Triangle Downtowner Magazine

12/14/2024

J. Cole’s Dreamville Music Festival is making its highly anticipated return to North Carolina in 2025, but it will also mark the end of an era. The festival will celebrate its fifth and final anniversary during the weekend of April 5-6 at Raleigh’s Dorothea Dix Park.

Since its inception, Dreamville has become a vibrant celebration of hip-hop culture, with performances from some of the biggest names in music. Fans will undoubtedly be excited for this final chapter of the festival, which promises to deliver memorable performances. Here's some highlights from 2024...

📸 Robbie Pope Bailey

11/14/2024

A huge thank you to The Willard Rooftop Lounge and AC Marriott for choosing The Women's Center as their recipient of last night's Community and Cocktails event!

We were joined by the Women's Center Executive Director Amy Smith and Volunteer Coordinator Nora Robbins, and Board Members Bo Crouse-Feuerhelm, Joelyn Harrington, and Crash S. Gregg.

The Women's Center provides emergency services to women who are experiencing homelessness, including meals, personal need products, housing, clothing, and much more.

Want to learn more about the Women's Center, host a fundraiser, or volunteer? Visit www.wcwc.org for more info.

11/02/2024

For Raleighites who have not yet voted and want to learn a little more about some of the City Council and Mayoral candidates, please visit our YouTube channel (https://lnkd.in/eKFZwbgz) or click any of the links below to watch our one-on-one 5-question interviews with:

Janet Cowell
https://youtu.be/q59Xd3pWCCU

Mitchell Silver
https://youtu.be/tRyZAttes-E

Jonathan Lambert-Melton
https://youtu.be/CRf9boyGgUw

James Bledsoe
https://youtu.be/0pt7tZ3F_VQ

John Cerqueira
https://youtu.be/C9myyBHTAhA

Tolulope O. Omokaiye
https://youtu.be/Tw0LJF29pM4

Corey Branch
https://youtu.be/hj8KL9hQN_8

Megan Patton
https://youtu.be/vadpWIbzl5U

Jane Harrison
https://youtu.be/fuyKOVSaL_U

Christina Jones
https://youtu.be/GpmlK6QtqKM

Terrance Ruth
https://youtu.be/6MpVib5xsSc

Wake County election information: https://lnkd.in/eYtsFhfA

Any other candidates who did not respond to our email request can message us here or on LinkedIn to set up a last-minute interview time on Sunday or Monday before election day.

Best of luck to all the candidates, and may the most qualified win for each seat

We sent an email to all candidates running for the Raleigh City Council and the Office of the Mayor in 2024. We asked each candidate the same five simple que...

10/25/2024

Celebrating Recovery by Dining in Style

Guests and sponsors were treated to an unforgettable evening as they celebrated addiction recovery with renowned chef and Healing Transitions advocate and board member, Scott Crawford.

The intimate celebration included a sit-down, family-style dinner prepared by Chef Crawford), which held special significance as it marks Scott’s 20th year of recovery. In honor of this milestone, Chef Crawford – known for his unwavering support of the recovery community and various other charitable causes – graciously chose to commemorate his special day with Healing Transitions. A big shoutout to Scott’s restaurant staff and friends, who volunteered their time at the event.

All proceeds from the evening will go directly to Healing Transitions for the life-saving recovery services they provide to the homeless, uninsured, and underserved individuals in our community.

“What I love about Healing Transitions is that they don’t give up on people who need help. There were people in my life who didn’t give up on me, and this is the reason I can celebrate 20 years of recovery. There’s no better way for me to celebrate than to give back to my recovery community.”
– Scott Crawford, Chef/Owner of Crawford Hospitality

“Scott Crawford serves as an inspiration and hope for so many who struggle with addiction and homelessness. The food and fellowship were awesome! Pinnacle was pleased to sponsor the Freedom Harvest event and is a proud sponsor of Healing Transitions and the great work they do. Congrats to Scott on 20 years and for a great evening.”
– Jim Foster, Senior Vice President, Pinnacle Financial Partners

“Scott Crawford was deciding how to celebrate his 20th anniversary of sobriety by taking a big trip or buying a new motorcycle, and he instead decided to host a fundraiser for Healing Transitions. It says a lot about him, and we wanted to be there to celebrate with him. Downtown would be a very different place without Healing Transitions, and we are grateful every day for the work done there.”
– David Meeker, Owner, Elm Partners

🦅
A longtime leader of the Southeast’s culinary scene and the visionary behind the Crawford Hospitality brand, Scott Crawford’s award-winning Raleigh, North Carolina-based restaurant group includes Crawford and Son, Jolie, Brodeto, and Sous Terre – and new projects opening in 2024, including Crawford Brothers Steakhouse, a modern American steakhouse, and Crawford’s Genuine, opening in the Raleigh-Durham International Airport. This five-time James Beard Foundation semifinalist for “Best Chef: Southeast” and “Outstanding Hospitality” finalist nominee (for Crawford & Son) boasts decades of achievement. Scott Crawford is committed to introducing inspired restaurants, cultivating a healthy work-life balance in the culinary industry, and mentoring food and beverage professionals. His leadership also extends beyond the kitchen to advocacy and community service; he serves on the Strategic Planning Committee, Development Committee & Board of Directors of Healing Transitions. He introduced and led the Raleigh Chapter of Ben’s Friends – a support group for food and beverage professionals who struggle with substance use disorders and addiction – until 2020. 🖤

👉 Listen to Healing Transitions Executive Director Chris Budnick’s podcast with Scott Crawford as they talk about the hospitality support group, Ben’s Friends: Voices from the Village Podcast

With heartfelt gratitude, we thank our sponsors who made this event possible:
Pinnacle Financial Partners
ACS | August Construction
Monteith Construction
Elm Partners
UNC Health
Atlas Stark
Maurer Architecture
Grubb Ventures
Lenovo
Your support means everything!

10/22/2024

Issue 180 of Triangle Downtowner Magazine has been out on the streets for a couple of weeks, so here's the e-version in case you missed out on getting a physical copy.

In this issue:
• We outline the Ten Year Economic Development Plan from the Downtown Raleigh Alliance and the City of Raleigh - Government on rebuilding downtown
• Lots of great info on the N.C. State Fair for tickets, music, exhibits, and much more
• An interview with Carolina Ballet's Marcelo Martinez as he nears retirement after 17 years with the troupe

Be sure to check out the donated ads for great events coming up:

09/19/2024

Support local Triangle area performing arts!

As members of the Triangle community, we have the opportunity to help foster the creativity and culture that make our region vibrant.

One amazing community organization that deserves our support is Raleigh Little Theatre (RLT), helmed by the performing arts bravura Michele Weathers.

For nearly 90 years, RLT has been a cornerstone of local arts, providing professional-quality productions, enriching educational programs, and accessible experiences for everyone in our community.

Their mission is simple: create and teach through theatre, reaching diverse audiences and encouraging a love for the performing arts. From classic plays and innovative new works to inclusive youth programs, RLT offers something for everyone.

By supporting Raleigh Little Theatre, you're not just helping a local nonprofit – you’re investing in the cultural fabric of Raleigh, promoting creativity, inclusion, and artistic expression for all.

Let’s ensure the arts continue to thrive in the Triangle! Visit their website or check out to view their 2024-25 season performances or to see how you can get involved, https://lnkd.in/eYC-_buG. Every ticket, donation, and post share makes a difference.

Their most recent show, 'Something Rotten," was a tremendously well-written and performed production, worthy of much higher ticket prices – a real-life testament to the value of local community theater. We encourage you to sign up for season tickets, as their shows sell out on a regular basis.

/ Photos courtesy RLT /

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08/30/2024

Moving Red Hat Amphitheater in downtown Raleigh has certainly been a hot topic in recent weeks. Fans and local businesses want to keep this busy and vibrant venue within the confines of downtown proper, while others are opposed, as the move will cause the closure of a small east-west corridor street. Fans love the presence of watching live music close to so many amenities, and Downtown businesses depend on the huge spike in customer traffic before and after shows. Hopefully, the City of Raleigh - Government and Raleigh City Council can come up with a solution that will work. An official vote from City Council is coming up in September. Read more about Red Hat's move in the most recent issue of the Downtowner at www.triangledowntowner.com.

Live Nation Carolinas manages Red Hat as well as Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek, and their band lineup for the rest of the summer and fall has more shows than ever before.

Limited series and individual show packages are available for upcoming shows. Treat your team and clients to a VIP Concert Experience + get a sneak preview of corporate entertainment options for the upcoming ‘25 season.

VIP Box & Club Seating packages include reserved parking, VIP entrance and Club access (with some shows offering live music within the lounge before and after the main stage acts), elevated food & beverage menus, in-seat wait service, exclusive party invites, and more. We've enjoyed many, many shows at both Red Hat and Coastal with VIP, and the pleasure of the upgraded experience really made a big difference.

My go-to guy at Live Nation Entertainment is Evan Frazer, Director of Premium Sales. Reach out to him to learn more, and be sure to mention my name or Triangle Downtowner Magazine for discounted pricing.

Evan Frazer, [email protected]

Below are the remaining shows at Red Hat and Coastal for 2024:

Red Hat Amphitheater - Upcoming Concert Calendar ’24
9/1 Stone Temple Pilots, Live, Soul Asylum
9/3 Jane’s Addiction w/Love & Rockets
9/4 Falling in Reverse, Dance Gavin Dance, Black Veil Brides
9/6 Justin Moore/Randy Houser
9/12 Meghan Trainor w/Paul Russell & Chris Olsen
9/17 Kaleo w/Chance Pena
10/1 Kehlani
10/2 Violent Femmes
10/3 Conan Gray w/Maisie Peters
10/4 Lake Street Dive
10/9 Vampire Weekend
10/13 Ray LaMontagne w/Gregory Alan Isakov
10/15 Stephen Sanchez w/The Paper Kites
10/16 Jungle
10/18 Lainey Wilson
10/19 Becky G
10/20 Judah & the Lion w/Abe Parker
10/26 Chase Atlantic

Coastal Music Park
9/6 Boyz II Men w/Robin Thicke
9/7 Megadeth w/Mudvayne, All That Remains
9/13 Hootie & the Blowfish w/Collective Soul, Edwin McCain
9/18 Creed w/3 Doors Down, Finger Eleven
9/21 Staind w/Breaking Benjamin, Daughtry
9/28 My Morning Jacket/Nathanial Rateliff & The Night Sweats
10/5 Post Malone
10/10 Kidz Bop Kids
10/26 Whiskey Myers w/JJ Grey & Mofro

08/30/2024

Issue 179 is out on the streets and online. Learn more about the potential future of Red Hat Amphitheater (and how you can contact Raleigh's City Council to give them your opinion), all the great upcoming outdoor events at the North Carolina Museum of Art, and how the local fashionistas at Sai Sei are keeping it sustainable.

Read the full issue here: www.triangledowntowner.com

08/29/2024

Join us for a Fall Arts Fair on Saturday, Oct 5 at Fred Fletcher Park. with over 60 local artist vendors, food trucks, live music, hands-on activities, and demonstrations by arts center teaching artists. More details below.

Brought to you by the folks at Raleigh Arts!

🍂 Save the date! The Fall Arts Fair returns this October!

Hosted by Pullen and Sertoma Arts Centers, the Fall Arts Fair showcases the work of jewelers, potters, painters, printmakers, bookmakers, glass artists, fiber artists, and others who participate year-round in the center’s programs.

Get an early start on your holiday shopping and enjoy a fun-filled day at Fred Fletcher Park featuring over 60 local artist vendors, food trucks, live music, hands-on activities, and demonstrations by arts center teaching artists.

🗓 Date: Saturday, October 5
⏰ Time: 10 am- 5 pm
👉 Cost: FREE and open to the public

Parking: Enter at Washington St. & Glenwood Ave. or St. Mary’s St. & Nichols Dr. Street parking is available on Washington St.

🐿️ Illustration by: Sarahlaine Calva

Check out the full schedule and event details: https://bit.ly/3YJO2jb

08/26/2024

Join us at City Club Raleigh for the Literary Connections Local Author Panel tomorrow, Tuesday, Aug 27, 2024, 4:30pm to 7pm. Our publisher Crash Gregg will be moderating a panel of amazing local authors who will discuss their books, the publishing process, and more. Open to both City Club members and non-members.

Authors:
Liza Weidle, Carmen Wimberley Cauthen, John Samuel, Tim Brown, and Holly Richard

Panel discussion, audience Q&A, book purchase/signing. Open to both City Club non-members and members.

Guest tickets:
https://lnkd.in/euDTkcRu

City Club member signup:
https://lnkd.in/eSPNzyqR

07/13/2024

Issue 178 has hit the streets! Visit Oak City Customs with us to learn more about their mission of Tree to Table, read more about Jack the Radio's new album drop and their beer collab with Trophy Brewing Company, and plan your visit to the sunflower field at Dorothea Dix Park.

Pick up your issue throughout the Triangle or read online at www.triangledowntowner.com.

06/26/2024

The Inter-Faith Food Shuttle farm stand is open to the public! Stop by to check out all the fresh produce at 2300 Dover Farm Road in Raleigh. M-F 9am to 3pm. Proceeds support their food delivery services.

06/15/2024

Last weekend's Roots For Reece Chef's Picnic at Farms was a huge success. Local chefs, breweries, and purveyors all working together to help raise funds for the North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition to aid in the fight against the growing op**te epidemic here in NC.

You can read more about how Roots for Reece came to be at https://www.triangledowntowner.com/2024/05/27/494281/a-culinary-crusade-against-addictions-cruel-grip

Many thanks to the chefs and local businesses who made it all possible, including:
Longleaf Swine BBQ
The Umstead Hotel and Spa
Postal Fish Company
Southern Smoke BBQ of NC
Under The Oak Catering
Locals Seafood
Bodega Tapas, Wine and Rum
The Willard Rooftop Lounge
Julep Contemporary Kitchen
Elevated Catering
Layered Croissanterie
Native Fine Diner
ORO Restaurant & Lounge
Lawrence Barbecue / Leroy's Taco Shop
Lakewood Social
Young Hearts Distilling
William & Company
Revival 1869 - A Drinkery
Trophy Brewing Company
Umbrella Dry Bar
Deep River Brewing Company
SweetWater Ices
and many more!

Group photo by Stacey Sprenz www.instagram.com/ssprenzphoto

06/06/2024

Sunday Funday for good! Delicious food and drink + local celeb chefs + farm life = a great day for a great cause! This Sunday, come join us at the 6th Annual Roots For Reece fundraiser for addiction prevention and treatment.

Click the image below to read more about this great event and those it helps and pick up your tickets before they sell out:

At Roots for Reece, the ingredients for a great culinary afternoon are love, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to saving lives