Where We Live: Cat's Cradle - Carrboro, NC

Justin Gerber

January 17, 2009 | 12:35pm ET

In the film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Indy and his father (Henry Sr. to be specific) are forced to go to a Nazi Rally in order to obtain a diary that would lead said father and son to the legendary Holy Grail. I understand how they must have felt, for I too have walked into the lion’s den. As a student of North Carolina State University, I have attended concerts at a university hotspot called, Cat’s Cradle.

Cat’s Cradle, officially located in Carrboro, is one of those great, small venues that house up-and-coming bands, as well as established artists. It’s located in the corner of a small building that could easily be mistaken for a warehouse, with trees whose branches and leaves occasionally cover the sign identifying the residence. The sign itself and where it is situated make it look more like a record shop than an actual concert venue.

This is not a negative commentary on Cat’s Cradle, far from it. All of the above mentioned imperfections only add to its charm. Once inside its doors, the bar is located on the left side, and beside it is a typical space for the performing artists to sell apparel and music. Upon entering, you are essentially in the crowd. There are no hallways pointing this way and that, nor are there any ushers directing you to your seats. It’s all in your face, bringing to mind the wise mantras of the late Buckaroo Banzai who said, “Wherever you go, there you are.”