To Answer Some Questions …
WHY PLAY UP CRAIG FERGUSON HERE? Well, there are two answers to that one: First, his show’s extremely popular around here; secondly, the man has mentioned Charlotte in a recent one! Seems he remembered his first ice-skating experience as being right here in the Queen City (I’m assuming Eastland, but I could be off a bit).
Incidentally — and if ya missed it — he just passed his citizenship test, and will be sworn in as an American citizen shortly. Stay tuned …
RINGO WAS ON HIS SHOW A FEW NIGHTS AGO. WILL HE (or Paul) EVER PLAY CHARLOTTE AGAIN? Right now, he’s considering comin’ back with his All-Starr Band when they tour later this year. Nothing definite yet, though. As far as Sir Paul goes: He’s limiting his touring right now due to his divorce as well as his other projects, but ya never can tell …
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO FIND GOOD CLUBS OR ENTERTAINMENT VENUES HERE? Okay, time to take notes: First of all (and most importantly), make sure it’s a venue that has a good, solid reputation. Check its safety record — for both building and customers, inside and out.
Secondly, take a drive-by some weekend night and see what kind of crowd they’re pulling. If the parking lot’s nearly empty, chances are it doesn’t have much going for it.
Thirdly, of course, is to find out who’s playing that night. Not all acts are good enough to draw a crowd; some are more or less spacers who just add a backdrop to drinking and carousing.
Fourthly — and if you’re still in doubt — check the promos in the Observer. Don’t get me wrong; I like Creative Loafing, but, if an act and/or venue are really worth seeing, it/they will be played up in Charlotte’s biggest newspaper.
WHAT’S THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE THAT CROWN TOWN HAS TO FACE? CRIME? COST OF LIVING? DRUGS? Actually (and from the response I’ve gotten by email and in person), the biggest challenge is teaching our children by example, through love and patience, how to handle everyday life. Note: It’s not up to teachers, preachers or fans-in-the-bleachers to do it; it’s up to parents to do it. When we have that down to a science (albeit a loving and devoted one), you’ll start to see challenges … all of them … being met, whether now or in the future.
My thanks to everyone who’s asked these questions. I wish there were time to answer more, but, for now, there’s more work to be done …
If you’ve got something on your mind, how about droppin’ me a line, or leave a note on the door … er, comment section?
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