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Now the 90s and 00s have come and there it remains, arguably the most unadulterated thing standing after 30 years in our shiny-and-new-obsessed city. Sure as Carolina Blue and Dixie Dew, the Double Door Inn (with those same two faces behind that same bar), has been a rare Charlotte constant for customers returning from time, travels or traumas throughout the years.

The club is as Charlotte as red clay. All employees were bred here, most born here as well. They went to our fair city's high schools and many to Charlotte colleges and universities. The environment and atmosphere created by staff and patrons is a cultural study of Charlotteans. The Door is a place to experience the feel of earlier, more slow-paced days when Charlotte was "just a big town," as Mandrapilias says. You get that "hi y'all" comfort zone like at your neighborhood diner and some of the warmth of visiting Grandma's never-changing house -- except the sound system's much better.

Karres has paid it forward in ambassadorship by mentoring musicians and nurturing local bands, including among many others Les Moore, Jim Brock and Lenny and Michael Federal. The club owner has donated stage, soundmen and staff to help musicians, like when Lenny Federal was beaten and robbed of his equipment. The Federal brothers are local musicians "I'd like to have seen "make it'," Karres says.

Since 1993 the Double Door has housed the Charlotte Blues Society, promoting blues through concerts, forums and workshops. CBS also hosts an annual blues talent competition at the Door in August; the winner competes in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. Last year's Charlotte winner, Delta Moon, went on to win in Memphis. The 2003 Charlotte victor is the Robin Rogers Blues Band, which plays the Door every Tuesday night. They'll compete in Memphis in February.

Amateur soloists to four-piece bands can find a stage full of equipment and a professional venue to hone their musical skills at Les Moore and Friends Open Stage Night, which the Door has sponsored for about eight years. "I've only heard one band that I thought didn't belong up there," says Martin.

"I'm particularly proud of the "house' performers," Karres says. "All of our house bands are people who just love making music." Moore has been an important force at the Door, creating all-stars and open stage concepts, of which Karres is very proud. "Traveling business people plan their trips to get into Charlotte on Mondays to see Les and his group. I'm proud to have something to offer them, I hope I've raised the bar somewhat in Charlotte."

The anniversary weekend features Jim Thackery and the Drivers Friday and Saturday night Dec. 19-20. Monday, Les Moore's Monday Nite All-Stars perform with special opening guests Black Market Radio. For information call 704-376-1446.