Downtown Raleigh News

STOP BY CHICK-FIL-A ON FAYETTEVILLE STREET FOR A FREE BREAKFAST ENTREE

Stop by Chick-fil-A at 400 Fayetteville Street for a free breakfast entree available every Wednesday in March. Pre-selected entrees include:

March 7: Chick-n-Minis (3 count)
March 14: Chicken, Egg and Cheese on Sunflower Multi-grain Bagel
March 21: Chicken Burrito
March 28: Chick-n-Minis (3 count)

Limit one breakfast entree per person per day. Must be present to redeem. Not valid with any other offer. Offer valid while supplies last. Breakfast served during breakfast hours only (until 10:30am).

Provided below is a link to a perception survey regarding the contents of the Downtown Raleigh Newsletter. It is important to the Downtown Raleigh Alliance that our readers value the material distributed. We look forward to your feedback regarding content of material, frequency of distribution, and any suggestions that you think would enhance the newsletter.

Survey participants will have the opportunity to win a $50 gift certificate to Yancy's! in Downtown Raleigh. The winner will be randomly selected and contacted via email. The survey should take no more than five minutes with a maximum of 12 questions depending on how you respond.

To access the survey, click here.

The World Beer Festival is coming back to Downtown Raleigh's Moore Square, and you can be a member of the great beer serving crew! Enjoy a beautiful Saturday afternoon serving 8,000 beer lovers, get a free volunteer t-shirt, a subscription to All About Beer Magazine, an invite to the volunteer after party, and be part of our effort to raise money for the Downtown Raleigh Alliance, whose mission is to revitalize Downtown Raleigh.

WHAT:
Volunteer for the World Beer Festival Raleigh - celebrating the fine taste of great beer.

WHEN:
Saturday, April 28th 2007, 10:30 am-4:30 pm (first session volunteer hours) and/or 4:30 pm-10:30 pm (second session volunteer hours). In addition, all volunteers are required to attend a mandatory orientation and training session on Tuesday April 24th. Afternoon volunteers from 7 pm-8 pm and evening session volunteers from 8 pm-9 pm (including beer tasting and training).

PERKS:
FREE Volunteer t-shirt for the festival, subscription to All About Beer Magazine (6 months for all day volunteers and 3 months for one session volunteers), invitation to the post-event staff party (free beer & food), free anti-intoxication training, working hard with your friends to make LOTS of people happy, and a great way to meet new friends.

HOW:
Option 1: Use our web form to apply online.
Option 2: Click here to find other ways to access the volunteer application.

FIRST FRIDAY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM

Friday, March 2, 2007 will kick-off the re-invigorated First Friday Gallery Walk. Come join the thousands of people who already enjoy this very popular event and see how it has changed. First Friday is a free, open to the public, and attracts hundreds of people to downtown the first Friday of every month. The First Friday Gallery Walk offers the public an opportunity to enjoy the openings of new gallery exhibitions, eat downtown and explore the art community.

What’s new about First Friday is the coordinated effort that was created after years of Raleigh arts organizations and restaurants talking about the need for a cohesive First Friday effort. For the March 2nd kick-off, there will be a new guide/map that lists all of the 48 participating galleries, restaurants and retail outlets. The guide/map will also highlight the First Friday Specials now offered by the restaurants and bars. The guide/map will be produced twice a year, with the next publication scheduled for July. All of these establishments will have the guide/maps available as well as an official First Friday flag displayed outside their building. The displayed flag will enable patrons to walk down the street and visually identify event participants.

Another new aspect of First Friday will be the quarterly auctioning of the Fayetteville Street art banners. The banners are created by local artists and hung on Fayetteville Street for several months. Select ‘angel’ banners will be available to the public at the auction. The silent auction of these beautiful banners will be held on March 2 at the Raleigh City Museum from 6 pm-9 pm with a special reception with light refreshments celebrating their newest exhibit, "The Centennial Hall of Fame". The exhibit recognizes and honors 25 individuals who made significant contributions to the city of Raleigh during its first 100 years.

A cohesive First Friday web-site will serve as an additional source of information about the visual arts in Raleigh. It is hoped that this enhancement program will create a sense of cohesiveness among participating businesses and increase public awareness of the event in downtown.

Friday, March 2, 2007 will kick-off the silent auctions for Fayetteville Street’s banners. Coinciding with Downtown Raleigh’s First Friday Gallery Walk, the first auction of the beautiful banners will be held at the Raleigh City Museum from 6 pm-9 pm. Several ‘angel’ banners will be available to the public at the auction. The brainchild of Raleigh Arts Commissioner, Jessie Cannon, the art banners are a wonderful way for local artists to display their work. “I am so pleased that the response from our local artists has been so positive” said Jessie Cannon, Raleigh Arts Commissioner. Half the proceeds will go back to the artists and the other half will fund future quarterly banners along Fayetteville Street. Throughout the year, the banners will be auctioned off at The Raleigh City Museum during the First Friday Gallery Walks.

The artists painted their visual concepts of angels with materials supplied by the Raleigh Convention Center. The artists’ angels were hung on lamp posts lining Fayetteville Street in December and stayed up during the holidays and for the “First Night Raleigh” celebration. Several art teachers participated with three 5th graders from Lacy Elementary School, as well as artists from the Visual Art Exchange and Artspace. The artists who painted the ‘angel’ banners were Anna Podris, Keith Norval, Luanna Winner, Veronica Samuel, Lee Ball, Dan Nelson, Jayne Cluggish, Carol Lancaster, Kirk Adam, Charlene Bowling and Dawn Wade.

The Raleigh City Museum will also have a special reception with light refreshments celebrating their newest exhibit, "The Centennial Hall of Fame". The exhibit recognizes and honors 25 individuals who made significant contributions to the city of Raleigh during its first 100 years. Dianne Davidian, Executive Director of the Raleigh City Museum, said "the museum is excited about joining other participants as a new Fayetteville Street venue for First Friday. We welcome the opportunity to serve as the host site for displaying and auctioning the artists' banners." The Raleigh City Museum is located at 220 Fayetteville Street. For further information on the “Centennial Hall of Fame”, please call 919-832-3775.

Currently, you can stroll along Fayetteville Street and view the wonderful work of fourteen local artists who painted their visual concepts of ‘love’ for Valentine’s Day. The fourteen artists participating in the ‘love’ banners project are Georges LeChevallier, Anna Podris, Keith Norval, Kathy Ammon, Karin Baumeister-Rehm, Veronica Samuel, Matthew Mahler, Kitty Mecham, Stacy Lewis, Jose Manuel Cruz, Bill Burch, Kirk Adam, Virginia Owen and Constance Pappalardo. Artspace and Visual Art Exchange were instrumental in recruiting the artists for this project. “This is a great way for local artists to have a presence in downtown and a wonderful way to showcase Raleigh’s talent,” said Executive Director, Sarah Powers, of the Visual Art Exchange.

A $30 reserve has been set for each banner. To view banners available for auction at the links below.

CW22 AND PEACE COLLEGE HOST NATIONWIDE CASTING CALL
When: Saturday, March 3 (9 am - Wristbands distributed;10 am- Interviews Begin)
Where: Peace College

The CW network is coming to Raleigh in search of mothers and their grown up daughters (MUST BE AT LEAST 18!) to compete together as a team in a one-of-a-kind beauty pageant on The CW Network. The mother-daughter team will take home a valuable prize package, including a $100,000 cash award and, of course, a fabulous pair of tiaras.

We're looking for teams with ANY or NO amount of pageant experience; so don't worry if you've NEVER competed before! Whether you're a pageant girl from way back, or someone who can't imagine donning a sash, this competition is for you! We're redefining what it means to be a pageant winner so while conventional physical beauty counts; talent, personality, fitness, confidence and inner beauty are all important elements that will determine the winning mother-daughter team. 12 to 15 Mother/Daughter Teams will be living together and competing in a Beauty Pageant. Some of the competitions will include the traditional (swim wear, evening wear, talent, etc.) but also some non-traditional.

Arrive early because only those with wristbands will be seen. Log onto Raleighcw.com to download the application.

Be advised that security may check your bag before entering an open casting call.

BRING THE FOLLOWING TO THE OPEN CALL:
• Completed application for each teammate, i.e. 2 applications.
• Copy or proof of eligibility to live and work in the United States for both the Mother and her Daughter (either valid US passport or combination of valid US driver's license and valid social security card)
• A separate photo of each applicant and a recent photo of both team members together.

Come out and apply and show America that your mother/daughter team has what it takes to be CROWNED! For more information contact Kim Rivenbark at 919-872-9535 ext. 3069 e-mail: krivenba@wlfl.sbgnet.com

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RUN FOR THE OAKS
When: Saturday, March 17 (Begins at 9:30 am)
Where: Assembly in Moore Square

On Saturday March 17 the Run for the Oaks will feature a 5K Road Race and Children's Run.

Course:
Start on Person St at Moore Square, proceed north on Person St to Polk St, proceed west on Polk St to Blount St, proceed south on Blount St to Cabarrus St, proceed west on Cabarrus St to Wilmington St, proceed north on Wilmington St to Polk St, proceed east on Polk St to Blount St, proceed south on Blount St to Martin St, where the race will end.

ST. PATRICK'S DAY AT MOORE SQUARE
When: Saturday, March 17 (noon-5 pm)
Where: Moore Square

The Raleigh St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee is the organizer and sponsor for the parade and co-sponsor for the after parade activities held downtown in Moore Square . The parade grows bigger and better every year. The Raleigh parade is the second largest in the Southeast.

The parade has over 3,500 marchers including floats, pipe and drum bands, horses, dancers and many recognizable mascots. The parade is a celebration for all ethnic groups and cultures.

After the Parade has ended, the festival begins! At the festival there will be lots of entertainment with live music and dancing. In addition, there will be a wide variety of vendor booths: Irish Organizations, Irish jewelry and other trinkets, non-cultural organizations, food vendors, children's games. Fun for the entire family!

ST. PATRICK'S DAY AT TIR NA NOG
When: Saturday, March 17 (1 pm-1 am)
Where: Tir na nOg

Join in on the St. Patrick's Day Celebration at Tir na nOg sponsored by Clear Channel. Enjoy live outdoor music.

For more information, click here.

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On Saturday, March 17 celebrate St. Patrick's Day with live outdoor music at Blue Martini and Napper Tandy's.

On Saturday, March 17, 96 ROCK will be broadcasting live from 3-7 pm at Hibernian. Enjoy tons of giveaways, beer specials, music and LOTS OF GUINESS!!! Celebrate the luck of the Irish.

For more information, click here.

Enjoy more than 50 exhibits and activities highlighting reptiles and amphibians from around the world, including many native to North Carolina. This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever, with more cool live animals and activities than ever before. There will be plenty to see and do for all age groups, so bring the entire family.

RACE OF GRACE
When: Sunday, April 29 (Starts at 4 pm)

Making a difference in the lives of our brothers and sisters in need through education, inspiration, many-a-donation, and perspiration!

The Race of Grace is a 5K road race and walk organized to bring focus to three important areas of need in our community — healthcare, homelessness, and hunger — on a rotating basis. In 2007, those who lack adequate healthcare will benefit from the Race of Grace.

Will you help us run the race? By running, walking, sponsoring, or donating to the Race of Grace, you will make an impact on men, women and children who need essential medical care. Further, you will be part of one of the most unique, vibrant and growing road races in this area!

For more information, click here.

The Downtown Raleigh Alliance is pleased to announce that the fourth quarter 2006 economic development report is now available for download. The report provides in-depth examination and analysis of new development committed to downtown, street-level business openings and closings, office occupancy rates, intriguing residential sales figures, and much, much more. Please click here to access the report and the exciting information contained therein.

SPA BOUDOIR

Aesthetician Jennifer Midgette, owner of Spa Boudoir, located in the bourgeoning Glenwood South neighborhood, has always had a interest in skin care. "I'm not exactly sure when it started," Midgette says, "I know I just developed a bit of an obsession to learn about products and started reading the ingredients on everything my mother had in her make-up cabinet, about new products in magazines, just hunting down any information on skin care." In 1998, Midgette decided to pursue her interests professionally, and after 7 years working in the industry, she opened Spa Boudoir, a private-practice skin care studio, in 2006.

At Spa Boudoir, Midgette provides her clients with an education about the skin, offering extensive skin care consultation and spa treatments, including facials, chemical peels, waxing, lash tinting, and body treatments. All appointments tap into Midgette's in-depth knowledge of the skin care products and treatments she offers through Spa Boudoir, as well as others available across the industry. "Basically, although people understand the importance of what they put into their bodies in regards to their overall health, there hasn't been as much focus on skin care." Midgette says, "However, the skin is the largest organ of the body, functioning much the same as our other organs, except that it is constantly exposed, so it is important to be concerned not only with what goes into our bodies, but also what we use topically."

The Spa Boudoir studio offers a relaxing environment in a personalized setting. "Spa Boudoir appointments are one-on-one consultations," says Midgette, "My goal is to provide people with personal aesthetician services, much like any other health care practitioner, someone who can assist with assessing your skin care needs and working towards specific goals for improvement." The Spa Boudoir setting is especially appealing for those who aren't comfortable with the large spa experience. "Clients have really enjoyed the private setting. Bigger is not always better. Men and newcomers say they feel especially comfortable coming here because it's absent the busy reception and waiting areas.

Spa Boudoir carries tested skin care lines that Midgette has come to believe, through years of experience and use, promote the most positive, natural change in the skin, while remaining absent of fillers and unnatural preservatives. In addition, Midgette says her experience in the industry allows her to refer those who prefer a spa setting that can accommodate groups or a specific medical/cosmetic procedure to reputable Triangle businesses.

Overall, Midgette's philosophy with Spa Boudoir seems to be catching on. "Every week, I am meeting new clients, and it's rewarding to see people open up to thinking about their skin care, away from the large spa perception that I think sometime is a bit intimidating. It's a really exciting transition."

The studio of Spa Boudoir is located at 304 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 11. Spa Boudoir consultations and treatments are by appointment only and can be scheduled by calling (919) 325-9137. A menu of services and seasonal specials can be requested via e-mail from spaboudoir@hotmail.com.

Conceived by the belief that Raleigh was in need of something new and something fun, Sin City provides its customers with an array of sensory gratification.

Sin City, the vision of Larry Carter (Fluid Lounge & Dive Bar), will quickly change the way the Triangle thinks of nightlife.

Clearly determined to set Sin City apart from other venues, Carter engaged renowned designers J. Davis Architects to help in realizing his ideas.

The main entrance leads you through the flames to the main bar area, complete with a fifty foot, full service bar. The fun atmosphere continues as the crystal clear sound pulls you to the dance area, where you will move your body to the best party music. Sin City breaks the rules as far as music in a nightclub goes; spanning all genres, including any and every song that really gets you moving. Move even further into this enticing venue, you will find the raised lounge area, a perfect refuge to sit and chill, while still maintaining a great view of the action.

The juxtaposition of the stainless steel sculptures with the warm lighting creates an environment that is sharp yet comfortable. The interior is accented with rich deep reds that provide great warmth and is a pleasing accompaniment to a well planned lighting scheme.

Sin City’s business model looks to be very tight which bodes well for a neighborhood that hosts some other well known venues. Located on Davie Street in the Depot District, partygoers will have little trouble finding Sin City and even less trouble finding a cab for the ride home.

Sin City opened its gates to the Raleigh, NC nightlife community in grand scale on Saturday, February 3rd, 2007.

Sin City is open at 8 pm, Thursdays through Saturdays, serving all your pleasures until 2 am. The highly anticipated opening of this fresh nightlife concept will be sure to draw a large crowd, so plan on an early arrival to ensure your admission.

For more information, click here.

When it opened its doors to local yoga aficionados and neophytes on February 4, 2007, blue lotus was not only the first yoga and movement arts studio to open in Downtown Raleigh, but it also is the area’s first “green” yoga studio, as recognized by the California-based Green Yoga Association. The association fosters ecological consciousness, reverence and action in the yoga community, and recognizes studios that minimize their environmental impact.

Jill Sockman, director of blue lotus, who has been practicing yoga for more than a decade, sees it as a natural extension of the yoga practice. “A central teaching of yoga is ‘ahimsa,’ or practicing non-violence—doing the least amount of harm. To me, this also means treading lightly on the Earth,” she explains. “Stepping out from the start and identifying ourselves as a green studio is an organic part of the practice. If any business should be doing it, it should be a yoga business. We need to be the change, culturally speaking, and to lead by example the much-needed paradigm shift toward environmental sensitivity.”

One of four association member studios in North Carolina, with the others in Asheville, Durham and Greensboro, blue lotus is also a member of the association’s Green Studios Program Pilot.   Together with 25 other studios across the country, blue lotus contributes to the association’s efforts to create a Green Studios Handbook and to guide other yoga studios to implement green business practices and increase environmental awareness in their students and communities.

In the creation of blue lotus, Sockman’s dream became a reality without having to make what others generally would assume to be sacrifices to “go green.” She explains, “We want to help other studios and businesses move away from the notion that you have to make significant trade-offs to get what you want when you’re building green. The whole process has been a win-win. We’ve done the research and taken the time to make informed choices that in many cases cost about the same as those that are not environmentally friendly, and the bonus is that they save us money in the long run by conserving energy. And we feel great about inhabiting such a healthy space.”

For its part, blue lotus has focused on four areas: water conservation, energy conservation, renewable resources and nature-friendly materials, and social responsibility. The low-flow plumbing conserves water use, while an HVAC system with an “economizer cycle” and energy-saving lighting reduces energy consumption. In time, Sockman hopes to treat the 12-foot windows along the building’s exterior for energy efficiency.   For now, they allow abundant natural light, which reduces the need for electric-powered lighting.

“When we could, we opted for the most environmentally friendly solutions,” Sockman says, “such as low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints and nontoxic finishes, and all-natural flooring, including a glueless cork floor for the practice space.”

Other environmentally friendly choices include: a welcome desk and retail space crafted from Lyptus® hardwood, sustainably harvested eucalyptus trees; a natural fiber sisal carpet for the reception area; and in the bathroom, 100 percent biodegradable Marmoleum®, an ecologically produced, natural linoleum flooring.

blue lotus also takes its beliefs and practices right down to “you are what you wear,” by offering yoga clothing and props made by earth-friendly, socially responsible, community-oriented businesses, like Inner Waves Organics, Mission Playground, Verve, and Yoga Tribe and Culture.

“We’ll also use other green solutions that may not be as obvious,” Sockman explains, “like cleaning with non-chemical supplies and non-toxic soaps, printing on recycled bleach-free paper, using non-petroleum soy candles, recycling all recyclable goods and providing filtered water instead of selling bottles of water.”

She adds that blue lotus is located on a public bus route, and the studio will encourage cycling or walking to class, all of which reduce fuel consumption and related air pollution.

“It all adds up,” she says. “And every decision counts. We created this healthy, sacred space for our student community, and we also want to educate them, so that the small things we do to reduce our footprint on the planet can influence others to make better choices, which eventually add up to big changes and a greater awareness in the broader community.”

More information about green building can be found at the following resources: Green Yoga Association, Greener Buildings, Sustainable North Carolina and U.S. Green Building Council.

About blue lotus

blue lotus, Downtown Raleigh’s yoga & movement arts studio, offers a range of classes for all levels of students. The studio, founded on the principles of community, innovation and inspiration, also offers workshops and yoga instructor trainings, as well as a full line of unique yoga clothing and props for men and women from innovative, socially conscious businesses. A member of the Green Yoga Association, blue lotus works to minimize its environmental impact and educate its students and community about ecological consciousness, reverence and action.

In Eastern traditions, the blue lotus represents the victory of the spirit over the senses and signifies the wisdom of knowledge. In Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poem, Song of the Lotos-Eaters, the blue lotus symbolizes that which urges us to seek new experiences. Because the lotus grows from mud and finds its way through purifying water to open to the sunlight, the flower also is seen as a metaphor for the path of the individual toward enlightenment, ultimately representing the highest aspiration of seeking enlightenment for the sake of others.

Enrollment options include drop-in, 10- and 50-class passes, one-month and three-month passes, and annual memberships. While our web-site is under construction, learn more about classes and memberships by joining blue lotus online. For more information, you may also call us at (919) 325-9137, e-mail info@bluelotusnc.com or stop by the studio.

The blue lotus Grand Opening Celebration March 2 –3, begins with a First Friday Open House and continues with all-day Saturday classes, both of which benefit the Raleigh Jaycees’ HOPE project.

The First Friday Open House on March 2, lasts from 6 pm-9 pm. Meet the blue lotus team and fellow students, enjoy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments and enter to win prize drawings. Live drumming, native flute and digeredoo with Rhythmicity's Fuz Sanderson.

Yoga Classes and Demonstrations are available from 8 am-9pm,, Saturday, March 3. For a complete schedule visit http://www.bluelotusnc.com.

For more information, click, here.

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NC OPERA COMPANY

The Opera Company of North Carolina announces its new office location, 414 Fayetteville Street in Downtown Raleigh. Situated between the Sir Walter Apartments and the Sheraton Hotel, across from major sponsors Progress Energy and RBC, and just a few blocks from the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts, the office is ideally located to maximize collaborative potential. The Opera Company’s downtown influence is already being felt, as plans have been announced for a springtime lunch series, in collaboration with the NC Theatre Conservatory (March 28, 30 and April 4, 6 from noon-1pm). Area employees and visitors will be invited to dine outdoors and hear live opera and musical theatre's "greatest hits" on Fayetteville Street. Also included will be selections from the upcoming opera La Bohème (April 13 and 15 at 7:30 pm and 2 p.m., Memorial Auditorium at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts). Rehearsals for La Bohème will be held at the Sir Walter Apartments ballroom, and many will be open for public viewing. Additionally, public events with the stars and La Bohème previews will be held at several area restaurants and businesses. For more information on how The Opera Company of North Carolina is adding to the cultural revitalization of Downtown Raleigh, visit the website at www.operanc.com, or stop by the new office and say hello.

For more information, click here.

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YORK SIMPSON UNDERWOOD
YSU

York Simpson Underwood Realty (YSU), a residential real estate sales company based in Raleigh, is opening a new downtown sales office this spring. The office will be located at 226 Fayetteville Street and will serve as a resource for home buyers planning to become Downtown Raleigh residents during its $2 billion facelift. As a new concept in residential real estate offices, and modeled after new urban real estate offices in major cities across the country, YSU’s new office will be a “boutique style” office encouraging visitors to come inside and interactively browse downtown residential real estate opportunities as well as Downtown Raleigh events, attractions, museums, restaurants and more. York Simpson Underwood’s new office and agents will act as ambassadors promoting all the great new things happening in Downtown Raleigh.

The YSU downtown office will be managed by Susan Harris. She will be joined by her “dream team” of Downtown Raleigh experts. Those general brokerage agents include Jeff Horton, Steve Walters, Deb Brown, Nikki Rice, Eddie Abernathy and Cindy Poole. Those agents are currently available to assist clients with any residential real estate needs in The Triangle area and, especially, in downtown Raleigh.