Saturday, March 01, 2008

R. Kelly wasn't at the club

So I paid $60 at the Backstage Nite Club Friday night to see R. Kelly.
Problem is he wasn’t there.
I don’t know if I should be outraged that I got ripped off, or if I should be kicking myself for being so gullible.
Here’s what the party listing said: "R. Kelly Official CIAA Best of Both Worlds Kickoff Party hosted by Fat Joe."
In my mind, that means R. Kelly is suppose to be at the club. It would be great if he were actually performing, too. But I’d settle for his mere presence if his name is what’s selling it. Oh, and there was no Fat Joe sighting either, as far as I could tell.
Now correct me if I’m wrong. There were hundreds of people there, so one or both of them could’ve been chillin’ in a back room somewhere, but I doubt it.
Or maybe they made an appearance and left before I arrived. I got there about 11:45, and there was a huge line of people waiting to get in, two lines actually. One was for people who had the laminated flier (or invitation) announcing the party. They could go right in.
The other line was for people paying cash.
I should’ve known something was amiss when I couldn’t get a straight answer from the bouncers organizing the lines.
Is R. Kelly in there? I asked.
One bouncer said yeah in a tone that I now realize was sarcasm. Everybody doesn’t do sarcasm well.
That’s OK. I’ll just stay in line and find out for myself when I get inside.
While in line, every now and then I would turn to somebody in line and say: "R. Kelly’s suppose to be in here, right?"
They weren’t very engaging.
The only guy who gave me a definitive ‘yes’ was the dude who walked up selling invitations for $60. Why wait in this line when you can walk right in with this invitation, he asked.
"It’ll cost you $100 at the door," he said, obviously lying.
Just then, another patron in line said "I don’t like R. Kelly that much."
Ah ha, so at least there’s one other person who thought R. Kelly was suppose to be there.
Anyway, once I got in and looked around I could tell no one else cared.
Maybe they know the code words, like party "hosted by" means the host isn’t necessarily there.
As I shot some photos and mingled, I asked various people had they seen R. Kelly. The guys stared at me like I was an idiot. The girls thought that was my pickup line. All the girls looked so young (insert R. Kelly joke here).
One girl who I photographed was doing a nasty dance on a pole near the dance floor. I started to ask her, but she interrupted me.
"You better not put this on YouTube," she said. She’s concerned about the YouTube audience, but not the 300 people watching her in person.
"I’m serious. I know how to find you," she said.
Hmm, maybe she can find R. Kelly.

Did anybody else think R. Kelly was going to be at Backstage Nite Club? And were there other no-shows at other clubs? Was Keith Sweat at the Woods on South Blvd? Post your comments in the section below.

25 comments:

Anonymous said...

I attended the Woods on the South,Friday night. It was nice and yes Keith Sweat was there,i saw him when he got out the Town car and walked in with his people. Thing is the promoters wanted you to pay a additional $30.00 to go in the room they set up as a VIP. Not one time did he come out of the room other then to leave. People need to be careful when they attend events like this. Because their are some people crazy enough to pay these outrageous prices to party and it some times is not what you get for your money. Now i got to the Woods at 9:00 because early arrival was advised so i only paid $10.00. So for the amount of money i paid and the small sighting of Keith Sweat i think i broke even. And i had a nice time to go with it. Sorry to the others peeps who went and spent all the money for nothing. You need to watch out for club scams,unless you got money like that to waste.

Anonymous said...

I also was drawn to the R Kelly "hosted" party on Saturday nite. Wish I had seen this post prior to purchasing my ticket. However, I remember years back R Kelly actually performed at the Marriott in Durham when the tournament was held in Raleigh. The odd thing is I think I got in that party for $10.00. So I was very optimistic. Especially after hearing other artists were going to be in town...Keith Sweat, Lil Kim, etc. I started having doubts when I arrived, but I knew it was a scam when they weren't using metal detectors. However, I atleast expected to have a quality host and superb djing. I don't even think they had local celebrities at this party.
I guess I'll be marking Adolph Shiver's parties off the list......

Anonymous said...

R. Kelly did not show up on Saturday night either; neither did Doug E. Fresh. I was highly disappointed. There was nothing grown and sexy about this night. There was smoke in the air, guys letting it rain, girls dancing in groups in the center of the floor, and guys standing around watching.

Anonymous said...

I paid $60 for the Discovery place party (one day after they increased the price from $40) and Morris and Idris did show...they walked thru the crowd with their 15- 500lb body guards and then took pics with about 4 girls, went upstairs to the VIP and did a 1 minute walk thru then left. If you could see past the guards then you caught a glimpse.

Was it worth it? NO. Will I ever pay to go to another celebrity party? NO.

I expect a celeb to be at the party when it starts up to the end OR at least for a couple of hours interacting with the crowd. I mean, we are why they are celebs right?

Oh, I won't pay over $40 for a party next year either...I'm too threw with the price goudging and they don't deliver what they claim. I want a $20 refund at least!!!

Anonymous said...

I attended the Discovery place party and paid $60 one day after they increased it from $40. Morris and Idris showed. They walked thru the the crowd with their body guards and you could catch a 10 second glimpse. Then they left. I'm tired of the price goudging (sp) and celebs that come in for a few minutes and think that is ok. These parties are not delivering (showing up for one minute then leaving is not delivering).

Next year, I will not pay more than $40 to attend a party no matter how close the event is. I'll just go to a cheaper spot and chill like everyone else. And I will for sure NEVER attend another celeb party!!!

Anonymous said...

People are always quick to blame the promoter when the celeb stays in vip or when the price is jacked up. Remember that these people are not appearing for FREE. as long as people are paying big bucks to see starsm they are charging big bucks. it is NOT the promoter or the club, it is the simple law of supply and demand.I went to see Lil Him ad Jillians on Saturday night and she earned every dollar that they must have paid her. she worked the crowd and everyone had a blast.

Anonymous said...

I WAS AT THE BACKSTAGE CLUB ON FRIDAY THE 29TH AND I DID ENJOY MYSELF VERY MUCH NO I DIDN'T SEE R KELLY BUT FAT JOE WAS THERE AND HE TOOK PICTURES WITH PEOPLE AND SO WAS MIKE FROM MAKING THE BAND AND THE KIDS FROM COLLEGE HILL.I ONLY PAID $60.00TO GET IN BUT I DID HERE PEOPLE PAID ALOT TO TO GET IN.I DID ENJOY MYSELF THE MUSIC WAS GREAT AND EVERYONE BEHAVED I JUST THINK THAT PEOPLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN CHECKED MORE BUT I ENJOYED MYSELF.

Anonymous said...

The promoters for this party have a myspace page and the URL is http://www.myspace.com/adolphshiverPlease go to this page and leave a message if you were pissed like I was, and they still have the damn flyer on the page. This is the message I sent them below...

JUST WANT TO LET YOU KNOW THAT I WAS AT THE PARTY SATURDAY AT BACKSTAGE AND R.KELLY WAS NOT THERE. I THINK IT WAS VERY UNPROFESSIONAL FOR YOU GUYS TO BE ADVERTISING THAT HE WAS GOING TO BE THERE AND HE WASNT, AND HEARD IT WAS B/C YOU GUYS DIDN'T PAY HIM ALL OF HIS MONEY. WELL I'M SURE YOU KNEW HOW MUCH HE WAS CHARGING BEFORE HE CAME TO TOWN AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN PREPARED TO GIVE HIM THAT OR NOT ADVERTISE HE WAS GOING TO BE THERE IF YOU KNEW YOU WERE NOT GOING TO HAVE THE MONEY TO GIVE HIM WHAT HE WANTED. ALSO, IF YOU KNEW HE WASN'T COMING, YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN CHARGING $40 AND UP LIKE HE WAS GOING TO BE THERE, CAUSE THAT'S WHAT PEOPLE WERE PAYING $40 FOR, R. KELLY, NOT A REGULAR PARTY. I DROVE ALL THE WAY FROM COLUMBIA, SC TO COME TO THE "R.KELLY" PARTY. NEEDLESS TO SAY I WILL BE SPREADING THE WORD ABOUT THIS AND WILL NOT BE ATTENDING ANYMORE OF YOUR EVENTS AND WILL ADVISE OTHERS OF THE SAME.

SIGNED:
ANGRY WOMAN WHO DROVE OVER AN HOUR WASTING GAS, TIME, AND MONEY FOR NOTHING

Anonymous said...

People have to realize who is throwing these parties. Adolph R. Shiver has been shitting people for years. That's during the CIAA, I like going to parties where there is a good DJ, I hate going to parties where people are scheduled to perform. Be careful of Adolph R. Shiver parties.

Anonymous said...

I attened the R. Kelly/Fat Joe event. R. Kelly was no where to be found. Fat Joe was there but remained behind the white picket fence that was called VIP. I paid $30 for the event but must say I had a rather good time. It wasn't too crowded you actually had room to move around. But it would be nice if promoters actually had them both there. I really felt for the guys that said they paid $200 to get in to sit and watch Fat Joe drink for free. LOL!

Unknown said...

As a general rule of thumb you are waisting your if you're trying to party past the downtown area. Just pay in advance{if possible), come early, and enjoy yourself.

Anonymous said...

I went to Tank's party on Friday night, he was a no show. Saturday I went to Blake Hotel and saw Biz Markie, he was awesome, which made up for the terrible party on Saturday.

Anonymous said...

I had the R.Kelly party on my list of parties, however, I figured he would either not show up OR come for 15 minutes at 200am to make an appearance. After thinking about it, isn't he in court? He is probably on parole.... plus, my brother insisted that I was too old for an R. Kelly party (and I am younger than R.Kelly). I make it a point to go to where I can get in free before a certain time. The only place that I would pay and go to KNOWING that I would have a good time is Club Tempo. Every year I only hear good things about their parties and that is my favorite "Grown and Sexy" club in town anyway. And I am not a party goer, however, I like the 2 DJ's, 2 dance floors, the option to go outside or stay in AND the number 1 reason... they have pool tables:-)! Just like all of the other clubs that I attend here in Charlotte, the men DO NOT ask the women to dance and the women have to dance by themselves! This makes me crazy! I wanted to attend a "celebrity party" so I thought the NFL/NBA party would suffice (free for everyone before 10pm), but I was wrong...there was only about 10 people there when I went Friday night. I "hung out" at the Westin Friday and Saturday. From reading the other comments, it seems as though a lot of the celebrities treated us like "jokes". Last year I went to see Chuck Brown, however, his parties are always advertised at 9pm and he does not come on stage until midnight. I was informed of this by someone last year and it was proven to be true (twice). I wanted to go this year, however, that is too long to wait and too late to start. We need some new "promoter rules".

Anonymous said...

It doesn't surprise me that R. Kelly didn't show up. Adolph is known for throwing parties and not delivering the star. Whenever I hear that he is giving a party I make sure that I don't go. He also advertises that ladies are free before a certain time, but always holds the line so that only two ladies get in for free. I think that he is full of SH$%!!! So if you hear that it is a Adolph R. Shiver party beware because you may not get what you paid for.

Anonymous said...

It doesn't surprise me that R. Kelly didn't show up. Adolph is known for throwing parties and not delivering the star. Whenever I hear that he is giving a party I make sure that I don't go. He also advertises that ladies are free before a certain, but always holds the line so that only two ladies get in for free. I think that he is full of SH$%!!! So if you hear that it is a Adolph R. Shiver party beware because you may not get what you paid for.

Anonymous said...

I feel really sorry for the people who got scamed over the weekend, but next time just think before you pay these out rageous prices just to see someone.The promoters are sitting back laughing at the suckers, because they came up...I f you want to really see a star that bad save your ones, and take a trip to LA....

Anonymous said...

Rule of thumb for CIAA 2009, If you paid $40.00 and up to get in a celebrity party. And that celebrity was not there or didn't show up. Don't make the same mistake next time. Thanks to all who made the comment about Adolph Shiver i will make sure i stay away from any party he is promoting.The key to the whole problem is spread the word, so people will know. And if you got friends and family who is out of town . Call them and warn them ahead of time,so hopefully next year people will not fall for it.Now i commented on the Keith Sweat party at the Woods on the South i only paid $10.00 because i got there early and yes he was there.

Unknown said...

The place everyone should have been on Friday night of the CIAA was Center Stage in NoDa (North Davidson).
It's literally 3 minutes from uptown.
The party of $40... which including complimentary valet parking, complimentary coat check, FREE DRINKS & FREE FOOD ALL NITE! O, and Cassidy showed up for a while and took pics, but who even cares about him.
I knew R.Kelly wasn't going to be in town b/c whenever he does something, he does it BIG and I have never even heard of Backstage.
Anyway, when you look for good party promotoers, check out Steven Westbook. He's professional and everyone is VIP at his events.
jlew;-)

http://www.westbrookentertainment.net/

Anonymous said...

I went to see Doug E. Fresh at the Hilton on Friday night and paid $30. It was well worth it and got to see him up close and personal - no body guards while he was on stage plus he was reaching out to the fans...great party! Saturday, I was at the Blake and saw Biz Markie for $40 bucks. Another great party. I spent Sunday in bed all day recovering. I feel sorry for the folks that didn't have a good time.

Anonymous said...

For anyone reading this post remember this name: Adolf Shiver. If you ever see his name promoting a party I would strongly advise you to look elsewhere for entertainment. He has been scamming people with his parties for years. So I am not surprised to hear that a celebrity he advertised as hosting his party did not show.

Anonymous said...

Me and some of my female friends (I a feamle as well) went to Tilt on Trade Wednesday 27, 2008. We saw this event posted on Charlotte Vibe (dot com) "The CIAA Hip & R&B Explosion" the event was very nice. Surprisingly it was as advertised they actually had a buffet set up. The one thing that captured our attention prior to going to this event we went to the promoter's website www.coreylwhite.com/2exclusiveentertainment . It was on their "About Us" page they stated "We make one thing very clear what we advertise is what you will recieve, who we state will appear will appear. There is no small print or misleading advertising". This was very refreshing, (having been a victim of promoter's promises before)to hear.The crowd was nice, the atmosphere was even better just as they advertise in their slogan. Thanks 2 Exclusive Entertainment, for giving hope it isn't about just making money you actually care about your patrons. I as well as others I've told about your company look for forward to more of your quality events.

Anonymous said...

I stopped going to Adolf R. Shiver's Parties Years ago!!! I already doubted that Kells would not show up...Kells and Fat Joe in the same club? Neither of them have a Hit out right now so how or why would this be? Yeah, I saw Doug E Fresh Fri at the Hilton and only think I didn't like was that he came on at about 1:30 and was gone by 2:10...Other than that he rocked it...Sat. I was at the Big Chill and I must say AList(you guys did better with monitoring the overcrowding) but You told lies about the VIP treatment...Don't make your VIP out to be something it's not..That's 2yrs Alist where you put your name out there for something and couldn't follow through..I expect a little bit more from you guys..personal reasons!! AKA's once again did their thing on Thur. although I think the Last year was a bit better you girls still own Thur night..Much love to you girls!!

Anonymous said...

I went to Discovery Place and was deeply disappointed. I even asked for a partial refund because of the seating arrangements. Oh let me add...there were no seats. How can you ask people to dress up and then seat them on stairs. I did see Idris and Morris and they acted like two diva B@#$%#s. At least Jesus let the woman touch the hem of his garmet. Who did they think they were? Never again!!!

Anonymous said...

I went to a day party at Club Tempo and had a blast. Next year no "celeb" parties for me only Club Tempo.

Anonymous said...

I've only been to Charlotte a few times, but I always hear about some serious party throwers known as the inner circle. After attending a couple of their events, it's clear they own the keys to the city. The party they hosted at FORUM was the highlight of my CIAA wknd...and that Block Party where they took over 3 venues on Saturday was bananas. I wish they would lower their price a bit...but at the end of the day, it's a once a year deal...and with them, you def get what you pay for.