In Raleigh, much like in other large cities, there are always a few well-kept secrets. It may be a local restaurant or a homey store with surprisingly good prices. One of the best examples of this in Raleigh can be found downtown at the Longbranch Entertainment Complex.
The Longbranch has been around for almost 30 years and is known to bring in regulars and newcomers alike. After a closing and reopening, the Longbranch has shownit has no intentions of stopping anytime soon.
Tucked behind a few car dealerships, the Longbranch brings some of the largest acts in the nation. Recently bringing out popular house music artist Tiesto , the Longbranch has seen the likes of Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, John Legend, R. Kelly and many other famous musicians.
Students who regularly go out for a night on the town tend travel in groups, which is ideal in any city. So it’s best to go to a place that fits a wide range of people, something Longbranch provides.
Ashton Lowry, a sophomore in psychology, looks for variety in the venues she goes to.
“Honestly when I go do something on the weekends,” Lowry said, “my friends and I try to find a place that generally everyone we’re with will want to go to.”
Dan Wood, the owner/ general manager of the Longbranch , expressed how the diversity in Raleigh and constant change in population of people coming in and going out can draw people to different areas and venues based on there specific interest.
“We know that so many people come to Raleigh,” Wood said. “We are nationally ranked as one of the top 10 clubs in the nation, but so many new people come to Raleigh on a constant basis. That’s why we provide something for everybody.”
The variety at Longbranch is staggering, and it is almost impossible to not find something for everybody to enjoy. The venue provides four separate rooms with their own theme that host performances simultaneously. These rooms include a country room that can hold around 1,750 people and a top 40 room with the capacity of 1,450. There are also the disco and karaoke rooms who can each hold around 300 apiece. Even a VIP room can be found at Longbranch .
With so many choices, it may seem hard to pick which room to hang out in. For this reason, the Longbranch adapted the idea of free flowing.
“You pay one price to get in,” Wood said, “and you can go wherever you want. You get tired of one room, just go check out another. We tried to provide for large groups.”
Many venues make an effort to provide a nightspot attractive to all sorts of people, but the Longbranch has managed to fully realize the concept. Soon, the venue will be hosting the newest electro house/ dubstep artist, Skrillex , and the Longbranch will have possibly the most diverse roster of artist to have played when compared to other club level venues.
Those with an interest in a fun time out on the town can check out the Longbranch Entertainment Complex’s upcoming schedule calendar, as well as photos and info on satellite clubs under the Longbranch roster.
