Warm weather has spread across the Carolinas and spring is in the air, which in Charlotte means its time to kick-start the weekend in style with the Queen City summertime tradition – Alive After Five.
Celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year, Alive After Five presented by AT&T returns to uptown Charlotte on Thursday, April 7 at 5 p.m. at Wachovia Plaza, 301 South Tryon Street. The 2011 season kicks off with a performance on the Bud Light Stage by one of Alive After Five’s all-time most popular bands, Liquid Pleasure. The six-piece North Carolina-based band has nearly 30 years of experience cranking out everything from R&B, Motown and funk to oldies, disco and modern dance classics.
Wachovia Plaza will host Alive After Five each Thursday during the month of April. The venue was home to Alive After Five for its first eight seasons. Beginning May 5 (Cinco de Mayo), the scene shifts to the Bud Light Pavilion at EpiCentre, 210 E Trade Street, where Alive After Five will continue every Thursday through September 15.
When AA5 returns to EpiCentre, guests will notice significant enhancements to Pavilion, including the addition of greenery, cherry trees, permanent water features, welcoming shaded areas and relaxing seating. A new Beer Garden is also on tap for Pavilion, which will serve import, specialty and craft beers during Alive After Five.
Weather won’t dampen Thursday afternoons at Pavilion in 2011 with the implementation of a new When it Rains, We Pour promotion. Pavilion has purchased two huge tents to keep guests sheltered from the elements during summer showers, so when it rains, Alive After Five will pour with drink specials, including discounted beer prices any time there is inclement weather during Alive After Five.
There will also be added dining elements once Alive After Five returns to Pavilion in May. Each Thursday during the Alive After Five EpiCentre season, all restaurants at the popular entertainment destination will offer special $20 menus, allowing guests to enjoy multi-course feasts at their favorite EpiCentre eateries. All restaurants at EpiCentre will also offer complimentary passed hors d’oeuvres during Alive After Five the first Thursday of every month from May through September.
Other special themed nights are also in the works for Alive After Five, as is a new Business of the Week program, which will reward one business each week with complimentary VIP access and drink tickets. Details on these and other special events will be posted on AliveAfterFives.com as they become available.
“We are extremely grateful for the Charlotte community,” said Larry Farber of East Coast Entertainment. “Alive After Five would not be celebrating 10 wonderful years in uptown without their support. We are excited to celebrate with an opening month at Wachovia Plaza and for all the new additions to Alive After Five at Pavilion this year.”
Alive After Five is how Charlotte kick-starts the weekend in style! As the city’s largest weekly happy hour and free entertainment celebration, Alive After Five provides a destination for friends and co-workers to gather and unwind, while enjoying great live music, tasty beverages, including a variety of local and specialty wines, all in a fun, casual environment. With its prominent location, close to other great restaurants, bars and shopping, Alive After Five is the launching pad for Charlotte’s nightlife and entertainment.
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