CHARLOTTE, N.C. — From 1973 to 2017, the Double Door Inn was one of the legendary music spots in the Charlotte. A place so rich in history.... that sadly no longer exists. On Monday, we were joined by Director of Jazz music from The Bechtler Museum, Ziad Rabie and author/writer Stephen Copeland.
Opened in 1973, The Double Door Inn, was one of the country’s oldest and arguably finest music venues that permanently closed the doors on January 2, 2017. That closure, leaving one less home in Charlotte, for touring and local acts specializing in blues, country, jazz, rock, and zydeco.
“When Nick Karres opened up the Double Door back in 1973, he always knew he wanted it to stand out from the crowd and provide a one-of-a-kind music experience” says Rabie. The Double Door Inn had so much character. When you entered the lobby you would see all the pictures on the wall of artist that played the venue. People like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton, Junior Walker and The Avett Brothers have all graced the Carolinas with their Sound at The Double Door Inn. The beauty of a rock club was in its grimy, well-worn character. At the Double Door, the creaky, beer-stained floorboards, the walls adorned in posters, the chairs covered in band stickers, and the portraits of artists who once performed there, are now just memories.
Now the book, “In the House of Rising Sounds” seeks to reclaim and retell the rich history of the Double Door Inn. “The place was always the spot to go to in Charlotte for music: the Double Door Inn brought people together.” says Copeland. “Playing the Double Door Inn was a pleasure and so much fun” says Rabie. He adds “I learn so much about music and grew as a saxophonist.“
The arrival of The Underground at NC Music Factory, Middle C Jazz, The Knights Theatre, Spectrum Arena, PNC Music Pavilion help pick up some of the slack for mid-level touring bands and A list artist. Music in Charlotte is alive and well thanks to The Double Door Inn. For more information and where you can purchase “In the House of Rising Sounds” visit Amazon.com and Park Road Bookstore.