John Adam Wickliffe

Calm falls, booming music brings diversity to the evening

As dusk settles on the city, the streets begin to come alive.

At North and Main Streets, Main Street Jazz inaugurates the evening. The beats from True Blues resonate through the soul of northern downtown.

At 6:30 p.m., Cindy and Hal Hammond are standing next to a beer stand in front of the Blue Ridge Brewing Company sipping their beverages and enjoying the music.

“It’s Friday afternoon and this gives us an opportunity to relax, socialize and enjoy some really good music,” Hal says.

While their schedule is wide open for the remainder of the evening, Hal says they will probably end up in the West End to see an art show, dining somewhere along the way.

There are a lot of opportunities tonight for quality nightlife. Cindy says what makes Greenville is the atmosphere.

“There are nice shops, it’s really updated and there’s a lot going on,” she says.

The music fades as one walks down Main Street toward Falls Park. Around 7:05, Sean McElveen is taking a small hike up the steps near Art Crossing.

“I’m going to a little get-together for a friend who is heading to law school,” he says.
Tonight, he might end up at a number of places, including Chicora Alley, Connolly’s and Barley’s TapRoom.

He’s certain about one stop.

“I always end up at Wild Wing, especially when the ’80s cover band is playing,” he says. “If you want something good to eat and everyone likes hot wings, you have to go there.”

A few minutes later, a cool fan blows down on a group at Oysters on the West End.

Several are discussing the virtues of Pabst Blue Ribbon.

Ray Henry is standing at the bar sipping a beer, but thinking of what’s ahead for the night.

“We’re going to a couple of other bars and have some drinks at various places,” he says. “(Greenville) is a compact area where there are a lot of bars, so it makes it very nice and easy to migrate from one place to another. You can park once and not have to drive to other places.”

At 8:42, the group packs up and moves to its next stop at Connolly’s.

A few minutes later, the Upstate Shakespeare Festival’s production of “As You Like It” is wrapping up production for the evening and the Liberty Bridge is packed with those seeking solace after a busy day. In the distance, a guitarist strums his guitar gently.

Beyond the calm of the river, the hustle of traffic and chatter along the sidewalk bring a glow to Main Street.

Those who walk the streets come in all varieties; some in T-shirts and shorts, other dressed to impress in their Sunday best. Close to 10 p.m., the night is still young as Robert Sweetman works outside Blu Martini awaiting the late-evening rush at the posh club.

Few are roaming the sidewalks this far up Main Street, but that’s about to change.

“Right now we’ve got a good group of 20-30 people down there,” he says. “As the night goes it will be increasingly more busy. We should get our pop here in about 30 minutes, maybe an hour, and then it’ll be busy the rest of the night.”

What is a Jellicle Cat?

The answer to that curious question was found in the 25th anniversary tour of “Cats” playing this weekend at the Peace Center.

In what began with eerily green eyes pouncing about the aisles in the prelude to a powerful rendition of “Memory” in the second act, “Cats” kept the audience interested, but underwhelmed.

“Cats,” based on “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” by T.S. Eliot and powered by the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, follows a troupe of cats and the quest of one older cat in particular, Grizabella, played by Anissa Hartline, who has lost the sparkle of her youth and now merely wants to be accepted by the others.

Friday’s production, while staying true to its intent to be an enjoyable musical, kept the cat in the bag as far as truly being an immersive experience.

A number of audio glitches, including inaudible performers because of microphones not being turned on at times, distracted from the overall impact of the musical and detracted from the otherwise excellent performance of the actors.

What was most understated to some audience members was the lack of enveloping audio. While Peace Center performances typically immerse the spectators in aural bliss, the melody that should have carried not only the story but the emotional response just wasn’t there.

The most notable performance of the evening was from Christopher Sidoli, who played Asparagus — a once famous actor who is now washed up and “palsy makes his paws shake.”

The character, costumed in what could have been easily mistaken for a kitty pinata, remembers how he once played the infamous Growltiger. He impactfully relates the story of a pirate’s romance with Griddlebone, played by Anissa Hartline, while the pair captured the audience with their vocals.

The audience finally got involved in the production with the introduction of Mr. Mistoffelees, a young tomcat reminiscent of the Cat in the Hat, who possesses magical abilities including the ability to create flash explosions.

A second, much more powerful rendition of “Memory” in the second act by Grizabella and Sillabub, performed by Samantha Shafer, continued to uplift the audience’s spirits and carried the performance to its finale.

“Cats” continues at the Peace Center for the Performing Arts through Sunday. For tickets, contact the Peace Center box office at 467-3000 or at peacecenter.org.

Indie java joint brings coffee, conversation to downtown

At the corner of Coffee and Main streets in downtown Greenville, the light tunes of R.E.M. are heard strumming outside an underground walkway.

“Monopoly, 21, checkers and chess, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,” the song chants as it welcomes the early evening crowd to Coffee Underground to not only play some games with friends but enjoy a well-brewed cup of java.

Stepping into this venerable Greenville establishment brings the scents and sounds that most coffee aficionados are accustomed to — the rich aroma of coffee beans, the intricate workings of the espresso machines and a warm, welcoming glow from soft, nautical-style lighting. One may describe it almost as a little cave, albeit a dimly lit cave.

Dana Lawie, one of the three original owners of Coffee Underground, who has been with the shop for more than 12 years, says the most special thing about this business is the welcoming atmosphere.

“It’s a very comfortable place,” she says. “It’s intimate, and you can use it for any purpose — we have business meetings and people getting engaged. And sometimes people breaking up.”

“But more love than the other,” she adds.

Quinn Peterson, one of the baristas at Coffee Underground, agrees.

“I enjoy the atmosphere and getting to know the people who work here,” he says. “I like coffee, too.”

“I like working here because I feel like I’m connected to this place,” barista Casey Tulk adds. “It’s really laid-back and artistic. People can come here and feel comfortable because we accept everyone.”

There are plenty of ways Greenvillians can find their connection to Coffee Underground. On any given night, you can listen to spoken-word poetry, view an independent or foreign film, or hear a singer-songwriter in the AcousticSeen intimate listening room.

Besides the culture and conversation, the main attraction of Coffee Underground, like all coffee shops, is the coffee itself and the expertise with which the baristas make their concoctions. One of the most important aspects of building the perfect beverage isn’t just in the technical details, however.

“Our boss would rather you throw away a latte than make one without heart,” Tulk says. “If you don’t put any thought or concern into it or you’re in a bad mood, you shouldn’t make a latte. If you’re in a good mood and you put thought and care into it, it’s going to be a good one.”

Two of the more popular beverages are turtle mochas — dark chocolate combined with caramel, espresso and steamed milk — and frog lattes — white chocolate mixed with caramel, espresso and steamed milk.

Lawie is especially adamant about the independence of Coffee Underground, evidenced by its affiliation with the Greenville Independent Business Association and the various signs and brochures near the registers.

Buying from an independent brings a sense of personal ownership in the establishment.

“I think that the chains can have a generic personality, and in a local establishment, you see a reflection of the people who own it and work there more,” she says. “It’s just more original and personable — you know who you’re purchasing from, you know so much about the people, you form a relationship.”

She minces no words saying that “there should be no national chains on Main Street. They should be on side streets.”

Coffee shops, local and national, may come and go, but some Greenvillians have grown up with Coffee Underground. In a way it has greatly affected their lives.

Sipping on a hot chocolate, Katie Hughes remembers coming to Coffee Underground in years past.

“I’m in college now, and this is what I miss,” she says.

Sitting next to her, Cody Oliver, who has been coming to this place at least four or five years, notes the relaxed setting as a reason to return.

“There are so many different people here. You come here and touch on a different topic every time,” he says. “It’s like a little unplugged scene — just people going out and playing guitar. Sometimes they even do poetry.”

In light of shops and restaurants closing downtown, Coffee Underground patrons feel a deep connection to this place, especially young people who have fewer alternatives and want to see the locale remain a cornerstone of downtown Greenville life.

“A lot of people would be really upset if this place ever shut down, just because people grew up here,” Hughes says. “If you’re not 21, you can’t go to the bars downtown, so this is where everyone goes.”

Coffee Underground is at 1 E. Coffee St. in downtown Greenville. It is open 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 7 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Thursday, 7-12:30 a.m. Friday, 8-12:30 a.m. Saturday and 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday. It offers live music, open mic poetry and movies, and provides outdoor seating on warmer days.

Proprietor Scott Giuffre describes Greenville’s Gypsy G’s Roadhouse as “a bar made up of misfits,” but he certainly is not referring to any elves named Hermey.

The colorful locale, positioned directly above the Pickin’ Parlor, has walls covered with photos, string lights and mirrors. The hardwood floor is reminiscent of an inviting home and is a contrast to the usual dingy carpet or cold concrete standard at some dive bars.

One item that is constant at Gypsy G’s, however, is a different independent band almost every night.

“Every night of the week, you don’t know what to expect from the crowd or the bands,” says G. Thomas Jones while downing a Pabst Blue Ribbon.

“I think Gypsy G’s is on the level (former New York, now Las Vegas music club) CBGB’s was years ago. It’s not like anywhere downtown.”

Lifelong Greenville resident Bradley Stewart echoes this sentiment.

“There are different bands here that I would not normally see here (in Greenville),” he says. “Every place else plays the same old cover bands or jam bands. Most of the people in Greenville don’t really care about hearing new music or anything that’s different than the basic concept of music.”

He comes to Gypsy G’s “for the people who work at the bar. They treat you like a real person.”

A lot of people, including Billie Cope who was alternating playing pool with Brandon Sloan and sipping on a vodka tonic, come for another reason, too.

“Cheap drinks,” he said.

It’s a potent combination that draws a constant crowd looking for bargain beverages and beatnik bands.

Tonight’s band is Cold Hands out of Knoxville, and while the levels are a bit high, the energy in the decently-sized crowd — clad in everything from casual formal to grunge — is as diverse as the audience.

On the clientele that Gypsy G’s caters to, Giuffre says it is certainly “a wide variety of people. We have some older folks, some skate punks, some regular crowd, neighborhood bar-types and a lot of service industry people.”

But the music remains a focus of the venue.

“We’re starting to have an influx of bands that are on independent labels that travel around,” he says.

“We are not focusing on bands that are already established. My goal when I opened up the place is to be the CBGB’s of Greenville.”

Giuffre added that “we’re providing a stage for people who might not otherwise have a stage.”

And because music is a focus of the scene, the stage itself provides a very intimate music experience.

Anyone who wants to be up-close and personal with the band can get as close as they want to a smallish stage elevated about a foot off the main floor.

“We have a variety of acoustic duos and acoustic singles doing original material, and old-time country to just indie-rock. We do heavy rock and heavy metal showcases, too,” he says.

Giuffre’s not only the proprietor of the place, but brings authority on the focus because he is a musician himself.

“Gypsy G’s is run by a local musician, so I think he has a different perspective than most bar owners,” says regular Michael Merck.

“The diversity and local variation he has in local music is something different than other bars downtown.”

Sitting on the outskirts of the main city center, Gypsy G’s “is on the outer perimeter and that’s attractive to a lot of people,” he continues.

“Downtown has become very cookie-cutter, and this is kind of a misfit-toys section.”

“We’re not trying to be happening,” Guiffre says.

“We’d rather know everybody and everybody knows us. People come in and we ask them their names, and we want to have a nice friendly environment for people to come in and have a good time.”

Gypsy G’s Roadhouse is located at 520 Rutherford Road in Greenville. It is open 6 p.m.-1 a.m. Wednesday to Sunday; happy hour is daily 6-8 p.m.; and entertainment options include pool, karaoke, live music, darts and dance floor. Regulars say to check out the chili dogs or Scott’s homemade tacos.

Patrons enjoy drinks, food, comaraderie

Rob Searfoss doesn’t often come into Chiefs Wings and Firewater, but tonight, after his Hillcrest lost a disappointing 41-18 contest with Boiling Springs, he needed something to eat.

It was 11 p.m., and most kitchens in the Upstate are closed at this late hour.

But at Chiefs, it’s Service Industry Night, and after the Monday night football has punted the last fan from the bar stools, the weary crew that served you all night gets some rest of its own.

Searfoss says he “came out here to have a drink before I go home and contemplate the loss.”

While munching on some Chiefs’ Chips, he says what draws him is the atmosphere.

“There’s always something going on, whether it’s sports, karaoke or live music,” he says.

From the outside, Chiefs’ year-old location on Congaree Road looks like any other wings bar. But one step into the place and one is surrounded by a number of options in this spacious bar — pool tables, televisions everywhere, and a dance floor that makes the spot almost a mini dance club.

Homey wood paneling stretching far overhead in the vaulted ceiling makes Chiefs feel like home to regulars and non-regulars alike. The glow of the bar is complemented above by a number of televisions. Tonight, most are tuned to the football game, but a few have figure skating on — a respite for the more tender sports fans amongst the clientele.

On the far right side of the bar is something one would not expect. As pulse-pounding techno music blasts through, colorful lights keep up the pace on the dance floor. Friday and Saturday DJ dance parties keep this place humming when what’s on the tube might not.

General manager Nathan Hall says the Chiefs name comes from an owner’s family trip to Tucson, Ariz., where they shared recipes and inspiration for the Southern flavor that the place has provided for years.

Sean Patrick Gallagher, who has been a bartender at Chiefs for seven months, thinks what keeps the place unique is the atmosphere, regulars and the staff. This full-time student says he’ll serve close to 200 service industry personnel tonight and finds solace in their commonality.

“The people know each other because we all work in the same industry,” he says. “It’s about the only time we have to hang out with each other after work.”

Sitting a barstool over, John Cabrera found the best place to take some time to relax was the very place he works. Cabrera, a Chiefs bartender on his day off, says people enjoy service industry night because of “the camaraderie of people who also serve and know how you feel, so they treat you right.”

“It’s a family atmosphere where you can get a beer, have a good time and BS with everyone who works here,” he says.

Watching guard over patrons’ drinks like a trained soldier, bartender Meghan Garrett never lets any of the clientele have to wait for their drink. She spends a good chunk of the night pacing the way, keeping a keen eye out for empty glasses.

She says that’s what sets Chiefs apart.

“We’ve got personality,” she said. “We’re all happy and chipper here.”

“It’s like ‘Friends,’ because everybody here is friends. You come in, we learn your name and we know your name forever.”

One group that comes to Chiefs on a regular basis is a group of servers and employees of the local Outback Steakhouse.

Server Gina VanKirk, who has been with the company for 61/2 years and 14 months at the Greenville location, says it’s nice to have some role reversal after a hard day’s work.

“We can dance and cut up and blow off some stress,” she says. “Because of the kind of work we do, we like to have someone else take care of us for a little while .”

Chiefs Wings and Firewater is located at 723 Congaree Road in Greenville. It is open 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Monday to Friday and 11 a.m. to midnight Saturday. Call 288-4177.

Karaoke provides the music, patrons provide community

Chris Cole describes Dougal Maguire’s Irish Pub as a “quiet, low-key bar,” reminiscent of the pubs in Ireland where it’s not a place to down some brew, but one to socialize and catch up with neighbors.

This neighborly feeling is instilled the moment the doors open, as patrons are greeted with authentic Irish tunes. Cole, who visits Dougal Maguire’s three or four times a month, said this feeling is different than what he sees with other area Irish bars.

“This is definitely a lot more intimate,” he says. “You can speak to each other here.”

The interior of Dougal Maguire’s might surprise newcomers who have only seen its rather plain building from the outside. An inviting bar area greets patrons the moment they walk through the door (regulars come through the back door, though). Irish banners are strewn throughout with various window boxes decorating the walls.

This lazy Thursday afternoon finds a number of patrons sipping an assortment of Irish beers, from Smithwick’s to a pint of Guinness that bartender Erin Lord recently poured, adding a cloverleaf pattern to the head.

“We get a lot of different kinds of people in here,” she says. “Everybody who comes in here is really great, especially the regulars. They appreciate the staff, the atmosphere and the fact they can get a good meal and good beer.”

The character of Dougal Maguire’s is different from other Upstate bars, Lord says, noting, “It’s more of a European feel, as far as the pub goes.”

Liz Forbes of Taylors was visiting Dougal Maguire’s for the first time, even though she has worked within walking distance for the past 13 years. While she has been to other Irish bars, Forbes says the wait and bar staff are “a lot more friendly than other places.” Before her is a pint of Smithwick’s and a staple of Irish bar food — the shepherd’s pie.

A few hours later, the bar will be teeming with those looking for the featured event of the evening — karaoke. Every Thursday night, Sam Brooks of Greer brings his Life of the Party DJ Sound and Music to Dougal Maguire’s, but karaoke is more fun than serious.

Stuart P. Foster of Jacksonville, Fla., sips a Woodchuck Cider while waiting for karaoke night to begin. He says what he enjoys most about karaoke is its entertainment and social value.

“Everybody gets to have a good time,” he says.

Brooks has been doing karaoke at Dougal Maguire’s for eight months and “enjoys watching people sing and have a good time.”

“You don’t necessarily have to be a good singer to do karaoke,” he says. But as the night went on, it was evident that a few can actually carry a tune quite capably, as some tried their best on country and pop hits.

A recent upstairs addition to Dougal Maguire’s called The Attic presents a more sports-bar-like atmosphere, with a number of pool tables and televisions about. It’s a darker, smokier area, contrasted to the warmer downstairs.

Dougal Maguire’s Irish Pub is located at 1565 Laurens Road in Greenville. It’s open 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Tuesday to Sunday. Entertainment options include live music, pool and karaoke.

Local music venue provides diverse mix of music, dance

Chelsea Moultrop and John Lacourse are attending their first swing night, but take a breather off the cool dance floor to watch the 20-25 couples cutting a rug Monday night.

“I wanted to learn swing dance for a while so I brought him along,” Moultrop says.

Lacourse mentioned the uniqueness of having an opportunity to swing dance, calling it “something new, something different.”

“It’s a good place for people to come out, meet new people and hang out,” Moultrop says of The Handlebar, where she circled the dance floor.

Bartender Jessica Meredith says The Handlebar is good for Greenville.

“We’re a music venue that serves alcohol, but people who come here, come here for a specific reason,” she said.

That specific reason most nights is top musical talent that graces the homey bar area, or rocks out the spacious back room. Tonight, however, the jumping and jiving in the back room comes from the weekly swing night.

Lisa Bulman has been attending swing night for about four or five months, and consistently for the past three, and her experience on the dance floor means “I could take on most of the guys here,” she says.

“There are three or four I would not be comfortable if they asked me to dance,” she says, pointing out some of the more skilled dancers out there, including one she referred to as “The Snake.”

“When he moves it’s like pure liquid,” she says. “He’s a great lead.”

Some of the dance steps on the floor tonight include the Lindy Hop, Six Step, Cuddle and Overarm, UnderArm Swing.

The one thing that is very evident when entering the dimly-lit room with giant rolling dice overhead is the expertise that almost everyone on the dance floor possesses. While natural ability could be the reason, it might also be because each swing night begins with basic swing lessons for those who are less-than-perfect dancers.

The Handlebar’s musical legacy is manifested on the walls — banners of upcoming shows, posters from previous shows and paintings of musical lore. An oil painting of the Man in Black, Johnny Cash, graces the pea green walls. Alongside, a huge guitar signed by musical legends and paintings of Paul McCartney, George Harrison and John Lennon.

But this musical history of The Handlebar continues most night through the acts, large and small, that grace its stages. Tonight’s act is Klarc Nova, and the notes resonate through the bar area to the vaulted ceiling. This is just a sampling of what regulars have come to expect from this place.

The Handlebar: A Listening Room is located at 304 E. Stone Ave. in Greenville. It is open 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Monday to Friday and 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturday. Outdoor seating is available and smoking is allowed in the bar and lobby areas.

Find out the answer at trivia night at the Nu-Way

It wasn’t a requirement Monday night to don a propeller beanie to score big time in trivia at the Nu-Way Restaurant and Lounge in Spartanburg.

Leslie Braxton, a resident of Spartanburg and a bartender at the Nu-Way, says trivia night has increased in popularity during the eight months the Sparkle City institution has been holding the event.

Trivia night “is definitely entertaining and very hilarious,” she said, adding that trivia host Donnie Patterson’s questions “go from Adult Swim to microbiology to whatever.”

The evening’s activities are the brainchild of Patterson and his roommate, Nu-Way owner Becky Hammond, during a trip to the Waffle House on New Year’s Day this year. The Nu-Way provided the equipment and Patterson provides the questions and entertainment for an hour and a half of questions that run the gamut from world politics to local celebrities.

While trivia is certainly a serious endeavor for some, “you definitely have to have a good sense of humor,” Braxton says. The questions “differ from week to week. I don’t know where he comes up with these questions.”

Patterson knows, with a slight knock on his head.

“I guess I never realized it, but I have a real random education as a biology and French major,” he says. He also draws from his background with microbiology and experience as a theater professor.

“A lot of stuff comes from my head, but I’m not a lot into sports, so I click onto Yahoo,” he says.

Enjoying the festivities in the slightly smoky tavern, the trio of Erica Brown, Melissa Pennington and Scott Quinn ponder the Irish author of “Dracula.”

And they’re there for more than just the trivia.

“We come to get dinner and hang out,” Quinn says. “We stay ’til 9 and then go home, get ready for work in the morning and do it all over again. We come here anyways as it’s our regular place. Trivia is just a bonus.”

Like a number of regulars, Pennington noted the variety of people who frequent Nu-Way.

Nu-Way has “a diverse crowd, cheap drinks and good music on Friday night,” she says, making sure to emphasize the dollar Bud Light and Budweiser specials on Mondays.

“You know the people here — the wait staff and the customers are your friends,” Quinn adds.

By the way, the “Dracula” question wasn’t a stumper — they quickly answered “Bram Stoker” and picked up some points.

However, it wasn’t enough points to overcome the lead of Matt Cathey, Meghan Cathey and Andrew Molinaro, who have been attending trivia night religiously since May.

On this night they took first prize: a $30 bar tab.

But to them, the prize was secondary because the entertainment value alone was enough to make it worth the while.

“Donnie brings so much humor to the game,” Matt Cathey says. “We went and played trivia elsewhere in town, and needless to say, the hosts were less than favorable — we did not return. In fact, we left early because it was just that boring.”

Patterson “brings it to a whole ‘nother level,” he adds.

Shuffling a deck of Uno cards, Meghan Cathey described Nu-Way as “the best place to just sit and hang out.”

Certainly you could just hang out at Nu-Way and chat with your friends. Molinaro noted that the bar “is not overly loud — I like that — you can have a conversation.”

On this night, the bar was eerily quiet despite the packed house — everyone was focused on trivia.

Part of the ambience is the musical selection Patterson plays during the evening.

“I bring my CDs in here and I try to play local artists,” he says. “I just try to play a lot of different stuff — whatever makes me happy.”

Nu-Way isn’t a college bar, nor is it a bar for the older crowd. Everyone there used the same word to describe it: diverse.

“We get everybody out here — people I went to college with all the way down,” Patterson noted. “Everybody has stories about this place. The proudest thing is that anybody can come in here, grab a beer and grab a cheeseburger.”

Nu-Way has been under its current ownership since January 2005, and to the relief of its patrons, nothing has changed.

“Nu-Way rocks because everybody feels comfortable in here,” owner Becky Hammond says. “It hasn’t changed in 60 years. It’s consistent and fun.”

She worked at the bar for four years before becoming owner and describes it as “your quintessential neighborhood bar.”

Regulars are, as Hammond notes, “our heart and soul” and certainly a major part of the Nu-Way fabric that began long ago as a hot dog and beer joint that notably sold Pabst Blue Ribbon and continues to do so today.

Nu-Way Restaurant and Lounge is at 373 E. Kennedy St. in Spartanburg. It’s open 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Monday to Friday and 11 a.m.-midnight Saturday. In addition to Monday night trivia, the bar has live music on Tuesday and Friday as well as a jukebox. Those looking to quench their thirst will find as many as 30 varieties of beers available on any given night and three on tap.

Football on the screens, The Big Easy on fans’ minds

Most people dread Mondays — the end of the weekend and the beginning of that long punishing stretch known as the workweek. However, some have found a respite from the doldrums of the first day of the week.

These people are definitely ready for some football.

Bailey’s Sports Grille on Laurens Road in Greenville has become a headquarters for those seeking pigskin bliss. It features a number of large-screen projection TVs, as well as smaller monitors connected to various sporting events. Tonight, the main event is Monday Night Football.

But it’s not just any MNF game, this one is special because it’s the first game played in the Louisiana Superdome since Hurricane Katrina ravaged the facility in 2005.
“Even the Atlanta guys are pulling for the Saints,” says Myles Burton of Boca Raton, Fla., noting the fervor for the home team that became America’s team in the wake of the storm.

The Falcons are taking a pounding by New Orleans this night, eventually losing 23-3, but the fans at Bailey’s don’t care. They are there to watch a great game, play some pool and have a good time.

The restaurant is a haven for sports fans — walls adorned with posters and pennants of sports greats and local favorites with television screens surrounding the crowd.

Eugene Converse, Bailey’s manager, says the crowd there varies.

“We’re a Steelers bar and a Browns bar,” he says, noting the influx of fans from other states. “It really depends on who’s playing.”

Tonight, he estimates more than 200 fans will pass through the doors, some 60 to 70 percent will play Bailey’s Monday Night Bingo, a game that uses football plays rather than numbers to create winning lines.

“A lot of people seem to like it,” Converse says. “It makes them stay the entire game.”

Robert Buntin keeps his bingo card up-to-date while sipping a beer and keeping tabs on the Falcons’ chances.

“They’re not bad tonight, considering Vick’s playing and the Saints are going to kick the ball a lot. I should get some good stuff.”

By the first quarter, the marks on his card aren’t indicative of a win.

Before fantasy leagues became popular, Buntin wasn’t a big fan of professional football.

“I had zero interest in pro football until fantasy football came around,” he says, “so that’s why I watch it now.”

Some fans come to Bailey’s with a certain outcome in mind. For Casey Cothern, a Falcons win would have been nice. Cothern, dressed in a red Falcons jersey, and Lorin Hair have been watching Monday Night Football at Bailey’s for the past three weeks.

The big difference between watching football at home and watching at Bailey’s is the crowd, Hair says. “Everybody gets into it. When somebody scores, everybody’s in on the game.”

A number of transplants have made Bailey’s their football home away from home. Rob Searfoss and John Cabrera, both originally from Marlboro County, enjoy the opportunities of Upstate nightlife.

“There are plenty of things to do. You can actually go to a bar and have people there with teeth,” Searfoss jokes.

Searfoss says the pair plan on making Bailey’s a weekly tradition to “blow off a little steam, play a little pool, drink a little beer and play some bingo.”

Meghann Otto, a native of Houston, isn’t watching the game, but she’s a big fan of the pool tables.

Football isn’t really her game, she says, but “I do like baseball.”

Mauldin’s Cashual Lynch has made his first venture to Bailey’s for Monday Night Football, although he’s been there for other sporting events in the past.

“I enjoy all the monitors all around and the pool tables,” he says.

And this game is significant, he says. “It’s extremely special, considering the hopes … rebuilding the confidence in the area and drawing people back to New Orleans. It’s about bringing the excitement back to the city.”

And for some, like Ron Cibulskis, going to Bailey’s means finding a good meal — the football game is just a bonus.

He has “no refrigerator, no food and no furniture” because of a recent move to Salem, “so I came out here to get some dinner.”

He enjoys the game with a pint of Killians, his favorite beer, but keeps in mind the same thing that many at Bailey’s have said about tonight’s game.

“I just hope when they play football, they don’t forget about all the people who are still displaced and still don’t have homes,” he says. “Back to normal for football is one thing, but back to normal for the people there is different.”

Frankie J proving to be a force in R&B arena

Following the 2005 release of “The One,” Francisco Javier Bautista, better known in the urban music world as Frankie J, is ready to hone a soulful, urban sound in the upcoming album “Priceless,” which will be released Oct. 17.

He spent the day in Greenville Tuesday to promote the album.

The 28-year-old R&B star’s musical roots began at a very young age.

“As a kid, I’ve always loved music since I was this tall,” he says, motioning about three feet from the ground.

“Music does run in my family. I would always just get in front of the family and perform, so as a kid it was already in me.”

Before going solo, Frankie J was the lead vocalist of the Corpus Christi-based Kumbia Kings, a band led by the brother of Tejana legend, Selena. With ambitions toward the American pop?music market, Frankie J departed the Kings in 2002.

Three years later, he had a No. 3 hit single on the Billboard 100 with, “Obsession.”

“In the beginning, it was more like I wanted to write and produce my own songs and I finally got the chance to do that,” he says.

A defining feature of “The One” and especially evident on “Priceless” is the collaborative effect of working with top talent in the urban music arena. While Frankie J wrote all the songs on the latter album, he collaborated with Chamillionaire, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Slim of 112, and production by Mannie Fresh, Bryan Michael Cox and StarGate.

“I just wanted to work with people who were going to help me out on this next album, and we’re going to add a different side of Frankie J for the third album,” he said.

Frankie J’s third album has “more of an urban feel, more of that R&B soulful sound, along with the pop sound still staying true to what I am.”

The urban artist credits his label for the freedom of creativity and individuality he enjoys.

“Nowadays, labels are being more lenient in allowing artists to do what they do best and not to be controlled,” he says, “I think Columbia has really helped me out in that way.”

“Getting to know me as an artist and an individual at the same time is very important for labels to do now with their artists because at the end of the day you know yourself best, you know what you can do, you know what you’re capable of,” he says.

Frankie J has appeared on the national stage as well with appearances on Live with Regis and Kelly and MTV’s TRL.

Being on television “feels like a dream; I’m living in la-la land because as a kid I was so into TV and I wanted to see myself inside the TV and feel what it would be like.”

His family, like most, is proud of their progeny and “has a library of all the shows that I’ve been involved with.”

Alternatively, live shows provide a chance for intimate contact with the audience.

“I definitely have to interact with the crowd,” he exclaims. “I don’t want the crowd to just come and see a show to hear me sing. I have to make them feel like they’re at home, like they’re comfortable. They’re there to have a good time, not to stare at you and say, ‘OK this guy can sing.’ I like to give them what they paid for.”

The urban, soulful melodies of Frankie J?s music provides a positive message for the fans.

“As an artist, you’ve got to stay focused and positive about your music,” he says.

While Frankie J considers selling a million records “just getting my feet wet,” he’s looking for more in his musical career, including writing, producing and eventually starting his own record label.

He has also stated an interest in reciprocating the help he’s received in the music industry by mentoring young musicians looking for their place in the genre.

In the interim, however, Frankie J is seeking success for his third, highly-anticipated album and focusing on his current career.

“At the end of the day you know what your job is — you have to come out with a hit record,” he says, “If you don’t come out with a hit record, nobody pays attention to you.”

They have returned. They said they would be back and they are.

Our bushy-tailed friends thought they had disposed of me, but they were wrong, and this time I am prepared.

The squirrels are back.

If you thought Clemson squirrels were huge, you haven’t seen anything. The Tiger staff went to Washington last month for a national conference and, when we weren’t attending classes, we went touring.

We saw all sorts of historical sites, but the one thing that impressed me the most was the bulk of the D.C. squirrels. These guys make Dick Cheney look like a toothpick. One was so plump that it appeared that he had devoured his own tail. Not even our squirrels stoop so low to pack on the pounds.

Fortunately, none followed us onto the airplane, so I am confident that we did not bring any of the little fat punks with us. Perhaps it was for the best, as it appears that they boarded a separate flight to Florida, where they would ensure that their “Bush”y-tailed candidate won the election. That’s right, those cute, furry creatures that harass you daily on your trek to class have operatives in the Sunshine State.

What does this mean to us? Indeed it means that Bush has a certain victory and we’re in for four years of squirrel rule.

Forget about the “squirrel mother” running the board of trustees, we have bigger problems in the infestation of the Supreme Court. The Court only sent the trial back to Florida so they could concentrate their efforts on resistance, but as those of us who have experienced the squirrel onslaught firsthand—resistance is futile. And Katherine Harris? You know she’s one of them too.

The problem is expanding, not only in national politics, but in our daily lives as we are being quietly overrun by these pretenders.

My fellow Tiger staff believes I am crazy when I talk about the squirrels, but little do they know that the gestapo has assimilated our own leader. Yes, Phillip Caston (beloved editor-in-chief and darling of the administration) has been absorbed by the posse that we have tried so hard to destroy.

Who’s next? The news editor? The advertising production manager? The managing editor?

Even my fish may have become one with the collective before my very eyes.

Will you be their next victim? How can you protect yourself?

Certainly, rifles and such are effective, but are by no means accurate. I suggest small nuclear mines as efficient low-cost solutions.

Once again, I call to arms people of all creeds to fight these imposters and destroy the forces of evil and nuthood.

Again I firmly believe in the phrase, “Guns don’t kill people, squirrels kill people. But guns do kill squirrels.”

I ask that all Clemson students help fight for human rights in destroying the squirrels before they destroy you. Don’t be a victim, make them your victim.

Clemson is voted number one public school

After taking office, University President James Barker gave Clemson 10 years to become one of U.S. News and World Report’s top-20 institutions, but on Aug. 17, officials announced that the University received an unexpected but welcome honor of being named “Public College of the Year” by Time magazine.

The accolade appears in the 2001 edition of “The Best College for You,” an annual college guide co-published by Time and The Princeton Review.

The honor comes with a two-page spread in the magazine that describes the University as being known for its agriculture school and nationally ranked football team.

Barker said that the honor “belongs to faculty and students.”

Time editors focused on colleges and universities that do an exceptional job of teaching writing and communications skills. Clemson was boasted as being “on the cutting edge of communication-across-the-curriculum movement, in which faculty integrate not only writing, but also oral, visual and electronic communication in all disciplines.”

Clemson was actually one of four colleges recognized by Time; the first time the magazine has selected more than one institution. The three other colleges named “college of the year” were selected from different categories to reflect the diversity of institutions excelling in communication—Sarah Lawrence College as liberal arts college of the year, Long Beach Community College as two-year college of the year and Cornell University as private research college of the year.

Art Young, professor in English, brought the “Writing Across the Curriculum” concept to Clemson in 1987 when he was named to the Campbell Chair of Technical Communications.

Young described Writing Across the Curriculum as integrating communications skills into core courses.

“We can use writing to learn the content they are studying,” said Young.

“The principle we work on is that writing and speaking are learning tools as well as communicating tools.”

Young expanded the Writing Across the Curriculum concept to “Communication Across the Curriculum” to encompass oral, written, computer and visual skills.

When he “blindly” sent out flyers for his first Communication Across the Curriculum workshop, over 60 Clemson faculty members responded and spent a full day learning about the concept.

Since then the University has held workshops at more than 70 colleges and universities in the United States and abroad and has held three national conferences.

Communication Across the Curriculum not only helps professors teach more effectively, it helps students learn.

When Patti Connor-Greene was named Alumni Distinguished Professor of Psychology three years ago, a student cited her innovative teaching and association with Communication Across the Curriculum in a nomination letter.

Biology Professor Jerry Waldvogel noted that using Communication Across the Curriculum helped “take [instruction] from the scientific realm and [apply] them elsewhere.”

“It certainly makes the teaching more interesting to me, and I think it gives the students some handle of real-world sorts of issues, as opposed to just the minutiae of science,” he said.

Clemson was chosen over schools such as the University of Missouri, Washington State University and Temple University.

Barker noted that with this honor, degrees and alumni receive more credibility and the announcement should be a celebration for the whole state.

“I expect this to shine Clemson in a positive light. We should see an increase in the numbers of students applying,” said Barker. “I expect it to have a positive impact for the future and current quality of Clemson students.”

They’re watching us. From the high treetops to the lowly sidewalks, nothing stops their advance into our daily lives. They are entrenched into the highest levels of authority at this University. They laugh at me when I pass by and attack without warning. They are unstoppable.

They are squirrels.

You’re probably saying to yourself, “How can this be? Squirrels? But they’re so cute and furry.”

Cute and furry, indeed. These are the same monsters who throw nuts at me and laugh at my pain and suffering. This camouflage is only meant to allow them to invade our society and claim it for their own imperial goals.

Squirrels have been in the background in many historical events, working their evils from behind the scenes. For instance, Hitler’s beloved pet Mutter Geliebter was the mastermind behind Hitler’s reign of terror during World War II.

There are even rumors of certain University administrators who have been compromised by the bushy-tailed gestapo. That’s right, the same people you trust to raise your tuition and fees are being controlled by these beasts. The entire board of trustees now make decisions based on decrees from the “squirrel mother” herself.

Why would they do this, you ask? Simply put, squirrels want to take over the world, and in a way they already have.

Just to show the severity of the squirrel offensive, let me tell you my own personal story.

A few months ago on a cloudy, damp day, I was quietly walking to class, oblivious to the fact that I was being followed. They came a few at a time and I thought to myself, “my, there are a lot of squirrels out today.” That was my last thought before I heard some scratching on the pavement behind me. My pace quickened as the noise became louder. I turned around to find myself faced by at least 15 of the little punks. I felt I had to take action to insure my survival.

They almost came at me in waves. The first wave knocked me off my feet so the rest could terminate me. Their attack was quick and painful. Several of the little bastards went for my umbrella, the only item I had to protect myself. However, I was able to whack a few of them before they were successful. To make a long story short, all that was left of me after this attack was some ragged clothes, a piece of my bookbag and a note that simply read, “we’ll be back.”

I am fearful, but next time I will be ready.

What can you do to protect yourself? You have several options, ranging from arming yourself with the best in military-grade weaponry to joining the Clemson University Anti-Squirrel Coalition. No matter your preferred defense, protect your campus, but first, protect yourself. Guns don’t kill people, squirrels kill people. But guns do kill squirrels.

They are watching.

Barker officially takes over the top administration post

Describing the presidency as “the single honor of my life,” James F. Barker was officially inaugurated last Friday as the University’s 14th president.

Surrounded by dogwood trees and azaleas in full bloom, the ceremony began with a procession of faculty, staff and students, many dressed in full academic regalia, across campus that culminated in the amphitheater. Joining the procession were government officials, representatives of other universities and academic societies, and alumni representing classes from 1927 to 1999.

An international presence was felt with the surrounding of over 70 flags, one for every nation represented in the Clemson student body.

The ceremony continued with the presentation of the colors by the Pershing Rifles, followed by the national anthem.

Lawrence Gressette, chairman of the University Board of Trustees, welcomed the attendees with an introduction of Barker. He said that Barker “adds luster and prestige to the list of Clemson leaders.”

“No one is better suited to lead Clemson into the 21st century,” said Gressette.

Classified Staff Commission President Catherine Bell ensured Barker of the staff’s willingness to communicate to help achieve the University’s goals.

She continued to describe Barker’s enthusiasm for touring the University’s facilities outside of the campus.

Noting that Barker had “love and loyalty for Clemson,” former student body president Wil Brasington expressed the student body’s approval for the new president.

“We [undergraduates] are very proud of you. We are excited about your presidency because you are a Clemson student,” Brasington said. “You have worked tirelessly and are a true role model to Clemson students and Clemson families.”

Speaker of the South Carolina House David Wilkins described Barker as an “old fraternity brother,” noting that they were student-athletes in school.

“He was the student, and I tried to be the athlete,” Wilkins joked to the audience’s delight. He pledged full support and cooperation of the state government to make the University a better institution for generations to come.

Former Clemson student and Lt. Gov. Bob Peeler reminisced about living in the “tin cans” of Johnstone and reminded students to “take with them what [they] learn at Clemson and you can do well.”

Jim Hodges, governor of South Carolina, relayed his confidence in Barker’s leadership.

“I can think of no better person to whom we can extend this [Clemson] legacy,” the governor said. “This is a great day for Clemson University and the state of South Carolina.”

U.S. Rep. Lindsay Graham joked that his 800 on the SAT kept him out of Clemson.

“My job opportunities were limited. That’s why I went into politics,” he said.

On a serious note, Graham challenged Barker to prepare South Carolina’s sons and daughters for the future and pledged support for Barker’s endeavors.

“When it comes to South Carolina and education, we’re going to work very hard for [Barker]. We will work hard to get research money because [the University] has earned it.”

Barker received an academic gown bearing the University seal, which represents his academic authority, as well as a copy of the will of Thomas Green Clemson and the act of acceptance of that will by the state of South Carolina, signifying his legislative authority. Gressette called the will an “official job description” for the presidency and the act of acceptance as a “contract with the people of South Carolina.”

The chain of office, representing Barker’s magisterial authority as “city manager” of the University, which is also a separate municipality, was also bestowed.

“What a combination of joy and humility I feel as I accept the presidency of my alma mater,” Barker said. “It is most gratifying to have president emeriti here today; each has been my teacher.”

Barker continued to look at the University’s redeeming qualities. “Clemson is, at its core, an idea—a wonderful, bold and powerful idea.”

He listed Clemson’s qualities as being inclusive, not exclusive, academically challenging, visionary, indomitable, bold, innovative and radical, distinctive, sensitive to the needs of others, and based on family.

Barker showed his enthusiasm for excellence at the University at the closing of his address. “[I want to] ensure that Clemson will be stronger at the end of my service. A united Clemson is unstoppable.”