The State We’re In

The state that we’re in.

I recently read some graffiti on the newly painted Jackpot bathroom walls.  Someone thought of covering the previous, and somewhat time-capsulizing walls with a fresh coat of eggshell.  Now, the new graffiti is not so easy on the eyes.  Its background is a lot harsher than that 70’s green they had.  Onward with the story.  It’s a usual trip to the restroom.  It’s really bright.  I tried to shield my eyes for the most part.  No more warm graffiti.  I looked up.  There was a tag on this new whitewashed disaster:

The first three items on the list were crossed out, to signify that they have come and gone.  And judging by the placement of the graffiti, the scribbler was either very tall, or took a risk and stood on the toilet.  Allow to me explain, if you don’t know already, what is referenced on the wall:

DJ Old School, aka Sean Johnson, was an all around nice guy and excellent DJ; One of the best in town.  I’d watch him bring his own turntables to the Jackpot and his other various DJ spots, which I thought was admirable, to say the least.  To me, he was a model for DJs that really work at what they do.  I don’t know too many myself.  He’d show up on Fridays with a smile on his face, ready to make anyone on his side of the bar dance.  Tragically, a car accident took his life in 2006.  On 07/07/07, there was an art show at the Cup O’ Joe on Hillsborough Street in honor of him.  The recent celebration of Sean shows that he will be remembered by many and wondered about by many more.

Kings Barcade is on hiatus and no one has any idea if/when they will re-open.  Meekers’ plans to glorify downtown eventually made it difficult for places like Kings to function.  Its funny to think that Meekers’ plans basically germinated because people like Kings founders Steve Popson, Paul Siler and Ben Barwick succeeded in opening a club.  They wanted to have a place for music to be heard and friends to converge.  At the moment, they are still trying to find a spot.  Cross all your fingers and toes, I want it to be my Secretariat.

Bickett started out as an art gallery.  Then they started having shows, too.  The fact that it stayed open for as long as it did was a blessing onto the scene in Raleigh.  People game out on Friday and Saturday nights, but when people would rather stay home and save some money, a place like Bickett tends to suffer.  Maybe it was that annoying neighbor across the street who was constantly calling the cops with noise complaints.  The break-ins didn’t help either, particularly that one where the crooks stole all the brown liquor.  Bad luck aside, Bickett Gallery was a place for more intimate musical set-ups and some noteworthy performances.  It was also a nice place to have a drink.

But, Raleigh?  Come on, my mystery permanent-marker assassin, do you really have doubt?  It may take more years and mistakes.  I think that patience gives the heart more conviction. If none of these places strike your fancy, just know that one day, this town will cement places with purpose for people with good intentions to go to when they want to hear music, look at art, or hear some dude rip it on the turntables.  Be realistic, but try to be a little upbeat.  Until then, just wonder who’s gonna replace the Dead Kennedys logo that is no longer watching me go number 1.

There are a number of clubs/venues that are alive and kicking.  Slim’s is a small, but venerable venue.  The guys that run the place do it very well.  It’s a great place to see all your friends.  Everyone’s a little buzzed, plus they have the back patio area.  When it’s less humid, it’s a great spot to chill out.  Berkeley Cafe has been a tad slow since their booking agent bounced to book Hideaway BBQ and that place is jumping with “Real Country & Hot Food.” Lincoln Theater seems to be the only place to get (slightly somewhat) Cradle-caliber shows in Raleigh.  Usually, their forte is jam and tribute bands.  And some of that “new-emo” that I don’t get.  They are becoming a private club, but membership is free.  Hey, at least you can finally get some Jaeger at a show!  Tir Na Nog (yes, the restaurant) has turned a musical ear to go with local brews.  The Local Beer/Local Band is exactly what you get.  The idea is the brainchild of TTN and WKNC.  The Downtown Event Center (aka Raleigh Music Hall) is being booked by a couple of people “in the know” so hopefully it won’t fail as its previous incarnations did.  It seems to be that pony that Vegas is giving 50-1 odds on.  That can mean two things: 1) big payday for us all or 2) someone saying “I told you so.”