I paid a brief visit to Radford Va. on 08/14/2014 and I made a point to check out some of the most popular Radford University nightclubs and bars from back in the day. Overall, it was a sad exploration indeed...
The Bus Stop
As Ralph Barrier let us know in his Roanoke Times article from 2003, the Bus Stop nightclub was closed down by owner Ed Savage, sold and then turned into a parking lot. Currently the land appears to be used as a bus stop for the Radford Transit bus system. At least it is still the Bus Stop, kinda...
Sackett's
Former Radford nightclub Sackett's met a similar fate as the Bus Stop, but the building housed at least one more restaurant before the whole structure was eventually torn down. These pictures show the former location as it appears today:
Chancey's
Somehow Radford's Chancey's nightclub and restaurant managed to outlive most local competitors, but eventually the plug was pulled on this former Radford landmark.
The Pi Kap Wednesdays were at times amazing, but Mary, the bar's owner, not so much. This was easily the most hazardous place to DJ as your equipment was basically placed on a bar table in the floor and subject to frequent disturbances by overly eager patrons.
The building was eventually damaged in a fire and now look as though it is being consumed by nature, disappearing into it own little grove.
Update 4-20-2020 - The building has now disappeared, demolished and completely gone. The sad Chancey's sign is the only thing remaining.
The Pi Kap Wednesdays were at times amazing, but Mary, the bar's owner, not so much. This was easily the most hazardous place to DJ as your equipment was basically placed on a bar table in the floor and subject to frequent disturbances by overly eager patrons.
The building was eventually damaged in a fire and now look as though it is being consumed by nature, disappearing into it own little grove.
Update 4-20-2020 - The building has now disappeared, demolished and completely gone. The sad Chancey's sign is the only thing remaining.
Lucky's
This was the place in Radford that gave us our first paying gig and I always enjoyed the Tuesday nights parties, working in the tiny "booth" located at the end of the bar. At some point Lucky's and Lucky's Upstairs became Riley's, and the Riley's Main Street Lounge concept appears to be thriving.
I visited at lunchtime and was unable to get photos inside as they were not opening until later in the evening. You can definitely still see the Lucky's influence on the exterior and upstairs patio areas...
I visited at lunchtime and was unable to get photos inside as they were not opening until later in the evening. You can definitely still see the Lucky's influence on the exterior and upstairs patio areas...
BT's | |
One look Radford's longstanding restaurant and nightspot BT's and you will feel like you just stepped out of a custom DeLorian that transported you back to 1985. To me, the whole place appears relatively unchanged since I first visited in 1984. They must be doing something right.
We never had a paying gig here to the best of my memory, but I have seen our friend DJ Shock turn this place out on several occasions. Also known for its acoustic music nights and "Waftos" which were cool back then, and now waffle fries are a common site at restaurants around the country.
We never had a paying gig here to the best of my memory, but I have seen our friend DJ Shock turn this place out on several occasions. Also known for its acoustic music nights and "Waftos" which were cool back then, and now waffle fries are a common site at restaurants around the country.
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