
DATE: Sunday, May 18, 1997                  TAG: 9705160255

SECTION: CAROLINA COAST          PAGE: 22   EDITION: FINAL 

COLUMN: AFTER DARK 

SOURCE: John Harper 

                                            LENGTH:   58 lines

PARADISE BILLIARDS OPENS BLUES BAR AND BILLIARD TABLES TO THE PUBLIC

After five years as a private club, Paradise Billiards and Sports Bar in Kill Devil Hills is now open to the public.

But the switch from private to public is not the only change coming down the pike.

The club's owner, Bill Fenner, says the venue will now feature blues and classic rock bands on a regular basis.

``I'm going to have to put a lot of effort into changing my image from a pool hall into a music club,'' Fenner says.

Fenner is relocating some pool tables, expanding the stage and enlarging the dance floor. The 2,600-square-foot facility accomadates about 150 customers.

``We're going to make it a little darker,'' Fenner says. ``Give it some atmosphere.''

After Memorial Day, the club will feature live entertainment seven days a week. Fenner's plan is to have local entertainers Tuesday through Thursday and regional acts on Fridays and Saturdays. Acoustic acts will be showcased on Sundays and Mondays.

But don't expect any slam dancing or stage diving in the music club. Fenner sees his clientele as being more mature than the average club hopper.

``I'm going to gear my music for the 28- to 45-year-old,'' Fenner says. ``I hope to offer something that's missing in the market.''

One musical act Paradise already has booked is Currituck County's blues singer EZ, who is fast gaining a reputation as the smokingest blues guitarist in northeastern North Carolina.

``He's the best guitarist that I've seen in a bar situation,'' says Fenner, who also serves as EZ's manager.

Fenner is probably the one proprietor responsible for the current blues music blitz on the beach. Paradise's slogan has always been: ``Blues, brews and cues.''

``Blues is part of all the rock n' roll we listen to,'' says the 44-year-old Fenner. ``People in our age group are looking for something they haven't heard 1,000 times.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by DREW C. WILSON

Cindee Smith, 23, of Southern Shores, takes aim at the 8 ball at

Paradise Billiards. Club owner, Bill Fenner says: ``I'm going to

have to put a lot of effort into changing my image from a pool hall

into a music club.''

Graphic

HOW TO HEAR 'EM

Who: Joel King (acoustic)

When: Tuesday

Where: Paradise Billiards, milepost 7 in the Dare Centre, Kill

Devil Hills

Cost: Free

Call: 441-9225