It's so weird not having Amp on Thursdays. Especially when November has decided it's going to have it's hot girl summer with temperatures in the 80's! Seems like we could run this thing non - stop. Now that I've typed this out, we will probably suffer an ice storm the likes of which have not been seen in a decade.
If there is a right way to end the season, Dazr is definitely a worthy argument. I always go on about the diversity Amp the Alley brings, and it's crazy that year after year of 32 weeks of FREE LIVE MUSIC we still find something unique. These young fellas bring the look and the energy of an old school Crue or Van Halen concert. With majestically flowing locks, sure to make me jealous, form fitting flared pants, and a glistening chest peaking from the deep V behind the buttons that didn't make the cut when getting dressed - these guys have the look. It felt like you were at the US Festival in 1983, minus 374,000 attendees, but they still brought that feeling.
The guys do an amazing job of channeling an era of music that isn't focused on much in smaller venue and bar settings. They aren't trying to pander to the likes of every individual in the crowd with a set list that plays like a dive bar jukebox or the sing alongs at a Braves Baseball game. These guys go hard. They rock. You love that they rock. I only found 1 individual at the show that had had enough. At roughly 8:30pm, I was standing to the left end of the stage, near the digital board, and I noticed a greyish cat scurry to my left as I brought the camera up to my eye. I've seen a lot of cat's downtown, and I've got nicknames for most of them. This wasn't Socks and it wasn't Patches. It wasn't Garfield and it wasn't Smoky. So I took a peak and realized this was a newer resident to the area...
It was a Possum! An Opossum! Whatever, you get it. They ol' rubbish rabbit. The muck marsupial.
Can you imagine? That critter was sitting 7 inches below Ozzy Ozborne's Crazy Train getting a modern boost from a crash symbol and a double bass pedal! The rest of us are throwing up rock horns to the sounds of Geddy Lee, Robert Plant, David Lee Roth, and Vince Neil. The wailing guitars of Eddie Van Halen, Jimmy Paige, Mick Mars, and Tony Iommi. The thudding bass of Nikki Six, John Paul Jones, and Tom Hamilton. Or the wailing drums of Tommy Lee, Neil Pert, and John Bonham. Then there was the possum. Losing his f^@%!ng mInd!
Everyone else loved it.
It was an impressive amount of hard rock to drive a critter to run who will blindly walk to it's death in front of an F-150 with straight pipes, 40" humming mudders, and the windows down blaring the same songs these guys were playing.
It has been a fun season, and I'm already working on ideas for the 2025 season. I hope to continue to make it bigger and better every year so long as all of you continue coming and enjoying yourselves. Don't forget about our sponsors, they are still downtown every day! Do me a favor when you're visiting some of the other downtown establishments and tell them you'd love for them to be a part of Amp the Alley next year. Make my sales pitch a little smoother for me!
Speaking of, let me get back to planning next year. I'll see you all out there, in The Alley!
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Whiskey Alley Gift Baskets
🎁 Give the gift of flavor this holiday season with Whiskey Alley’s Christmas Basket! Each basket includes two Whiskey Alley rocks glasses, a coupon for our famous Brussels sprouts appetizer, and two coupons for our seasonal sangria (21+). Whether you're treating a foodie friend or looking for the perfect gift for that whiskey lover in your life, this basket is a guaranteed hit. 🎄
Available for just $35, you can purchase yours in-store or online at whiskeyalley.com. All baskets are available for pick-up at 227 The Alley SW, Aiken, SC 29801. Spread the holiday cheer—Whiskey Alley style! 🥃✨
New Menu Items During Lunch at The Red Door
The Red Door’s Grilled Teriyaki Wings, where each wing is expertly grilled and coated in a deliciously sticky teriyaki glaze. Topped with fresh green onions and sesame seeds, these wings bring a balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of smokiness from the charred edges. Bold, flavorful, and impossible to have just one! Perfect for your next craving.
The Red Door’s Hawaiian Poke Bowl. Featuring candied Spam, marinated tuna, and a colorful mix of crisp veggies like carrot, cucumber, and jalapeño, this bowl is balanced with sweet pineapple, pickled ginger, and a bed of seasoned rice. Finished with a spinach salad for the perfect touch, it’s a fresh, bold bite that transports you straight to the tropics. Taste the aloha, right here at The Red Door!
Bold flavors and fresh ingredients come together in our take on the classic Vietnamese Banh Mi. Brown sugar-smoked ham, rich duck pâté, and tangy pickled carrots and daikon are layered on a perfectly crusty bun, with a kick of jalapeño and fresh cilantro to finish. It’s a flavor-packed, street food-inspired bite that’s all about balance—savory, spicy, and just the right touch of sweetness.
New Hours for The Red Door
After being asked since the opening when they would be opening for lunch, The Red Door has finally made the adjustments and will now offer lunches from Wednesday - Saturday. The New Hours are currently active.
A Opossium, Wow that creature loved ROCK just like me, I knew I loved nature for a reason lol !
It was a fun show and I had fun being a kitty cat ! Thanks Moose for bringing us this blog it’s so much fun to read !