THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 8, 1995 TAG: 9501050182
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: Beach Beat
SOURCE: John Harper
LENGTH: Medium: 61 lines
1994 was a good year for entertainment on the Outer Banks.
But there's always room for improvement.
Here's my modest list of ideas that I hope will generate some changes, or at the very least provide some bugs in the ear for 1995:
A permanent home for the Theater of Dare. The Manteo Junior High auditorium is a nice spot, but a place to hold auditions, rehearse and perform would be better.
How about a film festival? I'd like to see a weeklong festival featuring documentaries, foreign films and non-mainstream movies. Maybe a couple of Woody Allen movies.
I know it has been discussed, but let's get down to business. We need an amphitheater.
Think of the summer possibilities: Big-name rock concerts, ballet, jazz and even opera.
Either under the sun or under the stars, locals and tourists would love it.
If the amphitheater doesn't happen, maybe the Waterside Theater on Roanoke Island could be used for some Sunday afternoon concerts.
I'd like to see a true public-access channel on cable. I miss the ``Outer Banks with Ken Mann'' and Mike Murray's ``Beach TV.''
And as long as I am making a wish list, why not shoot for the moon?
Can we get the ``History,'' ``E,'' ``Bravo'' and ``Nostalgia'' channels added to the basic cable service? Perhaps we could lose one of the shopping channels.
Does anyone actually buy those fake diamond rings on ``QVC?''
I'd like to see Greg Clark and Jeff Goodrich find radio bosses that appreciate their talent.
I'd like to see more broadcasters in control of local radio stations. Most of the local outlets are managed by salespeople and owners without any sense of entertainment value.
I wish the FCC would outlaw the radio slogans ``Best Hits of the '70s, '80s and '90s'' and any variations.
Rarely do I hear what I consider the ``best'' songs on the radio. I'll know when I hear them.
How about a comeback for A Restaurant By George? I miss those Sunday jazz nights.
With its comfortable sofas and music that wasn't deafening, A Restaurant By George was the spot for the over-35 crowd.
A noise ordinance for nightclubs is something else I would like to see.
Also, a state law requiring all soundmen to have their hearing checked on a regular basis.
And this final request is more than a wish: It's asking for a miracle.
Would someone open a smoke-free place to hear live music? Your Carolina Coast columnist loves music, but my lungs and ears need protection.
This is my list.
If you have suggestions, send them to: John Harper c/o Carolina Coast, P.O. Box 10, Nags Head, N.C. 27959. by CNB