Third time's the charm?

That's what owners of Raleigh Music Hall may be hoping. The club, which only reopened about a year ago after its former life as Martin Street Music Hall, has closed its doors once more. (We'd been wondering why their website recently vanished.) Owner Rob Farris cited a "bad lease situation."

In other not-so-good news on the local scene, King's Barcade, a couple blocks away on McDowell Street, will close in April.

Their building is being torn down to make way for a parking deck and shiny new condominiums. Owners are taking tips for a new location at kingsbarcade@mindspring.com.

Both of these clubs are, of course, in the shadow of the construction zone caused by the "new and improved" Fayetteville Street and demolished convention center. Hmm, you think there's a connection there?

As the only local venue where I can play Pole Position between sets, I'm sad to see King's go and hope they'll find a new home soon. In the meantime, let's all get out and support the clubs that are left.