Popular Charleston nightclub Trio expands to Charlotte with stacked EDM lineup

You can expect a “Vegas-style production in a more intimate setting,” owner Eric Gussin tells Axios.

Why it matters: Charlotte is by no means on the same level as Miami or Vegas when it comes to nightlife. But there’s clearly a demand for nightclubs — it’s evident in recent openings we’ve seen this year alone: Hive in Uptown and Bazal at the Music Factory.

• Following two years of pandemic uncertainty and extra caution, the people want to party. I mean have you seen Resident Culture South End or Sling Shot on a Friday or Saturday night? It’s lit.

Go deeper: 5 hot new nightclubs in Charlotte

The vibe: I know I just said that Charlotte’s nightlife isn’t on the same level as other big cities, but Gussin says Trio will give us a taste of it.

• The club uses the same lighting and sound system used in E11even in Miami, one of the highest-grossing nightclubs in the world.
• Trio also has a balcony VIP section where people can view the stage from above.

Performers: Opening weekend has a stacked lineup, including Angelo the Kid, Rivas, Soto, Twinz and OneLove on Friday, May 19.

• S!CK!CK, Angelo the Kid, D-Rock and Doors will perform Saturday, May 20. 
• “We have acts booked through the summer,” Trio marketing manager Cameron Sepulveda tells me.
• You can check out the summer lineup on Instagram and on their website.

Cover: Similar to nightclubs in big cities, there will be a cover fee, which will vary in price depending on the night and performer. In Charleston, Gussin says, it’s ranged anywhere from $5 to $250, with Steve Aoki tickets being on the more expensive end of the scale.

• Of note: There will be no cover fee on opening night.

VIP: Tables fit anywhere from four to 30 people. Prices change based on demand and which artist is performing.

• The base tier, available on nights when lesser-known artists are performing, is $500-$1,000 for the smaller tables downstairs and $750-$1,500 for the upstairs VIP balcony booths.

• The second tier ranges from $750-$1,500 for the lower-level booths and $1,000-$2,000 upstairs.

Dress code: Trio will be the kind of place you want to dress up for, according to Gussin.

• There won’t be a strict dress code, because he himself likes to dress comfortably, but don’t wear flip-flops and cargo shorts.

Details: Trio is located at 1513 South mint St.

• It’ll be open Thursday, Friday and Saturday 9pm-2am.

Zoom in: Trio’s opening on a strip of South End that’s gaining traction as a nightlife destination — right next to The Horseshoe (a new sports bar for Gamecock fans) and down the road from 1501 South Mint.

What’s next: Trio will eventually open its 2,000-square-foot outdoor patio, which will either have its own DJ, separate from the indoor lounge or be used as a combined indoor-outdoor space.

Our thought bubble: Axios’ Emma Way DJs in her free time, and she immediately recognized a lot of big names — like Cloonee, Nora en Pure and Matoma — that Charlotte might not have normally landed pre-Trio.

Take a look inside: