Vince Carmody05/01 01:00 PM
Well, I wanted to wait to comment on the black hole that is 14 W Martin Street. But I can’t!
First, Kings would not operate there. For one thing, Kings wants a restaurant to go along with the club. And I don’t know if they had a pizza place in mind (or maybe they do). Second, the three founders of Kings have so much on their plate otherwise that I would be amazed if they have anytime to figure out where to resurrect Kings. Paul is on tour all the time with BOA, Steve plays in two bands, works full time and is getting married. I haven’t seen Ben in a long while, so I have no idea what’s going on with him. I know he’s got a job and a family, so that can keep anyone busy.
Secondly, that flight of stairs has got to go. Any band will tell you how much that place would benefit from an elevator. At least to load in! I don’t think Steve, Paul or Ben would want touring bands to go through that. I don’t think anyone would! A club should be convenient for those that play there and go there.
As far as booking, there are a lot of ins and outs as far as that goes. Mike, if a few harmful words are said about your booking abilities, let sleeping dogs lie. Many more things are known and could be said by many other people. For one thing, many people I know complained that shows were never promoted properly. Booking a show and promoting are two different things. Just because you book a good show doesn’t mean everyone and their mother will show up. You said it yourself, in a manner of speaking…. “A good booking agent can’t save a place that’s finances and attendance history just aren’t there.“
As far as finances go, that is another dog that needs to be left alone.
Everyone complains about Kings being gone and the best thing you can do is adopt places like Slims, Double Down, Pour House, house shows, anywhere, and support them. I think the Pour House can be a really cool place for shows. So, if there’s a band you love and you think they would draw a crowd, suggest something! Shit, make a flier for it, get on the radio, leave shit on peoples cars, do anything to get the word out…
If anyone had the money they probably wouldn’t open a club. They’d just chill at the beach.
New Raleigh gets word that The Downtown Event Center, formerly 
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