Under the Sun Tour: Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth & Gin Blossoms in Charlotte on Aug 11.

You Asked for It. Now Get a Gang Together, Rent a Fully Equipped Limo, and Enjoy Your Favorite '90's Groups at the Uptown Amphitheatre at NC Music Factory in Charlotte

Cover of Mark McGrath

Are you a fan of the '90's alternative rock bands.  If that was a huge yes, why not try a counter-counter culture approach to a huge night of entertainment coming to the Uptown Amphitheatre at NC Music Factory in Charlotte, NC.  The Under the Sun tour includes such top groups as: Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth & Gin Blossoms, and it arrives in Charlotte on Aug 11.  

If you'd like to avoid having to draw straws over who is the designated driver, and start the party before the show, go to http://astepabovelimo.com and place an order for a "Fully Equipped" limo.

What about this show?  According to the Paramount in NY:

Mark McGrath is a true original. Best known as lead singer/songwriter for Sugar Ray, the Southern California-native can lay claim to a stunning string of top 10 hits, including “Someday,” “When It’s Over,” and the twin #1 classics, “Fly” and “Every Morning.” McGrath and Sugar Ray proved worldwide fan favorites, with multiple multi-platinum albums (including the RIAA 3x platinum certified 14:59), countless sold out tours, innumerable TV appearances, and starring roles on the covers of such national publications as Spin and Rolling Stone. More than two decades since their foundation later, Sugar Ray remain devoted to the cause that united them, the pursuit of good times, sunshine, and great rock ‘n’ roll.

As if that weren’t enough, McGrath – named 1998’s “Sexiest Rock Star” by People – has enjoyed a high profile career as a multi-faceted TV personality. Among his many credits are stints as co-host of the entertainment news program, Extra, and as host of the nationally syndicated Don’t Forget The Lyrics! A three-time champion on VH1’s Rock & Roll Jeopardy, McGrath has also appeared on such hugely successful series as Fox’s American Idol, NBC’s The Celebrity Apprentice (Season 4), and most recently, ABC’s Wife Swap.
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With their indelible, organ-powered style, Smash Mouth has long provided the sundappled soundtrack to summertime fun. The Southern California-based combo has earned sales exceeding six million albums in the US alone, fueled by a streak of unforgettable chart-topping hits including “Can’t Get Enough Of You, Baby,” “Then The Morning Comes,” and the #1 classics, “Walkin’ On The Sun” and “All Star.” Furthermore, the band’s songs – including distinctive covers like “I’m A Believer” and “Why Can’t We Be Friends,” performed in the inimitable Smash Mouth style – have been featured in a breathtaking array of film and TV programs, including The Simpsons, Can’t Hardly Wait, Half Baked, BASEketball, Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo, and of course, Shrek.

With founding members Steve Harwell and Paul De Lisle at the helm, Smash Mouth returned in full force last year with Magic, drawing praise once again for their everinventive beach party anthems. As if that weren’t enough, the hard touring band showed off their culinary credentials with Recipes From The Road, a rock ‘n’ roll cookbook/travelogue featuring contributions from such celebrity friends as Guy Fieri, Michael Symon, Sammy Hagar, and the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Jerome Bettis.
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Gin Blossoms literally define the sound of jangle pop. From their late Eighties beginnings as Arizona’s top indie rock outfit, the Tempe-based combo has drawn critical applause and massive popular success for their trademark brand of chiming guitars, introspective lyricism, and irresistible melodies. Lead tunesmiths Robin Wilson and Jesse Valenzuela soon unfurled a series of multi-format favorites, from “Hey Jealousy” and “Until I Fall Away” to “Follow You Down” and the GRAMMY®-nominated “As Long As It Matters,” earning Gin Blossoms sales in excess of 9 million in the US alone. In addition to the band’s own albums – including 1992’s breakthrough New Miserable Experience – Gin Blossoms songs were highlights of the RIAA gold and/or platinum certified soundtracks to such films as Speed, Empire Records, Wayne’s World 2, and several others.

The band were also inescapable presences on TV, dominating MTV and performing on such shows as Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with ay Leno, and Saturday Night Live.
Gin Blossoms took a brief turn-of-the-century hiatus but reconvened shortly thereafter and haven’t looked back. The band is among the busiest touring acts in the world, playing close to 150 shows a year (including a five city tour of Iraq and Kuwait in 2010)
and releasing such acclaimed albums as No Chocolate Cake, which topped the Amazon.com sales chart upon its 2010 arrival.

2013 Summer Tour - Matchbox 20 and Goo Goo Dolls in Charlotte NC, Aug 6

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Charlotte, NC Feature a Fantastic Show Perfect for An Evening on the Town with Friends and a Limo

Looking for a concert this Summer featuring big productions, huge collaborations, and lots of fun.  Coming to Charlotte on August 6 will be Matchbox Twenty and Goo Goo Dolls for the “Magnetic North” tour.  The show has already been seen in various cities.  Reporting from St. Louis, Kelly Quirin of Playback writes: 

"... Goo Goo Dolls. For a band that has been around for two decades, the guys of the Goo Goo Dolls still pack a lot of energy into their performance. While the band spent more time playing than interacting with the audience, they definitely didn’t put on a boring show. Their part of the night opened with “Long Hard Night.” Could this have been a prelude to the hot night all of the band members would have to endure? The group played their most well-known songs including “Slide,” “Iris,” and “Name,” the latter of which was the band’s first big hit 18 years ago. Lead vocalist Johnny Rzeznik told the crowd that he knew the band had made it when he heard “Name,” while grocery shopping. When the starting notes of “Black Balloon” began, a bunch of black balloons were release into the front of the crowd. A bit cliché? Perhaps, but the front center section seemed to have fun hitting them around. Rzeznik sounded great throughout the night. A few songs had vocalist Robby Takac on lead, and those vocals could have been stronger. Takac had a nasal, whiny feel in contrast to Rzeznik’s soft pop vocals. Goo Goo Dolls are touring to promote their new album, Magnetic. Their set included a new song from the new album, including “Come to You,” which was performed karaoke-style so that the crowd could learn the words. The set ended with the crowd singing along to the hit “Broadway.” Their set was solid; full of energy and fun.

Matchbox Twenty closed out the night with an energetic set. The most memorable part of the evening with Matchbox Twenty was their stage set, which included three giant cubes that were actually huge multi-sided video screens. Those cubes were a focal point throughout their show, with complementing videos and up close shots of the band for each song. The band performed a mix of their hits, band favorites, and songs from the new album. Overall, the band had a light-hearted, joking attitude and front man Rob Thomas kept the crowd involved in the show. He told the crowd, “we want to make tonight special for you guys too.” Thomas also made several jokes about things he didn’t want to see on Twitter later that night, earning a few laughs from the crowd. Thomas led the guys of Matchbox Twenty with an emotional performance; everything he felt about the songs was written all over his face and evident in his body language. The highlight of the night for Matchbox Twenty was probably when a huge alarm clock appeared on the screen and froze at 3:00 a.m. The crowd went crazy for a “3 a.m.” sing-along. The band also played hits including “Unwell,” “Bright Lights,” “How Far We’ve Come,” and newest hit “She’s So Mean.” They closed out their encore with “Push,” which seemed to be another crowd favorite.

Goo Goo Dolls and Matchbox Twenty, with opener Kate Earl, brought the fun and excitement to a hot summer night that a collaborative summer tour promises. Though each band has been around for almost 20 years, the men in the bands made each song seem fresh and exciting. Touring and performing seem fun to these guys, and their energy shone through to the fans that suffered through the heat to see them. |Kelly Quirin

Keith Urban Hits Verizon in Charlotte on July 25

Keith Urban, Little Big Town & Dustin Lynch Team Up for a Huge Evening of Entertainment

Live it up before and after the show.  Put together a group and hire Charlotte Limo.  Or maybe you could make it a chauffeured sedan for just you and your special friend.  Either way you want to check out our website at http://astepabovelimo.com

Please take note that we now have a Atlanta Limos, too, Ambassador Limousine Service.  Our website is here.

12 Reasons to Take a Limo in Charlotte

Stylin' in My Limo  (Photo credit: Joey Day)

Limo Service Is a Perfect Addition for Almost any Event or Occasion

No matter what the occasion, taking a limousine will just add that much more fun.  And most folks are surprised at how little it costs when you split it up among the participants.  If you have an outing planned for family, friends, or business associates, hiring a Charlotte Limo from A Step Above Limousine Service will make it a time to remember.  We did not include weddings in the list below because that would have been 13 reasons, and you already know to use one or more limos for the wedding.  If not, check out our ideas here.

Bachelor/Bachelorette Party

Don’t worry about a designated driver! Forget about getting lost.  No looking for parking lots in downtown! A limo can take you safely from place to place all night and deliver you home safely and in time for your trip down the aisle.

Concerts at the Belk or the Verizon

There's plenty to see in Charlotte. You’ve got the perfect outfit picked out, tickets in hand, and you’re ready to step out for the night. Arrive at the concert in style? A limo ride will give you time to warm up with a couple drinks and get you in the mood to party all night long.

A Day Trip to the Yadkin Valley Wine Country by limo

Whether you are planning a trip for local friends in Charlotte, showing out of town guests the great wineries available in the Carolinas or coming in from out of town hoping to taste a bit of the grape, a limo is the only way to go.  We know the local Yadkin Valley Wine Country, and can help you make decisions about where to taste, eat, and shop.  Call early to book your limousine tour of Charlotte's wineries.

Anniversary or Romantic Date

It’s a special date night for the two of you—maybe even an anniversary. Surprise him (or her) with a limo ride to to Charlotte restaurants, bars, events, and/or nightspots! On your way, toast your night with a bottle of champagne, set the mood with some romantic music, and arrive stress free at your destinations.

Going by Limo to the Airport in Charlotte and Coming Home Again

We show you in this post multiple reasons why you should forget about driving yourself or taking a cab or shuttle to the airport and back.  And if you travel and need a limo in Atlanta, keep in mind that we have a sister company there who offers the same impeccable service as we do here in Charlotte.

Prom

Prom is a night your kids will remember for ever.  Just like you did, they have been planning the perfect date, the dress, dinner and corsage for months!  In Charlotte, a limo to the prom is just the new normal.  Regardless of whether they are King and Queen of the prom, your teens will feel like royalty pulling up to their dance on the big night.

 Show Important Clients How Much You Care

You want to show your client that you value them, their time, their comfort, and that you’re serious about keeping their business. A limo pick them up at the airport,  take them to and from your important meeting, or escort them a big lunch or night on the town in Charlotte, will tell them you’ll go the extra mile to keep them happy.

Birthday

You only get one time around on this planet.  Grab five or even more of your closest buds and go do something nuts.

Graduation

You made it!  Whether by the skin of your teeth or Cum Laude, keep the party going before during and after the ceremony. Take your friends and family to the ceremony in a luxurious limo, and then out on the town afterwards for a throw-your-hat-in-the-air evening!

Quincenera

Your family and her friends will be thrilled to get chauffeured here and there and back again in elegant limos. 

Just Because!

Who says you need a special occasion to take a limo? Treat yourself and your loved ones to a limo ride just because you can. Maybe you think your wife has been working too hard and could use a special night out. Maybe your husband got a promotion. There’s no reason not to call a professional, affordable limo service any time you’re ready to go in style!

Motivate the Crew!

Read all about our time tested Night-on-the-Town in a Limo motivational idea to treat the winner of the sales contest or the office staff for making the mark. 

Call (704) 605-1108 or email us at astepabovelimoservice@gmail.com or fill out the reservation form at http://astepabovelimo.com for charlotte or http://Atlanta-Limos.com for Atlanta. 

Limousine or Taxi Cab - Which Should You Use to or from the Airport in Charlotte?

Taxi Driver

Photo by Adam Jones adamjones.freeservers.com

Limo Service Driver

The Taxi Cab Vehicle

The Limo Service Vehicle

The Taxi  Interior

The Lincoln Town Car Sedan Interior

The Taxi cab cost

Only a little less than a Limo Service Sedan
Example - CLT to Uptown Charlotte  $25

The Limo Service Cost

Transfers Using Sedans - examples

CLT-->Downtown: $45.00
CLT-->Ballantyne: $65.00
CLT-->Southpark: $55.00
CLT-->University: $55.00

We are also happy to let you know that we own Abassador Limousine Service in Atlanta

Ambassador Limousine Service
3355 Lenox Rd. Suite 750 Atlanta, GA 30026
Tel: 404-621-2544

Give Away a Night On The Town as a Contest Prize

Motivate with Top Prize of  "Charlotte Night Life in Style" with a Limo Night on the Town 

If you are looking for a way to motivate employees, customers or your sales force, here is a fantastic first prize recommendation. 

The limo picks up that winner and their date at around 6:00.  They are dressed to the nines for a night to remember.  They get to set up the actual locations of their entertainment venues, but it might go something like this:

• Drinking the bubbly in the limo as the driver gives a short tour of some famous, but lesser know historical places in Charlotte.  
• First stop a top notch watering hole in one of the top hotels.  Enjoy the ambiance while enjoying a libation or two to set the mood.  Munch on some appetizers to take the edge off any hunger pangs
• Next stop is entertainment.  Live theater, comedy, or music.  Could even be a sporting event.
• Now to a late dinner in one of Charlotte's finest eateries. 
• Cap off the evening with dancing, brandy and jazz, or just a quiet after dinner drink in a quiet club.

You can vary this idea with fewer stops, a cap for total cost, or even a completely different approach for the evening.  Make it even more interesting by allowing a second couple (with or without the 2nd couple being free). The key to the night is truly the limo.  The luxury, the style, the attention, the pleasure of just being completely served for an evening. 

The suggested evening will cost around $1000, give or take.  How might this be presented to the contestants. 

A.  Sales contest.  Send a letter to the spouses or current dating companion of each member of the sales team telling them about the contest.  You can be certain that there will be pressure brought to bear on each member of your team to win that night out.

B.  Company wide competition.  Set a sales or profit goal for the month or quarter.  If you hit the goal, the entire staff will vote for which member of the staff made the biggest contribution to the accomplishment of the goal.  You can make it more complicated by actually giving points for accomplishing various tasks.  The award goes to the one who get the most points or to anyone who its certain point totals.

C.  Idea box.  Set up an idea box for the entire company.  Ask everyone to put ideas in the box about any aspect that might improve:  sales, profits, morale, production, safety, recruitment, etc.  Whichever suggestion is determined to have been the best wins the prize. 

As with any contest, you may want to offer 2nd place prizes.  If you wanted to stay with the night on the town theme, you could have a 2nd prize that only includes two venues.  You could also have a winery tour as second prize, keeping it in the entertainment category. 

Of course, this night on the town idea is something that you can reward yourself with at any time. 
We will be happy to help you with the planning of any evening which you award.  Let us know how we can be of service.