by Lauren Kruchten | Dec 2, 2024 | December 2024/January 2025, Do
Summer may be over, but Dix Park’s art scene is still in full bloom. Enter Raleigh-based artist and licensed mental health counselor Lamar Whidbee and his first large-scale public artwork, “Get Well Soon.”
Located on the side of the park’s Spruill Building—part of the now-closed mental health facility est. in 1856—the temporary installation showcasing Whidbee’s daughter holding a bouquet of flowers pays tribute to those with unique mental health conditions.
“With this piece, I wanted to acknowledge the history of Dix Hospital and mental health patients past and present while encouraging greater compassion and fearlessness—often exhibited by the children around us—as we engage and improve mental health care today,” says Whidbee. And, rest assured, it’ll definitely put a smile on your face.
by Anna Beth Adcock | Sep 9, 2024 | Do, September 2022
Need some Zen? We pro-pose a yoga sesh! Since September is National Yoga Month, we bent over backward to bring you some local yoga spots to check out. Besides getting in a great workout, yoga helps relieve stress, improve mental health and sleep, increase strength—and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. It’s time to go with the flow…
With four locations around the Triangle, this transformative yoga studio offers plenty of opps to get your sweat + sculpt on. Book a spot in the studio’s most-sought-after class, Yoga Sculpt, for a 45-minute or hourlong workout featuring free weights, cardio and that signature yoga flow sequencing you know and love. Yogatta try it.
“Balance is badass” is the MO at Dose Yoga (!). The go-to Smoky Hollow spot for yogis to get in a great workout and grab a delish smoothie, Dose is all about creating a welcoming space for everyone to move and get motivated to live healthy. And, pro tip: Don’t sleep on the recently opened NHID location’s infrared sauna therapy and cold plunge therapy, a bad-ass pairing that’s a game-changer for your health. Talk about some #BigDoseEnergy.
This is a bit of a stretch… Stretchlab does the hard work for you, with certified stretch specialists—ahem, Flexologists—helping you target certain muscle groups and lean into a deeper stretch than you’ll get on your own. Benefits include improved performance and posture, less muscle and joint aches, and an increased range of motion. Talk about a flex.
Get ready to get six-uated. Grab a mat and settle into YogaSix’s new Glenwood South studio near 321 Coffee, offering classes fitting all styles and specifications—think relaxing into slow flow and restoration, turning up with heat with hot yoga, or building that bod with power and sculpt classes. Get your six on!
This hot yoga center sure knows how to turn up the heat, with gentle yoga, vinyasa/fusion flows and yin yoga classes on offer—all of which take place in a 90-plus-degree room. Don’t sweat it…
Yoga doesn’t have to be hard core. And there’s no better way to sweat your stress—and relish in the cool fall weather!—than via Dix Park’s weekly yoga class at Flowers Field. Breathe in, breathe out…
Bend and stretch your limbs, then bend and stretch a glass or two of vino to your mouth at this two-in-one yoga studio + wine bar. Make yourself comfortable either in the cozy interior or out on on the covered patio, and be sure to check the cal for live music.
by Heidi Reid | Sep 4, 2024 | 2024, Buzz, September 2024
We asked all sitting members of Raleigh City Council—and other candidates vying for a seat—whether they stand with the expansion of Red Hat Amp.
With the vote deciding Red Hat Amphitheater’s fate in less than a month, we tapped Raleigh City Council candidates—plus the sitting Council members who are all up for reelection—on whether they think the venue should remain Downtown or be moved elsewhere (for example, Dix Park).
Although only the current council members will have any say in the vote, other candidates’ take on the amphitheater’s location can give insight on their knowledge of Raleigh and priorities within the city. And, ICYMI, Red Hat Amp cannot be left where it is—it must be either moved one block and expanded or demolished for good.
Mayoral Candidates
Janet Cowell
Red Hat [Amp] should stay Downtown. It helps make Downtown a regional destination for arts and culture and supports local businesses at a time when they urgently need it. In exchange for the negative externalities of closing a street, we should preserve pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular throughways while mitigating the impact of street closure on Heritage Park and insulating residents from service loading docks.
Paul Fitts
Leave it where it is.
Eugene Myrick
I am not in favor of moving Red Hat Amphitheater to Dix Park. While the amphitheater is a beloved venue, relocating it would have significant and far-reaching consequences that outweigh the potential benefits. Moving the amphitheater would negatively impact local businesses that have long benefited from its Downtown location. The foot traffic and economic activity generated by events at Red Hat Amphitheater support our small businesses, which are the backbone of our local economy. Disrupting this ecosystem could lead to closures and lost livelihoods for many who rely on this steady stream of patrons.
Terrance Ruth
The location of Red Hat Amphitheater should be determined by what best serves the community’s needs and enhances the cultural vibrancy of Raleigh. Keeping it Downtown supports local businesses and maintains the city’s cultural hub. However, moving it to Dix Park could offer unique opportunities, but the fragile nature of our Downtown requires the city’s full attention. I would advocate for extensive community input before making a decision.
James Shaughnessy IV
I am in favor of keeping Red Hat Amphitheater Downtown. It’s become a cultural staple in the area and plays a vital role in supporting local businesses by driving foot traffic and generating economic activity. Its presence Downtown is beneficial both for the economy and the cultural vibrancy of the city.
At-large Candidates
James Bledsoe
No. Red Hat [Amp] needs to stay where it is. Moving a large property like that to expand a Convention Center that isn’t full when events are held is just asking to hurt Downtown. Many businesses rely on foot traffic from the events. Moving Red Hat [Amp] during an already financially stressed Downtown Raleigh is just going to break a lot of businesses’ backs.
Joshua Bradley
I am of the opinion that it can stay where it is. The Convention Center does not need to expand. The planned move would close South Street and negatively impact Heritage Park, which is one of the few public housing complexes in the City.
Stormie Forte (I)
Yes, I am in favor of the Red Hat Amphitheater expansion, while understanding the concerns regarding a closure of a small portion of [South Street]. Within the budget allocated for the project, the current plan is the only option available to keep the amphitheater Downtown. The City of Raleigh staff are working with the NC Department of Transportation to create a solution that will allow continued connectivity to the Downtown area from South Street. I have had the opportunity to speak with many owners of local small businesses regarding the negative economic impact of losing the amphitheater Downtown. I want to support initiatives that will help these establishments not only survive, but thrive. Red Hat Amphitheater has over 50 shows scheduled this season and eight weeks for the ice rink. Many Raleigh residents and guests from out of town enjoy coming Downtown for these events, and contribute significantly to the viability of surrounding businesses. It is important for the owners and their employees that these opportunities continue to create foot traffic in these spaces.
Jonathan Melton (I)
Yes, and I want the city to work with NCDOT on reestablishing some connection for the portion of South Street that is closed, and to add bicycle and pedestrian improvements too. This project can be a win-win for all interested stakeholders.
Reeves Peeler
I want to see the amphitheater stay Downtown.
Robert Steele
I am in favor of the Red Hat Amphitheater staying Downtown.
District A Candidates
Mary Black (I)
Neutral. I think the role of councilors is to weigh the multiple factors within in any case. I’m eager to hear from the city about the multiple factors that are at play with regard to impact to traffic, Heritage Park redevelopment and businesses.
Whitney Hill
I am in favor of seeing Red Hat [Amp] staying where it is and keeping Dawson Street a straight shot through Downtown. No one has shown me the cost profit analysis of doubling the size of the Civic Center. If they have [it], I would love to see it. To me, this is the real issue. Are the citizens at large really benefiting from the Civic Center Expansion?
Mitchell Silver
I am in favor of keeping Red Hat Amphitheater Downtown and would encourage City Council to explore and make public all available options, including those that keep South Street open.
District B Candidates
Jennifer McCollum
Yes, I am in favor of Red Hat Amphitheater staying Downtown.
Megan Patton (I)
With roughly a month until the vote regarding the street closure, I am still in the information-gathering phase. This decision impacts several constituencies in a variety of ways. From Heritage Park to Downtown businesses, from Boylan Heights to the larger Raleigh community, I’m committed to hearing all the voices. No decision that the Council faces is ever as simple as it seems. I’m working hard to make sure we get as many wins for as many stakeholders as possible.
District C Candidates
Corey Branch (I)
I’m in favor of keeping Red Hat Amphitheater Downtown.
DaQuanta Copeland
Yes, I support the Red Hat Amphitheater staying Downtown.
Tomara DeCosta
It should remain Downtown, as local businesses depend on the foot traffic it generates.
Daniel Grant-King
No response as of press time.
Jared Ollison
If Red Hat is to be expanded, I think it would be a good idea to consider moving it to Dix Park.
Tolulope Omokaiye
I am in favor of the Red Hat Amphitheater remaining Downtown.
Portia Rochelle
In favor of [Red Hat Amp] staying Downtown
District D Candidates
Jane Harrison (I)
I’m committed to Red Hat Amphitheater remaining Downtown and anticipate it to be moved one block south to make room for the Convention Center expansion. It has significant economic spillover impacts on local businesses like Berkeley Cafe, Videri Chocolate Factory, and Neptunes, just to name a few. It’s a beloved community asset—essential for vibrancy and safety Downtown.
Residents and business owners also have legitimate concerns about the loss of vehicular access on South Street. Unfortunately, closing the street is a prerequisite to expansion of the Convention Center and the Red Hat [Amp] relocation. I’ve spent a great deal of time with city staff and impacted neighbors to examine the plans and identify opportunities to mitigate potential negative impacts. City staff is working with the NC Department of Transportation to develop a new route which would connect just south of South Street heading west to east. The City is also conducting a traffic-impact analysis to evaluate impacts. An additional community engagement opportunity will be held prior to any City Council decision.
District E Candidates
John Cerqueira
Red Hat should absolutely stay Downtown at a scale that continues attracting the types of shows we have been fortunate to host in the past. I do look forward to the potential of a music venue at Dix Park at what is planned to be a scale closer to what we have at the NC Museum of Art.
Christina Jones (I)
No response as of press time.
by Heidi Reid | Aug 13, 2024 | Buzz, July 2024/August 2024
Red Hat Amphitheater could permanently close to save a single DTR block that sees hardly any traffic.
The future of Downtown Raleigh is at stake—and Red Hat Amphitheater sits at the center of it all.
While Red Hat was initially intended to be a temporary venue, the City has long planned to move and update the amphitheater to sustain the amount of traffic it attracts. The planned expansion would accommodate ~1,000 more seats and a larger loading dock and backstage area, as well as increased concessions—and the only “cost” of that expansion is the closure of one block of South Street—a road that sees just one-third of the traffic it was built for.
The proposed update has been in the works since city leaders agreed to shift Red Hat slightly southward in order to expand the Raleigh Convention Center. Now, as pushback mounts for the street closure, Red Hat’s—and Downtown’s—future is hanging in the balance. And if City Council doesn’t pass the proposed plans to expand it, Red Hat will be demolished for good—along with the millions of dollars in economic impact it brings, and the future viability of many DTR businesses.
“Red Hat is the one thing that brings people Downtown in large numbers consistently through the summer months,” emphasizes Crank Arm Brewing owner Adam Eckhardt. “If the amphitheater does not open in the current proposed location in Downtown Raleigh, many small businesses will close.”
Thus, major city players and business owners are vying for Red Hat’s survival for good reason. In 2023 alone, the amphitheater generated ~$17.5 million in economic impact from its 26 shows. This year, show offerings have more than doubled with a record-breaking 51 shows, yielding comparably greater financial impact with them. The absence of Red Hat would directly affect the shops, restaurants and bars who rely on foot traffic from locals and visitors alike attending those concerts all days of the week.
“State of Beer sees a big increase when there are shows,” says Trophy Brewing partner David Meeker, “and Trophy Brewing on Morgan Street sees a solid increase too, even though we are several blocks away.”
For her part, mayoral candidate Janet Cowell, also the CEO of the Dix Park Conservancy, has expressed concerns about the expansion because of the partial closure of South Street and how it would affect connections between Downtown and Dix Park. But some have expressed concerns that her push against Red Hat is centered around advocating for the proposed outdoor amphitheater at Dix Park, which is a “potential alternative to Downtown’s Red Hat Amphitheater,” according to the park’s master plan.
“The consequences for Red Hat Amphitheater leaving downtown would be devastating to many small businesses owners who rely on crowds pre- and post-shows all summer long. Our city leaders would be wise to reconsider the thought of moving something that creates such a large financial impact to small business owners, many of which won’t make it with a loss of that magnitude.” —Matt Coleman, owner, The Davie
However, it’s clear an amphitheater at Dix wouldn’t have the same economic impact for any district, much less Downtown—especially given the much-denounced lack of connectivity between DTR and Dix—and Raleigh already has a similar venue to the would-be Dix Park amphitheater (Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek), in addition to one in Cary (Koka Booth Amphitheatre).
“Many of our small businesses rely on [Red Hat] to get them through slower summer months and see their sales more than double on a concert evening versus a non-show night,” says Downtown Raleigh Alliance President/CEO Bill King. “Placing the amphitheater in the heart of Downtown has demonstrated how much more economic impact is possible for venues when they are surrounded by small businesses for patrons to visit before and after shows.”
Plus, Live Nation, Red Hat’s booking manager, isn’t going to wait around for a Dix Park amphitheater to get off the ground—meaning if Red Hat goes, many artists won’t make stops in Raleigh at all. Read: If Downtown doesn’t have an amphitheater to accommodate 7,500 guests, other cities will garner the economic benefit. “Live Nation… will skip us for Charlotte and Wilmington,” maintains Eckhardt. “Durham may even build an amphitheater of this size to accommodate.” So, not just a loss for Downtown, but for the city as whole.
Red Hat’s fate adds to a long list of concerns about the current state of Downtown Raleigh already being raised by local business owners. And potentially demolishing one of DTR’s only entertainment draws isn’t sitting well with those trying to up the district’s allure to save their businesses—and their livelihood.
“Red Hat Amphitheater is a fun draw for Downtown. The Canes are at PNC; DPAC and the Bulls are in Durham—so it’s really our only entertainment draw Downtown,” says Meeker. “A lot of our employees at our restaurants are young, 20–35 years old and have no kids yet, and the thing you hear constantly is that Raleigh is a boring place to be young. We need to change that, not lean into that. I hope Red Hat Amphitheater comes back bigger and better than ever, even if that means adjusting South Street.”
How to Help Save Red Hat
Right now it’s unclear if Raleigh City Council has the votes necessary to save Red Hat. If the proposed plans don’t pass by majority, Red Hat Amphitheater would be demolished for good. You can help save Red Hat—as well as multiple DTR businesses and Downtown’s livelihood—by reaching out to your city council member at emails listed below. Find your district here.
Mary Black, District A, [email protected]
Megan Patton, District B, [email protected]
Corey Branch, District C, [email protected]
Jane Harrison, District D, [email protected]
Christina Jones, District E, [email protected]
Jonathan Melton, At-Large, [email protected]
Stormie D. Forte, At-Large, [email protected]
Editor’s note: This story was updated Aug. 13.
by Heidi Reid | Jun 26, 2024 | 2024, Do, July 2024/August 2024
Celebrate America the Beautiful with fireworks, food and fun.
America, you don’t look a day over 30! Celebrate the Land of the Free’s 247th birthday (!) in an explosive way this July Fourth with local fireworks shows, hot dogs (so American), bar crawls and other events. Alexa, queue “National Anthem” by Lana Del Rey.
July 4
Cary Independence Day Celebration
Let freedom ring—er, string?—at Koka Booth with patriotic classics by the NC Symphony, kids’ activities and a fireworks show over Symphony Lake.
July 4
Fourth of July at Wye Hill
What says “USA” better than a build-your-own glizzy buffet? Peep the fireworks from the City of Oak’s fave patio while noshing on hamburgers, hot dogs, desserts and locally brewed beer.
July 4
Raleigh Fourth of July Fireworks
Bring your picnic blanket and friends for an eruptive night of fireworks at Dix Park—and be sure to come early to enjoy a DJ, food trucks, waterslides and a foam party pit. Pro tip: There’s no parking for this event at Dix, so plan to park at Centennial Campus and get those steps in!
July 4–6
Tin Roof Fourth of July Weekend
Party in the USA post-fireworks with drink specials, live music and DJs all weekend long. Put your hands up!
July 6
Raleigh Red White and Brew Bar Crawl
Don your Uncle Sam-inspired ’fits and close out the weekend with themed drinks, food specials, live music and DJs—NTM a truly American sense of camaraderie—at a host of DTR bars during this red, white and blue extravaganza. ’Merica!
