So, I read in the Independent that Bickett is closing (tacked on to the real story of Kings closing--their building will be demolished). I have always thought Bickett was a wonderful quirky place; however it seemed to have a perpetual identity problem: art gallery? Bar? Music club? Film venue? Neighborhood hang out? Too small to be a decent music venue, although bands try to play here, Bickett is rooted firmly in a Five Points neighborhood, a residential area for sure, surrounded by houses. Yet, the article sort of blamed Raleigh, meaning the city and the people, for letting it die: the city denied a request for an outdoor music event a couple of years ago (come on, this is a neighborhood of small family homes, not downtown); and the residents of Raleigh did not buy enough art.
Anyway, I am here tonight to see the Physics of Meaning. I've heard them on WKNC, and wanted to see them perform. The opening band was due to start at 9 PM. It is now 9:45, and no one is playing. The last time I came here for music, a little over a year ago to hear a band from Asheville, the place was packed, but as I roamed the waiting crowd, talking to people, many were complaining and asking, when does the music start? Why hasn't it started yet? Tonight there is a very small group here, and they all know each other. They seem to be friends and family of the bands. They seem to be having a small party amongst themselves. I'm not sure this will be worth the long long wait, through two opening bands I've never heard of, to finally hear Physics of Meaning. Maybe I am just tired. Hmmm. Outsiders are wandering in. Clearly not with the party clique. They look completely bewildered. They are going from room to room with that look I've seen here before: asking themselves, what is this? Why is this stuff on the walls? Why is there clothing for sale? Where is the band? Why isn't there music? Where is the bar? (For those who have never been here--the actual bar is maybe about two or three yards long; Bickett offers a few varieties of beer and wine and liquor. Out of Guinness tonight). The greatest thing about Bickett is the outdoor patio with beautiful Japanese lanterns and tables overlooking east Raleigh. On a night like this--late spring, warmish with a cool breeze, low humidity--the patio is perfect. However, Bickett has never served food, not even a package of peanuts, even though the many tables seem perfect for a restaurant (You cannot hear or see a band from out here, so tables are usually empty). The friends and family have brought their own food: cheese and crackers. They also have brought a baby, the center of attention, dancing and squealing. You know what Bickett Gallery is like? It is like someone's house. Exactly like someone's rec room or basement, with a teeny wet bar, where occupants are having over some friends. Even the beautiful outdoor patio looks like someone's backyard barbecue space, and the weird stuff on the wall--definitely the taste of individuals who live in this house. Apparently there are some young musicians in the family--their friends and instruments are scattered here and there. But the young musicians are more interested in talking to their friends, not playing. Ever feel like you stumbled into the wrong house, the wrong party? When Bickett closes, I hope someone fixes this place up, and turns it into what it really wants to be--a coffee shop, with simple food and great coffee and wireless internet (which Bickett already has, along with the tables outside, and comfy coffee shop style couches inside).
Okay, it is now several days later--unfortunately, I just couldn't stay. The first band that finally went on around 10:30 PM, was pretty awful. I went out on the patio and talked to two lone ladies having drinks. Their first question to me? "Have they started the music yet?" Looked like they'd had many drinks waiting hopefully, and were now having many more to numb their disappointment and frustration. I bought a Physics of Meaning CD, left (no Guinness, why stay?) and listened to them in my car on the way home. Sorry I missed their show; I think they'd sound better live.
I don’t know if you have been to the old Southend Brewery lately, but it has been transformed.
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You don't have to go far outside the beltline to get a taste of small town living. The town of Apex will host 
FM Goods|Sounds will be hosting their Grand Opening party this Friday, April 6th from 7pm to 10pm. Word is they will have snacks, music, and art for all to enjoy during the party. I don't have too many of the specifics of the store, but from what I gather they will focus on urban wear, hard-to-find music, and exclusive sneakers. It appears it will have a DJ/Hip-Hop/Drum & Bass/Electronica focus, so I'm guessing most of the hard-to-find music will be on vinyl. 
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