Published Wednesday, November 16, 2011 By amanda_caines. Under Editor : Amanda Caines, The Money, Writer: Amanda Caines Tags: Agent Orange, Club, David Kiser, local music, Ratt, Rock Hill, South Carolina, The Ataris, The Money, Wheatus, Winthrop University
As someone who grew into adulthood in Rock Hill, I can’t tell you how many times I swore I would never again set foot in The Money. It is, and always has been, the bar that Rock Hill loves to hate, but it looks like times are changing. New management is hell-bent on making a great, college-friendly music venue out of what has historically been a sketchy little dive.
On paper, it looks like it would be an excellent place to play and to hang out, and for those who are willing to venture in the doors despite the rumors and reputation, it really is. It’s within drunken stumbling distance of Winthrop University; some really good national, regional, and local bands grace the stage; and it’s pretty accessible and easy to find (straight shot down Cherry Road from SC exit 82B on I-77). Since it opened its doors in 1970, there have even been some well-known national acts in the bar, such as Ratt, Agent Orange, The Ataris, and Wheatus, for starters. The cover charge is always reasonable, and the drinks are affordable at normal price and surprisingly cheap on special. The bar boasts some top shelf liquors, a Jagermeister dispenser, and, my personal favorite, a draft beer wall, tapped-in to over a dozen great craft and import beers (and the cheap shit, too, if you’re into that).
With that glowing review, “Why the hell wouldn’t people want to go there?” you might wonder. Due to some unfortunate choices on the part of former managers/owners and some uncontrollable circumstances, the place has gotten a horrendous reputation, with Winthrop students and Rock Hill denizens, alike, labeling the place “un-cool” and “unsavory.” Horse-shit. This bar is every bit as safe as any bar I’ve visited in Charlotte or Columbia, if not safer, and is one of the nicer bars in Rock Hill. Unfortunately, some negative press in the past year or so heaped undue blame on the club, which made breaking out of its seedy history difficult. The Money has stepped up its vigilance significantly, though, as a positive by-product of the negative situation. They are in the process of installing a digital infrared system as part of round-the-clock club security.
Since current owner David Kiser (also partial owner to other Charlotte area music venues) took over, The Money has gotten a serious facelift that includes changes on the inside and out. Just driving by on Cherry Road, you can see the fresh coat of beige paint, accented with cream-colored trim, and the brand new neon lights that proudly blare the club’s name. Inside, you’ll find cleaner walls, more sanitary bathrooms (with toilet paper!), and a beefed-up stage outfit, both visually, with some updated lighting, and sonically, with some upgraded P.A. speakers. The back patio, now rid of its old, rotting-wood benches, presents a beach-like feel, complete with bamboo-veneered tiki bar that even has a functional beer refrigerator. It’s like a whole new club. If you don’t believe me, they’ve got transformation pictures up on their Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/TheMoneyRH). Their dot-com site has gotten a facelift as well and actually bears useful information about the bands and the beers (http://www.themoneysc.com).
For those like me who have had a bad experience at Rock Hill’s favorite place to hate, skepticism that this time will be different is understandable. The venue has changed hands several times without much to show for it. However, drive by some time and see for yourself. Then, if you’re brave enough to challenge your assumptions, give The Money another shot.
