Borders Nite Out was created in December 2008 as a way to structure open mic night in our cafe. Our experiment with a first ever 'couple's night' in our cafe was a hit, as members of the DeKalb Homegrown Music Association (Steve, Jessi, Nathan and Heath) joined singer/songwriter Glory and keyboardist Zachary Harris for an outstanding night of music in our cafe, which brought cheers from every corner of the store.
We liked the idea of a couple's night in our cafe so much we created the title, 'Borders Nite Out' as a special 'date night' for couples to share away from the everyday hectic world we live in, and to relax in our cafe and check out some of the hottest bands and music in the area, getting their books signed by our guest authors and sharing some coffee and a renewed sense of relaxation and renewed love. In other words: The perfect night out on the town.
The catalyst being a handful of shows by Wally Mulso and the DeKalb Homegrown Music Association. With the positive reception from those events, we decided to spice up 'open mic' and create something special out of the good parts of those first 2 open mic nights in October and November.
In order to stay innovative we added an author signing to the December debut of 'Borders Nite Out' and a holiday children's choir. It was truly a 3D experience in our store. And, as fate would have it, by the time the other two events neared ending, the audience filtered into the cafe for the remaining hour of the music. A perfect night!
We look forward to filling our calender in the new year with some of the most requested musicians, and authors in the Chicago area as well as national artists and writers.
Watch us grow in the new year and be a part of history!
Borders Books in DeKalb breaks new ground with innovative 'couple's night.'
DeKalb, IL-
DeKalb, IL may soon be recognized for more than just the college and whole lot of corn. The town outside of Chicago holds a new key location for couples looking to spend an unforgettable night together.
"Borders Nite Out,' a series of events at Borders Books and Music in DeKalb, is seeking to host your next romantic evening on the town.
We will provide the ultimate date experience with guest authors signing and speaking about their latest books, bands and singers from the area and at the national level performing for you in our cafe, as well as a relaxed atmosphere to slow dance and cheer on your favorite bands, while enjoying our store on a whole new level.
'Borders Nite Out' co-creator, Daniel Sherrill, comments, 'to me a perfect date on the town has to include a place where you can sit and talk, listen to live music, and get your book signed together. With the hectic pace of life itself it's nice to have a night to enjoy each other in a relaxed and artistic environment, and plus it gives the bands and authors amazing ways to cross promote and gain new audiences.'
If it sounds like Borders in DeKalb may become a hot spot for couples in the DeKalb area, then the creators of the event have done their job.
Sherrill adds, 'We've gotten such a positive response with mentioning the concept. People are getting excited about bringing their dates into the store.'
While not a paying gig, per say, for the authors and bands, the night and concept have countless benefits. 'It's all about cross promotion for the artists and everyone involved. Making it a priceless night, seeing people from different artistic backgrounds involved in a ground breaking event makes them feel like they're included in something historic' adds Sherrill.'We're going to have special Grand Marshals and guest hosts. Doing it on a bigger scale will appeal to a wide range of talent that hasn't been exposed to our store.'
'Borders Nite Out' is held from 5-10pm on the second Saturday of the month at Borders Books and Music in DeKalb, IL. Area and national musicians and authors are encouraged to contact the store to appear on the nights.
There are also plans for fashion and bridal themed events during 'Borders Nite Out' in the Spring. Sherrill adds 'Many surprises are in store for Borders in DeKalb in the New Year. You will get very used to seeing live bands, authors and talented individuals cross the threshold into our store and leave their mark on the community. With the added appeal to visitors seeing this take place during a 'couple's night,' it makes it seem much more historic.'
Be sure to ask about Borders Nite Out when you next visit our store!
Hey guys, thanks for the add req! Books are awesome. And books plus music is even more awesome...I think your Borders Night Out is a great idea! Best Wishes for your new year and new concerts full of great music. [a]
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