“We have a few months to save the memory of the Double Door Inn”

Ahuja estimates he’s been to the Double Door Inn over 200 times. He’s seen Koko Taylor, the Avett Brothers and even a 14-year-old Derek Trucks perform at the legendary music venue on the corner of Charlottetowne and Elizabeth avenues. He and his wife even had their first date here.

For Ahuja, the next few months are bittersweet. He’ll spend time enjoying live music in his usual spot, in front of a post close to the stage, close to the bar, and out of anyone’s way. He’ll see some new faces on the stage, some old ones too, and he’ll do his best to save a part of the Double Door Inn, set to close for good January 2.

“We have a few months to save the memory of the Double Door Inn,” says Ahuja.

Ahuja, an author and media veteran, is working with Kim Brattain, longtime WSOC anchorwoman, Rick Fitts, a former producer at WTVI, and Chuck Bludsworth, president and creative director of Civilized Films, on Live From The Double Door Inn: A Documentary. The four launched a Kickstarter campaign August 10, and need to raise $50,000 by September 13 to produce the documentary, which will highlight the many people, fans, artists and staff, that made the place special in its 43 years in business.

[Agenda story: This Kickstarter campaign wants to help keep the Double Door Inn’s legacy alive]

Their plan is to finish shooting in October and then write the script and begin post-production. Cutting down 50 hours of footage to about 40 minutes for the final product is a tall task, but Ahuja and company, who have seen over 500 shows combined at the Double Door Inn, want to make sure they’re giving the project as much as the venue has given them.

“We all just have such a passion for this place,” says Ahuja. “It’s really about doing it, doing it well, and telling this story the best way we can.”

One way of accomplishing that has been reaching out to the many influential musicians that have graced the stage of the intimate venue over the years. Ahuja mentions Buddy Guy and Eric Clapton as just two of the many artists they have asked to interview for the documentary.

It may seem like a crazy thought that these legends would even entertain the thought, but musicians love the place. Trucks gave a nod to the venue a few weeks back at a performance at Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre. Local favorite Randy Franklin even wrote and recorded “I’m Gonna Miss It,” an original song about The Double Door Inn.

Outside of the artists, it will be people like Mike the bartender who will share some of their favorite moments and memories in the film. Mike, who has been bartending at the Double Door Inn since 1977, filled in for a bartender who was going on vacation one night nearly 40 years ago. The bartender never came back, and Mike never left. He’s just one of the many locals who stepped foot into the venue and stayed put.

Ahuja mentions a few things that make the Double Door Inn what he calls “one of the best rooms in the country.” It’s the constant flow of talented musicians, the bar, of course, and the happy, respectful concert-goers that make him feel comfortable there.

As for the Kickstarter campaign, anything helps, but a pledge of $50 gets you a DVD, and a pledge of $250 will get you in the door to a preview party on December 7th. While a DVD or an invitation are nice keepsakes and memories, Ahuja knows that being able to produce the documentary will be a lot bigger than that.

“Don’t donate to get a DVD or a sticker. Donate so you can help preserve the history of this place.”

All photos courtesy of Daniel Coston