LiveNation Agrees to Operate Downtown Amphitheater
The long-awaited downtown amphitheater will take a giant step toward becoming a reality tomorrow. City Manager Russell Allen will ask the City Council for a $1.6million appropriation for construction of a 4,200 seat amphitheater in the empty lot that once was home to Sir Walter Chevrolet, adjacent to the Raleigh Convention Center. LiveNation will operate the facility with the intent to bring 15 to 20 shows during the summer. For more information see WRAL’s story.
The only real question that remains is whether or not the Boylan Heights community will be tolerant of the city’s newest venture toward progress.
Raleigh Named to Best Driver Cities List
The January 2010 issue (p. 72) of Car & Driver magazine has named Raleigh to its “10 Best Drivers’ Cities in America” list. Factors such as frequency of sunny days, car ownership costs, and annual road salt use factored into the ratings.
I take issue, though, with the article’s commentary about the area. The two points made are that we are in the “heart of NASCAR country”. Wile WIR, Rockingham, and Level Cross are within 100 miles, the number of NASCAR fans per capita here is likely much lower than author Andrew Smart surmises. (are those tracks even on the NASCAR circuit?)
He also notes the drive-in theater in Henderson, an hour away. Just how many Raleigh people have actually driven an hour to get to the Raleigh Road theatre??
Sutter Praised in S.I.
Carolina Hurricanes Center Brandon Sutter is featured in this week’s In The Crease column by Pierre McGuire. The column praises Sutter’s consistency and improvement this season, which is rare considering McGuire never has anything nice to say about the Canes, even when they are skating with The Cup. (the article appears on p. 38 in the 11/30/2009 issue of Sports Illustrated)
Larry Miller Coming to Charlie Goodnights
One of stand-up comedy’s giants, Larry Miller, will be coming to Charlie Goodnights on January 29 and 30. Miller’s three decades of stand up comedy stand for themselves, but Miller has also had a strong acting career, starring in movies such as “Pretty Woman”, “Waiting for Guffman”, “Necessary Roughness”, and TV shows such as “Mad About You”, “Law and Order” and others. He’s a regular on the late night talk show circuit, as well. This show is rated R.
Greg Giraldo Coming to Charlie Goodnights
On the weekend beginning January 7, Charlie Goodnights fires up a stupendous winter lineup with Greg Giraldo. Tickets are now on sale.
World’s Toughest Rodeo Coming to RBC Center
On Saturday, February 6, the World’s Toughest Rodeo will make its return to the RBC Center. Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster.
Skate With the Canes
January 4 is your opportunity to skate with the Carolina Hurricanes this year. The event takes place on the RBC Center ice, and allows fans to skate along side their favorite players. Tickets are $75 and available through Ticketmaster.
Hurricanes Charity Event Coming to North Hills Ice
Raleigh on Ice presented by Warté Designs, will be hosting the Carolina Hurricanes and collecting gently used or new coats to give to Raleigh Rescue Mission. On Sunday, November 29, the Carolina Hurricanes will host events at North Hills from 2pm until 5pm to include a visit from Stormy the Hurricanes mascot, a community hockey clinic, appearances by the Storm Squad, the Carolina Hurricanes slapshot booth, and promotional item giveaways.
Bobby Collins Coming to Charlie Goodnights
On New Years Eve Charlie Goodnights is hosting one of stand-up comedy’s heavy hitters, Bobby Collins. He’ll be doing three shows: 7:30, 9:30, and 11:30, and tickets are now on sale.
Ice House to Operate Winterfest Rink
Polar Ice House, with locations in Cary, Garner and Wake Forest, announced today it will operate the AT&T Raleigh Winterfest ice skating rink in City Plaza. The Downtown Raleigh Alliance selected the company to manage day-to-day operations of the downtown rink, which will open Friday, December 4 and run through Sunday, January 31.
“With years of ice skating experience in the Triangle, we are thrilled to work with the DRA on the Winterfest event and become a part of this festive tradition,” said Randy Lee, general manager of Polar Ice House. “This is a great opportunity to introduce winter fun into the heart of downtown Raleigh.”
The AT&T Raleigh Winterfest kickoff event on Friday, December 4, will include performances by Grammy winner Michelle Branch, local choirs and bands, figure skaters, Theatre in the Park’s Ira David Wood III, a visit from Santa Claus, and the mayor’s tree lighting.
Thanksgiving Weekend Brings Fun to Raleigh
While Thanksgiving is a big travel weekend across America, those staying in Raleigh will have plenty to do. Beginning Thursday night is Phantom of the Opera in Durham’s DPAC. The show runs through 12/20. Also in the theatre is the Irish Tenors, who play at Memorial Auditorium on Monday night.
For those itching for some sports, be sure to catch the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday night when they host Atlanta. If you are thinking ahead, you can park the motor home at the STARPLEX (that’s…Stadium Arena Complex) and spend the night, because the big NCSU/UNC game kicks off at Noon. The game is being carried by ESPN2. Be sure to return on Monday, though, because the Canes will host Washington that night.
If you are staying home on Thursday night, be sure to catch CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute which honors Raleigh bartender Doc Hendley. The show airs on CNN at 9PM. On second thought, DVR it because every loco will be out hunting bargains later that night; it’s Black Friday.
For more on these and other events, consult the Gogoraleigh DoIt Calendar. There is a lot to do, so let’s go DO IT!
Jennifer Coolidge Coming to Charlie Goodnights
On the weekend beginning January 14, the original MILF, Jennifer Coolidge, will be at the Charlie Goodnights comedy club. Forever-known as “Stifler’s Mom”, Coolidge has built a fine career as a comedic actress, however she recently began hitting the stand-up tour. This show is definitely for mature audiences. Tickets are on sale now.
Last Chance To Vote for CNN Hero
CNN Heroes, a program honoring people making an “extraordinary impact”, currently is running a poll to determine America’s favorite hero. Included in the series is Blowing Rock resident Doc Hendley. Hendley’s non-profit Wine to Water program brought water systems to 25,000 people in five countries through funds raised at wine-tasting events. Hendley will be awarded $25,000 – and is eligible for the $100,000 award that will be bestowed upon the "CNN Hero of the Year" later this month at a star-studded gala in Hollywood.
The poll ends tomorrow morning at 6 AM, so take your last chance to go vote! All of the nominated heroes will be honored on “CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute” which airs on Thanksgiving night at 9PM.
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