Cat's Cradle
What People Are Saying About Cat's Cradle
The Editor
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In Short
It's not uncommon for hugely popular acts that usually play in area-sized venues to sneak in under assumed names to play for a smaller, hipper crowd. Bands from across the country don't have to be cajoled to play here--they ask to. Why? The crowd, usually made up of music-savvy clubgoers and Chapel Hill musicians, turns out in force for performances. And the schedule isn't limited to one genre. One night, a ska band might play, while the next night is a hip-hop act.
User Reviews
CatCradleRocks
December 08, 2008
Such a fun place to be! The reviewer below me is an idiot. This is an awesome place to see your favorite bands if you are ready to let loose and have a good time. The crowd will definitely get a little wild at sometimes if its a rock or metal show so be prepared to dance or mosh or crowd surf!
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JLaurenA
July 29, 2008
They get great acts to play. No doubt. However, I've seen more than a few bands there and would prefer almost any venue to the Cradle. Bands are nearly always hours late starting, which wouldn't be so bad if the venue were remotely comfortable and/or large enough for the number of tickets they sell for big-name acts. I think my biggest pet peeve are all of the "blind spots" throughout the venue in which people are forced to stand (again due to the volume of tickets sold), but because of the way things are set up, these folks have no hope of actually being able to see any more than a small section of the stage - which can be pretty disappointing when you've paid to actually "see" the band. The sound is generally good and the staff have always been fairly friendly but considering the quality of the acts they bring in, you'd think there would be more effort put into making it an overall quality experience for concert-goers.
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yellowbluevase
June 12, 2008
First of all, the information in the "info" section is incorrect. Cat's Cradle is generally all-ages, but you'll be carded at the door if you want to drink (per usual). At certain shows, the Cradle will hire some security people at the door when they suspect young kids will try to smuggle in alcohol or they expect a rowdier crowd (punk, ska, the 80's Dance). Note: don't try to use a barely passable fake ID at these "higher security" events or attempt to sneak into sold out shows. The Cradle is a great, relaxed atmosphere, but you won't get away with those two things. Also, smoking is not allowed inside, but there is a smoking patio and an alley out back. I don't know what the other reviewers were talking about, there is nothing wrong with the staff here. Parking can be an issue at more crowded shows, but there's a municipal Carrboro lot across the railroad tracks and Weaver St a block a way with plenty of space this time of night. Or if you're coming from UNC, just walk, it's not a terrible walk. Other than that advice, the Cat's Cradle is a great place to enjoy music. I've been to 25+ shows there. The crowd is a mix of all ages from high school students to 50's, depending on the act. There's a huge floor for standing, moshing, dancing (whatever is playing that night), but seats in the back and sides where less energetic people can pop a squat and still see. The Cradle attracts music from all over the country, without ignoring local bands. Highlights from the last several years have been TV on the Radio, the Black Keys, X, Blonde Redhead, Polvo, the Melvins, Dinosaur Jr, and Yo La Tengo. The scene is mostly rock of various types, predominantly indie old and new, though the occasional hip-hop act such as El-P will come around every few months.
read full reviewThe Details on Cat's Cradle
Parking:
Don't park in Visart's spaces--they'll tow you. You can park in the town lot across from the Armadillo or at Weaver Street Market if it's late enough.
Know Before You Go:
Don't wait until the show has sold out--you can get advance tickets online from etix.com or from area record stores, including various Schoolkids locations.
The Extras:
Gig's over, but you're not ready to call it a night? Head down to the Orange County Social Club and count the rock stars.
Category:
Art, Toys, Nightclubs, Bars & Clubs, Restaurants, Bars & Pubs, Taverns
Payment Methods:
Restaurant Special Features:
Bar & Club Type of Music:
Bar & Club Special Features:
Smoking Permitted:
Yes
