NC Music Factory is all about music. Like most, if not all, art forms, music is best experienced live.  In addition to the different music venues, there are also a variety of bars, offices, music studios and restaurants, including the exclusive hotspot “Butter.” There is even a film company, Reel Works. Combine all of this with free parking, very affordable shows and eats and one can’t not have a great time at NC Music Factory.

Rick and Noah Lazes, of ARK Group, had the vision of what is now the NC Music Factory before the road (Seaboard Street) was built connecting Graham Street to the formerly abandoned, decaying Southern Manufacturing textile mill.

Now, regardless of the time, because of its multi-use design, people are always around. And the evenings are hopping, too, thanks to the likes of music venues like The Fillmore, Time Warner Cable Uptown Amphitheater, the Front Stage (at the fountain) and The Saloon at the NC Music Factory.

If you haven’t been because you think it is too expensive, we strongly suggest reconsidering. It features “Friday Live at the Factory” where $5 will buy a ticket to hear some pretty cool bands. This Friday, May 6 , is the Acoustic Syndicate. Check out its website to see who else will be coming.

It is exciting to drive through what seems to be a neglected part of the city and come upon this urban oasis. The mixed-use complex is teeming with people and things to do. One can have an affordable bite to eat at Mattie’s Diner, or enjoy a meal, like Sunday Brunch, at Bask on Seaboard. For fun, check out Halo, Wet Willie’s or the very trendy “Butter.” If you know about Butter, then you are probably aware it was in N.Y.C. first, where it continues to set the bar. Our location is just as exclusive, the kind of place the Black Eyed Peas would perform, as they did for the opening.

There are numerous reasons to put the NC Music Factory on your “to do” list. While music is the primary motivator, it is just one of many things NC Music Factory has to offer. (Comedy Zone is coming in June 2011.)  Come out for Friday Live at The Factory, and see what the buzz is all about.

To further entice folks, NC Music Factory is working with Charlotte Center City Partners and Mercedes-Benz of South Charlotte to provide a free shuttle to and from Uptown on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 6:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. That means free parking at NC Music Factory and a free weekend shuttle. What a deal.

NC Music Factory, 935 N. Graham St., Charlotte, N.C.; 704.716.2327. Plan your visit