The Double Door Inn opened its doors in Charlotte, NC in 1973. It would have been 50 years old in December 2023, had it not been demolished to make way for CPCC’s continued expansion. The mere mention of its name is apt to start a stream of colorful stories from anyone who loved the place. It’s a loss that still leaves many Charlotteans misty-eyed and nostalgic.  The memories are fond and they are bittersweet.

This historical venue became one of the most celebrated blues clubs in the country, drawing acts from around the globe. It was a legendary spot, being the oldest blues venue east of the Mississippi and the oldest blues venue in the nation that maintained its original location and ownership.

Nick Karres and his brother Matt had no idea what a special endeavor they began when they first opened the bar. The Dixie Dregs brought it into the spotlight and then Eric Clapton put it on the map when he happened to stop in after his performance at the Charlotte Coliseum, pulling out his guitar and sitting in with the The Legendary Blues Band. It quickly gained notoriety for being a great stop for touring acts and the walls were eventually plastered with framed black and white photos of the many extraordinary musicians who graced the stage with their magic.

The Double Door Inn was a place that consistently supported the local music community, as well. It hosted the Charlotte Blues Society and was home to both the Monday Night Allstars and the Bill Hanna jazz jam for years. Many bands and songwriters cut their teeth and built a following under its roof.

That same roof gave way on the last night of music, as the Allstars rattled those old rafters with powerful music. The rain poured in, along with the spirits of all the souls that had poured their hearts out on that stage, all those who had crossed the threshold of those double doors, whose feet felt the beat through those creaky, wooden floors. So much history in such a flood.

Many students from Central Piedmont Community College found their way to the Double Door Inn over the years. Now, CPCC’s new brick Health and Science building sits pristinely in place of that unassuming little white house. In his brilliant memoir, “In the House of Rising Sounds”, Stephen Copeland writes, “…I couldn’t help but think about how many students and faculty would walk through those doors and never know they were on sacred ground.” I second that emotion & many others do, too.

Please sign this petition to honor the legacy and rich history of this national treasure by installing a permanent marker at the location, in order to properly commemorate it. The students, faculty and everyone else should know that they are most definitely on hallowed ground at that site, and the brothers Karres should know how much we appreciate the many years of powerful music they so generously gifted us. The gesture is long overdue. Share this message as much as you can and let’s GET THIS DONE, y’all!!!