Comings and Goings

The Belmonte, The Outland, coffee news and GO's mad, mad week.

Reinventing the music venue

Two local music venues are making changes, some big, some small:
• The Belmonte, last seen on the far south end of Park Central East, is gradually preparing to open its doors on Commercial Street, just a couple of doors down from Paradise Bar and Grille. Arin Gilbert, who operates The Belmonte, (which is backed by The Vineyard church but has no stated Christian mission), says it’s a been slow process; he’s currently trying to raise enough money to furnish the space. To raise funds, Gilbert is planning a costume and dance party in the space at 428 W. Commercial St. on October 27 at 7 p.m.

The Belmonte will remain all-ages and non-alcoholic, but will be less of a music venue in its new incarnation. Instead, Gilbert hopes to serve food (he says he’s in talks with Sub Shop to sell sandwiches) and offer Internet access, with live music and concerts “occasionally.” He says Commercial Street, through currently a mashup of demographics, is beginning to attract downtown-like patrons interested in music and the arts. “There’s not a lot of foot traffic, but I think it’s moving that direction,” Gilbert says. “I think it’s just a risk to begin with—and it’s a good risk.”

• At The Outland, scheduling guru Jason Wilson gives us the details on changes to the bar’s early-week lineup. Mondays nights are now reserved for Quizzo, a trivia contest hosted by Sweetwater Abiliene’s J.R. Top, every Monday starting at 9 p.m. (Free). Tuesday is still open-mic night, but now also features happy hour from 4 to 8 p.m., with some bodacious drinks specials.

Hot Shots Caffeinates Christians

Hot List-approved barista Levi Kulenkamp is a busy guy; not only is he slinging all sorts of tasty fall-flavored drinks at his East Sunshine location (see 3 Pumpkin Eats, page 19), he’s also recently opened a new Hot Shots Express location on Evangel University’s campus, in the school’s student union, The Joust. It’s a perfect fit, as Kulenkamp’s signature “Have a blessed day!” signoff will do more to teach students the Golden Rule than a week’s worth of required chapel.

A Bit More on Rendezvous…

Due to a garbled phrase in one of last issue’s Comings and Goings blurbs, it may not have been entirely clear that Rendezvous Coffee, the new java joint going in on Park Central West, is planning to open in November. Co-owner John Fleming called us this week to make sure we knew they were aiming for a Thanksgiving-week opening, and to invite us by. GO regrets any confusion our slip into the past tense may have caused.

GO Team: A Harvest of Events

• October 24: Project Runway. If you’re among the first to pick up this magazine, there may be time to hoof it to Plaster Student Union for the fashion and interior design department’s fall showcase. A jury of fashion pros will be selecting the GO Magazine Fashion Designer of the Year from among our three “football couture” finalists.

• October 26: Monster Masquerade. The Sertoma Club is tanking Halloween, and by that we mean they’re throwing a for-adults party in the shark-tank room at Wonders of Wildlife. Dress in costume, nosh on free drinks and bites, and watch the predators circle their prey… and sharks, too. $15 at the door.

• Also October 26: Skinny Improv Improv Festival. Click here for more details.

• October 27: Commercial Street Block Party. Paradise Bar and Grill and Lindberg’s are teaming up with live music, $1 draws and lots of easygoing fun as a laid-back alternative to the hilarity that is the Halloween pub crawl. We say do it all!

• November 1: Sexy and Single Mingle. Click here for more details.

• November 7: Wingapalooza. Click here for more details.

And we’re spent