtown Raleigh a few weeks ago, and with that reopening saw the newest muppets to arrive to Salisbury Street area.

Artist Kristin Matwiczyk putting the final parts together

The muppets are the characters Statler and Waldorf from the Muppet Show, and both occupy a spot above the dance floor. They were created by artist Kristin Matwiczyk.

Jailed muppet at Teddy Wright's Bail Bonds

In Good Company

You may be asking why Statler and Waldorf are the newest muppets of Salisbury Street. Although King’s is technically on Martin Street, it is located only a few hundred feet from Teddy Wright’s Bail Bonds on Salisbury Street. Teddy Wright has perhaps the most creative storefront display in the city – a jailed muppet that is constantly doing something different, behind bars.

Although the pair at King’s Barcade won’t ever be able to visit their muppet friend due to his indefinite incarceration, it’s good to see the proliferation of muppets in public places in downtown Raleigh.

Image courtesy of King's Barcade

Who else is going to be the next to step up and add to the nascent public display of muppets downtown?

Related Articles

• Jailed Muppet Makes a Phone Call
• Jailed Muppet Takes a Nap

Further Reading

• Muppets at King’s Barcade

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A couple of weeks ago, the buzz going around town was all about Hopscotch. However, unbeknown to the majority of Raleigh’s indie-rock mainstream, another music festival was in the works: Scumfest 2010 Caboose Reunion Party.

The Independent gave Scumfest both a “recommended” and “our picks” score on their website, but then went on to trash it in their actual review; in a moment of surprising political incorrectness, Indie reporter Bryan Reed referred to the event as “shock rock’s short bus.” Among the outraged responses, one stood out, saying “if you’re looking for the cool hip show to go to on this weekend, do us a favor and go somewhere else.”

What’s this? I thought, a chance to escape the normal Raleigh posturing? I’m a big fan of the Friday night headliners KIFF, and Emily Haines wasn’t going to be with BSS at City Plaza after all. I decided to check it out.

Unfortunately I was in the middle of a reflooring project that weekend, and so could only make the second half of one night. That was enough to ensure I’ll keep my calendar open for Scumfest 2011.

The first band I saw was Biggy Stardust and His Wretched Hive. A Charlotte area punk band who knew how to seriously thrash and played actual punk, I can’t wait for this band to come back around.

Biggy Stardust

What is/was Scumfest? In the words of the event description provided on the event’s website:

The Caboose was a little rock club / beer joint / biker bar / redneck bar / pool hall in Garner NC. Could have been any number of dives any place in NC. One huge difference though. Between 1994 – 1999 The Caboose brought many underground punk/hardcore & metal acts big & small to its stage.”

Chris Engler

Those not old enough to remember may find it odd to think that there was few options for any kind of extreme rock n roll in the Raleigh area or even the triangle. Indeed many of the acts that played the Caboose during this time period, Literally could not get booked anywhere Else in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hell or even North Carolina! The Caboose specialized in putting on shows with extreme metal, Hardcore punk, Shock Rock, as well as some good old southern rock, Garage rock, and even some stuff that was just plain weird.

Jonny D.

These days Raleigh has many rock clubs to choose from. Hardcore Punk & Extreme Metal are downright accepted as part of the Triangle music scene. The Caboose was not the only place that pioneered this. But from 94-99 we played a huge role.

Mike Manwhore

What is / was the Scumfest? In 1995 wanting to showcase the bands WE thought should get some attention. We threw a party and had some of the best local acts perform. Of course the local entertainment coverage was to almost completly ignore this party. Except for one local indie rock clown who remarked- Caboosefest? They should call that Scumfest.

Next up was a great appearance by Miss Bliss, of the local Hellcat Vixens.

In 1996 Scumfest it was

Miss Bliss performing her second dance of the evening

Taking a cue from bands Like ANTiSEEN (Caboose regulars) Cocknoose, Rancid Vat etc. We decided to have three days of the most extreme punk & metal acts we could get. We cooked a pig and had free eastern NC style BBQ for everybody. Tons of bands. Some contests and plenty of beer guzzling mayhem. Each year the Scumfest grew in size.

The next act was Self Made Monsters, another Charlotte area band. While their music was a bit heavier than I usually listen to, I still enjoyed their whole set, and thought they had a lot of great stage presence and energy.

Eddie Monster

Steven Johnson

Mike Jenkins

Finally, Pabstman came out to introduce the headliners, KIFF (Knowledge Is For Fools).

Quote of the night:

So I was outside an some hipster came up to me with a Hopscotch wristband, wanting to know if he could get in with it. I said ‘man, that thing is as useless as a dick on an indy-rocker!’ – Pabstman

James At 15

Slayer Doug on guitar

Ed Warner on bass

This was at least the second or third time I’ve seen KIFF in the past few months, and as usual they rocked more than hard enough to be worth seeing again. Not featured in any pictures here was Jason (Wheelz) Wheeler on drums.

The first time I saw these guys about halfway through the show I looked over at my friend Chris and shouted over the cacophony Holy S-, these guys are only using three instruments!

KIFF has quite a few fans who make it to all of their shows. Here one of the audience members fills in the chorus for James at 15 with Ed Warner singing backup.

Another appearance by Pabstman

Pabstman performing with KIFF

Fistful of Brains – video can be seen here. For most realistic experience, make sure your computer speakers are inside your skull.

James at 15

It's moments like this that make me glad metal is making a comeback

Another one of KIFF’s videos The Forever Dead can be seen here. Being from a soundtrack to a horror film, though, this video is probably also NSFW or for the gore-sensitive.

Another one of the rare shots of Slayer Doug where his hands are still enough to photo

Preparing for the finale

One of the most exciting parts of the show besides the music

All in all, a fantastic show. The bands were amazing, Pabstman and Miss Bliss provided awesome in-between acts, and as always Volume 11 was a really wonderful venue with great bartenders. Definitely worth skipping Panda Bear for; I can’t wait for Scumfest 2011!

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Gwar came to town, and I was fortunate enough to get a really close spot to the stage, there might have been 7 feet between me and Balsac, the Jaws of Death!

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UPDATE 04/14:

The Jackpot is closing, but probably not any time soon. I spoke with owner Michael D’Amelio, and he wanted to stress that while the guys that work there had a good laugh at “the internet rumors”, there were no plans to close it down.

Its days are certainly numbered, but it seems that the work Preservation NC is doing to move/save the Fabius Briggs house that the Jackpot is attached to is helping keep it open in the short term. The house was condemned by the city late last year and faces demolition. The property also sits on a mixed-use development path.

When asked about how long it will stay open, he stated that “it could be a month, or it could be five years”. The Jackpot is going to be shutting down in the not-too-distant future. But for now, it will stay open “as long as customers enjoy it”.

Many came to say their goodbyes and share memories. It seemed the end was very near, but it wasn’t.

This weekend could be the last that it’s open– but it probably won’t.

—

Original article below:

Just shy of 7 years since opening, the dive bar hidden in plain sight known as Jackpot! is rounding out its final days. It’s been known for a while that its closure was imminent, so folks from far and wide came out  in recent days to enjoy this place for the last time.

The Rockford

The closure falls close on the heels of the sad and unexpected news of the Rockford closing its doors. Owned by the same person (Michael D’Amelio), both establishments were unlike any other in Raleigh. As pointed out in previous Rockford posts, there wasn’t a sign out front advertising the place–the food and atmosphere were only spread by word of mouth. I’ll miss the Jackpot, but I miss the Rockford more.

The One of a Kind Location

The building on Hillsborough Street is easy to miss. The street-facing storefronts were attached to the aging Victorian house some time in the 1950s.

I had speculated on the future of the area when writing about the nearby Staudt Bakery, and the building’s destruction seemed inevitable after the sale of the property and condemnation of the house its attached to. I didn’t think the end of this place would happen so soon, though.

It’s What’s Inside That Counts

Jackpot! didn’t open until 9PM (I think), so it stands out as perhaps one of the very few (if any) businesses that are never open during daylight hours. Before the smoking ban, it was often derided for its smoky interior (myself sometimes included). After the ban, it seemed like a different place.

It could be absurd, hilarious, fun, ridiculous, or some combination of the above–but it was rarely boring. It was the nightclub/bar that you could show up to wearing nearly anything and not feel out of place.

The toilets were the worst in Raleigh and building was in disrepair. It wasn’t uncommon for cold drafts to blow in at the tables in the Winter due to window panes being broken out. Toward the end the roof was leaking and there were buckets catching some of the rainwater coming in. It’s the place where if you dropped something on the floor, you didn’t pick it back up unless it was a twenty dollar bill or your driver’s license. Despite (or perhaps because of) this, it had a certain mystique to it:

The remarkable thing about Jackpot (and the reason I feel outsiders hated it the most) is that the mystique of the bar made people who didn’t deserve it feel popular, interesting, exciting. As for me, I still refuse to be a hater. After having a front-row seat for the cruelty and unimaginable pettiness of middle America, I can say with 100% “trust me” certainty that the bubble is the best lot the world’s going to offer.

–Raleigh Gawker

The Art and the Artist

The walls were adorned with various masks, the lighting fixtures seemed victorian, and the walls were covered with beautiful painted murals. The Where the Wild Things Are characters in the corner were the the most prominent of all artwork. All of the murals were painted by artist Kristin Matwiczyk (above) not long after opening.

So Long, and Thanks

Image credit: Ian F.G. Dunn

Like many others, I’m sad to see it go. I think Raleigh owes Michael a round of thanks for providing 15 years of a great dining establishment in the Rockford, and the 7 or so years for the gritty favorite known as Jackpot!.

What Will You Remember Most?

Anyone who has spent any amount of time here likely has a story of some very interesting experience here. For me, one of the most memorable happened a while back when I took my younger brother here for his 21st birthday. He had never been in a club environment since turning 21, and I figured he should get the full experience. At some point in the middle of a packed dance floor, someone handed him a gallon jug of wine.  He later recalled that “it seemed perfectly normal at the time”.

What are some of your fond or otherwise memorable experiences at the Jackpot!?

Three images above courtesy of Ian F.G. Dunn

Image credit: Sid Fowler

Above images courtesy of: Sid Fowler

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This past Friday saw another installation of the themed dance parties with DJ Yes! sputnik and others that have been taking place in various venues in Downtown Raleigh. Hosted by Jibarra, this particular one was beach-themed and celebrating an early arrival of summer–which proved ironic considering the cool breeze and drizzle that was over the area.

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This past weekend was a memorable one for local music. The Pour house hosted back to back shows on Friday, the 8^th, and Saturday, the 9th. Both sold out. The shows featured Raleigh’s own Rosebuds and Durham’s Megafaun with Lonnie Walker opening on Friday, and Hammer No More The Fingers on Saturday.

I was lucky enough to attend the show on Saturday and I’ve got to say, it was one of the best concerts I’ve ever experienced. Kicking off the night with a high-energy atmosphere was Hammer No More The Fingers, a bass, drum and guitar trio with attacking harmonies.

With the crowd still buzzing from the great performance put on by Hammer No More The Fingers, Megafaun took to the stage. With their various effects pedals and myriad instruments, they created their signature-controlled feedback mixed with lulling folk songs sound. We all stood in awe as they played back-and-forth with their zest for improvisation and obscure rhythms.

The final performers of the night were The Rosebuds. This married rock/pop duo dominated with their lively sing-a-longs, and kept the entire crowd dancing and singing for most of the set.

What I really enjoyed about the show was how Brad and Phil Cook, from Megafaun, joined in with The Rosebuds in collaboration to The Rosebud song to make this show even better!

The entire night culminated with an encore performance by The Rosebuds, and left me very satisfied. It was a night full of three great bands that make the triangle proud.

collaboration credit to: Philip Mancuso

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This past Saturday was the Third Annual “Assassin’s Ball“, held at the soon to be opened Isaac Hunter’s Oak City Tavern. It was a gathering of participants, their guests, and others to celebrate the end of another round of “Raleigh Wars”, an urban assassin game that takes places a couple of times a year.

I first wrote about Raleigh Wars about six months ago, when the game was kicking off for the first time on custom-built management and communication software. The number of participants in each game has grown from a small handful of neighborhood friends into a wide cross section of residents from all over Raleigh. You can also view the rules of the game to learn more about it.

The Assassin’s Ball is held at the close of each round, and is where the winner is declared. The event is free to everyone that participates in the game. For a small admittance fee, everyone else is welcome to attend to enjoy great beer, mixed drinks, live music, food, and other live entertainment.

This year’s live music featured Fine Print, Raspberry Ants, and a favorite of mine: Lake Inferior.

Katie Magee (hula-hooping above) is one part of the two-person team of Acroentertainment, a staple at each event. If you aren’t familiar with this juggling, hooping, and acrobatic duo that performs in the area, read some of our past articles on them.

The number of participants and those that attend the post-game celebration grows each time. Some time early next year, the web application used to manage this game will be available for use in other games in other cities.

Brief explanation of game play:

The game is played like this: each competitor is assigned another competitor as a target. You have to assassinate that target with a water weapon. If you succeed you inherit whomever they were hunting. While you are attempting to make your hit you are being hunted by another assassin. If you are assassinated, you lose. The game continues until there is only one assassin left.

Raleigh Wars web site

Isaac Hunter’s Oak City Tavern

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If you come to the Deep South Bar on a Tuesday night, you can definitely anticipate great music. Every Tuesday night they host Open Mic night, where bands and solo artists of every style are welcome.

In the warehouse district of downtown Raleigh, there is a place with a lot of character and a lot of talent. I’ve been coming down for a few months now on Tuesday nights since my friend who plays at the open mic invited me to see him play. You’ll be sure to expect more than 6 acts that regularly play every night as well as new musicians that drop by from time to time.

In this very friendly atmosphere, I really got to know a great range of very talented musicians, from a guy that plays the ukulele to a very soulful girl with her guitar.

Open mic goes on from 9pm to 2am every Tuesday, and welcomes anybody to come play music or to sit and listen. It has become one of my Tuesday night activities to enjoy the company of friends, music and beer.

Deep South the Bar

430 S Dawson St

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Kaptain Lee Moore and Miss Rachel Riot

This Saturday, Boneland Productions held their Halloween in August Extravaganza to raise money for their upcoming film Going Feral, and to celebrate their producer Miss Rachel Riot’s 26th birthday. With promises of stage acts, live music, a costume contest, and birthday cake, I’d been looking forward to this event since hearing about it a few weeks ago at Back to the 80s. My evening was split with a close friend’s bachelor party, so I had my friend Myque join me with his camera to get as many shots in as possible.

Medusa - photo by Myque

I made it to Volume 11 Tavern – host of the party – at about 1130. I hadn’t been to Volume 11 before, but found it to be a pretty nice venue. A large bar area and a great sound/lighting system really set the place out and the staff kept up with orders well.

The soundman - photo by Myque

Two local musicians

There was a good crowd assembled, the majority in costumes.

A fellow photographer and his date

There was definitely a lot of great Halloween atmosphere going on, despite the waterlogged heat outside.

Kaptain Lee Moore

Miss Rachel Herself - photo by Myque

the birthday girl

I caught up with Kaptain Lee Moore, head of Boneland Productions, to tell him congratulations on a great event and say hello. He was wearing a fantastic zombie costume. About that time Myque arrived, we ordered up some beer, and hung around the bar area trying to get a few good photographs.

Some dirty closet smoking yuppie - photo by Myque

Pretty soon the next band up – Left Outlet – started warming up.

Left Outlet Keyboardist, warming up

Left Outlet warming up

“These guys F-ing rock!” my words disappeared into my cupped hand before reaching Myque’s ear, obliterated by the audial assault coming from onstage. In all truth, Left Outlet kicked some serious ass, providing absolutely withering metal and enough energy on stage to trip the southeastern grid. I think the band has been around for a few years, but if you haven’t seen them yet I’d definitely suggest you make it out to one of their shows.

(I apologize for not using any bandmembers’ names, I’m terrible with names and couldn’t quite figure it out from the website.)

Starting out

Left Outlet - photo by Myque

Left Outlet drummer and keyboardist - photo by Myque

Left Outlet

Really putting out some sound

Splits - photo by Myque

A brief reprieve

Back at it - photo by Myque

More

Walking the edge

Left Outlet Keyboardist - photo by Myque

Another quick breath - photo by Myque

Last Song - photo by Myque

After the band finished, it was time for the costume contest. There were a lot of really fun costumes – my personal favorites were the Cyberpunk (John Stancil of PopErotiq) and the Nerd (introducing himself as “what everyone here is deep down”), although the winning prize went to A.J. Reid, the keyboardist/synth player from the next band Of Colour, with her very awesome costume.

Kaptain Lee and the Cyberpunk

Kaptain Lee, the Nerd, and Brett Michaels

A classic pose

Kaptain Lee and Miss Rachel Riot with the three finalists

AJ Reid of Of Colour, with her winning costume

Myke Rozar - winner of the birthday kiss

After the contest, there was a raffle for some prizes. Myke Rozar, the bassist for Of Colour, won the birthday kiss.

I grabbed a few more pictures in the audience and around the bar, then headed back to see Of Colour play.

B. Armitage of Of Colour, waiting for the show to start

warming up

Of Colour is a local rock band described by the lead singer’s girlfriend as “sort of rock, and really good”. Of Colour was really damn good. While not as hardcore or possibly experienced as the previous band (one of the members is only seventeen), they still brought a ton of just slightly more upbeat energy at a perfect time to keep the night going, even getting a ton of audience members on stage at the end. Visually, too, they were fantastic, with a great look to match their sound.

Zach Sterman and Myke Rozar

B Armitage - photo by Myque

B. and Kelley

AJ Reid

Of Colour - photo by Myque

Shane O'Daniel

Shane O'Daniel - photo by Myque

Kelly the Reveller - photo by Myque

They seemed to bring quite a following with them; I definitely think they’ll be a band to watch for more great things to come from and definitely recommend making one of their shows, to.

After the show ended, we walked out back, and took a few photos with the band and Kaptain Lee.

Kaptain Lee with B and AJ

Me and B - photo by Myque

B and his date

The Aftermath - photo by Myque

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