Issue 33, April 23, 1997

The celebrity-filled grand openings of Planet Hollywood and the All-Star Cafe were held last Sunday evening. Thousands of people showed up to see the famous names. Bruce Willis played a musical set with his band, joined by Larry Gatlin and Patrick Swayze on the Gatlins' hit, "All the Gold in California". Some quotes: Swayze described the strand as the golf capital of the world, and actor Will Smith, on his first visit to Myrtle Beach, said the area was very interesting, lively, and a lot of fun.

Tiger Woods was busy that day setting all kinds of records at the Masters , but he dropped by the next day. He described the strand as "probably the golf mecca of the world", and dropped off a signed menu from the previous night's Masters Champions Dinner, plus a score card and program.

The newly opened All-Star Cafe (Planet Hollywood has actually been open for months) takes its sports theme seriously. The booths have seats shaped like a catcher's glove, with the tables painted as baseballs. There are video screens all around and items from the local colleges (the University of South Carolina and Clemson primarily). Each of the celebrity sports figures has a 'locker' that contains souvenirs of that athlete's. The phone number is 803-916-TEAM.

The House of Blues, another theme restaurant, will have its grand opening on May 2. James Brown and the Blues Brothers will perform on May 4. Other notables on the schedule include ZZ Top on May 7 and Johnny Cash on May 30 and 31. On May 8 the Wallflowers, fronted by the son of Bob Dylan, will perform.

The new restaurant is in Barefoot Landing. It is the largest House of Blues in the world, with a performance venue that accommodates 2000 people (standing; few seats are provided). There will be live music every day, with Sunday 'Gospel Brunches' at 9:30 and 12:00 beginning May 11. The booths are set up for Internet access (hey, you could read this column there!) and computer conferencing. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to midnight, or until 2 a.m. weekends. Call 803-272-3000 or the concert line at 803-913-3740. The following shows all begin at 9 p.m.: 
        May 1           Eric Johnson
        May 4           James Brown and the Blues Brothers
        May 5           Inner Circle and King Chango
        May 6           The Little River Band
        May 7           ZZ Top
        May 8           Wallflowers
        May 9           Keith Sweat
        May 10          Dr. John
        May 11          IGB Band
        May 12          Leon Russell and David Allan Coe
        May 13          Foghat
        May 14          Spearhead and Camp Lo Coolbone
        May 15          KoKo Taylor
        May 16          Little Feat and Blind Boys of Alabama
        May 17          John Mayall's Bluesbreakers and Duke Robillard Band
        May 18          The Fabulous Thunderbirds and Luther Johnson
        May 19          Erykah Badu and Eric Benet
        May 20          Buckwheat Zydeco
        May 21          Spider Monkey and Aquarium Rescue Unit
        May 22          Doobie Brothers
        May 23          Collective Soul and Darlahood
        May 24, 25      War
        May 26          Sqwearl and 10 Gage
        May 27          Drivin 'n Cryin and Storyville
        May 28          Yellowman
        May 29          Beausoleil
        May 30, 31      Johnny Cash


The Carolina Opry and Planet Hollywood have a joint promotion going on at least through the end of April. For $76 a couple, you can dine at the restaurant and see the show. Call 803-238-8888.

This Saturday the annual Myrtle Gras festival will be held from 10 to 6. There is a new location this year, off U.S. 17 Business across from the Pavilion. In addition to craft booths, food, and a children's play area, there will be three stages with continuous live entertainment.

The country musical group Alabama, who toiled for a decade at the Bowery bar next to the Pavilion before hitting it big, have a new album out, and the title song is all about Myrtle Beach. It's called "Dancin' on the Boulevard", and it has references to the Magic Attic, Peaches Corner, Mother Fletchers, the Spanish Galleon, Fat Jacks, Sun Fun, Ocean Drive, the Electric Circus, and other Grand Strand landmarks. The rest of the album contains more tradition fare, but the group did several covers of classic beach tunes, including "My Girl" and "Hey Baby".

At Broadway at the Beach, the Mexican restaurant Ocho Cafe has closed (not a huge surprise, I didn't think it was very well run). Restaurant Business magazine has reported that the strand is one of the most over-saturated markets in the country, even with all the tourist trade. Expect a few more closings as time goes by.

Construction work is taking place on 10th Ave. N. in central Myrtle Beach, and it will continue for about a year. There will be lane closings during weekdays only. No work on the U.S. 17 Bypass intersection with 10th Ave. will take place until after Labor Day.

Both motorcycle weekends are coming up soon. The Harley-Davidson rally is May 17, and the Atlantic Beach rally (predominantly black bikers) is Memorial Day weekend (beginning May 24). if you like your beach trips to be quiet, these are not the best weekends to go. The Memorial Day rally has caused terrible traffic problems from Restaurant Row through North Myrtle Beach in years past, so if you're going that weekend it's best to stick to central Myrtle Beach and points south.

New additions to the Myrtle Beach Factory Stores: Ruff Hewn, Lucia, and Van Shoes.


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