Share this Post
Kings’ new ownership will continue the legacy Cheetie Kumar and Paul Siler built Downtown over two decades.
Downtown Raleigh’s cherished music venue Kings is entering an exciting new chapter, as owners Cheetie Kumar and Paul Siler have sold the space to industry friends Josh Novicki, Herbie Abernethy and Alan Novicki. Before you stress, the trio maintains they will keep the soul of Kings alive—in addition to ramping up programming to include comedy, art openings and community-oriented fundraisers. See? A win-win!
“I played many shows at Kings and saw many legendary acts grace the stage, so we’re psyched to jump in,” says Novicki. “Paul, Cheetie and the entire crew built a legacy in Downtown Raleigh with a history of respectability and expertise that attracted high-caliber artists to the city.”
Kumar and Siler met the new owners two decades ago when they were touring with their band, The Cherry Valence. Abernethy is the lead singer of Valient Thorr and co-owns a trio of bars and restaurants with Josh Novicki—including Hot For Pizza and Cobra Cabana in Richmond, and The Sandspur in Carolina Beach—where they often host shows. Meanwhile, Alan Novicki, Josh’s brother, managed Raleigh’s Lincoln Theatre. Collectively, their goal with Kings is to ensure bands planning tours don’t overlook Raleigh.
“We’re excited about the possibility of becoming part of a bigger network on the East Coast that ushers in touring bands, events, plays, benefits, parties, art openings, etc., that will travel to Raleigh… because they know Kings is back and better than ever!” says Abernethy. “Building that network in tandem with our other locations will be a key to the future success of the venue.”
Kings is the second space of the three-level building on West Martin Street that Kumar and Siler have slowly been selling off to new owners to focus on the operations of their recently bowed Ajja restaurant in Five Points. Neptunes Parlour sold last year, and Garland is currently transitioning into NA bar Umbrella Dry Bar. Siler looks forward to seeing Kings and the whole building back at its full potential.
“As much as we loved our location Downtown, we felt it was time to pass the baton and put our energies elsewhere,” Siler adds. “The original concept of Kings was that there would be a properly run venue by active musicians who could be proud of our city’s place to play. It’s exciting to us that this vision will continue.” Get ready to—continue—rocking on!
Related Articles
Share this Post
Comments
Pingback: Elm Partners Gives Raleigh Small Business Owners a Leg Up