Starlight on 22nd: Where NoDa's Pioneering Spirit Lives On

In the heart of Charlotte's NoDa district, tucked away on a quiet stretch of East 22nd Street, sits a beacon of creativity and community that embodies the very soul of what made NoDa special decades ago. Starlight on 22nd isn't just another bar—it's a cultural center, an art space, a living room for creatives, and most importantly, a testament to the enduring vision of the artists who literally invented NoDa as we know it today.

The Legends Behind the Lounge

The story of Starlight on 22nd cannot be told without first understanding the remarkable legacy of its founders, Ruth Ava Lyons and Paul Sires. In 1986, when most people saw only an abandoned mill village in north Charlotte, this artist couple saw possibility. As the first pioneering artists to move to the area, they transformed what was then a neglected commercial district into something extraordinary.

Lyons, an abstract painter whose work is represented by Hidell Brooks Gallery and featured in museum collections, and Sires, a sculptor working in granite whose large-scale works can be seen throughout Charlotte (including outside the Spectrum Center), opened Center of the Earth Gallery in 1995. For the next 15 years, it served as the nexus of Charlotte's emerging arts neighborhood—an eclectic blend of galleries, coffee shops, dive bars, and independent boutiques that drew diverse crowds to monthly gallery crawls.

The couple didn't just open a gallery; they helped birth an entire neighborhood. They were instrumental in choosing the name "NoDa" (short for North Davidson Street), and they became known as the metaphorical mother and father of the arts district. When they closed Center of the Earth in 2010, it marked the end of an era—but not the end of their impact on Charlotte's creative community.

Passing the Torch: A New Generation Takes Hold

Fast forward to 2021, and the Sires-Lyons family found themselves opening another transformative space, this time with their son Orion Sires, now 27, taking the lead. Rather than stepping back into the spotlight themselves, Ruth and Paul made a deliberate choice to hand Orion the reins, allowing him to shape Starlight on 22nd's direction and energy.

"We're just passing the torch, which isn't only for our business but for a lot of our cultural activities," Ruth Ava Lyons explained. "We feel that it's time for some other people to step up and be active—be activists."

The previously nondescript cinderblock building at 422 East 22nd Street has been given new life through the family's signature upcycling and artistic vision. Everything inside Starlight—except the tap system—has been recycled, repurposed, or created. The ceiling in the entryway is constructed entirely from street lights. The bar itself features the old doors from The Evening Muse, another beloved NoDa music venue. Every table displays a trophy or vintage trinket, embodying the philosophy that "all of our patrons deserve a trophy."

A Space Designed for Community

Starlight on 22nd is officially a private club—not the exclusive, snooty kind, but rather a necessity of North Carolina's ABC laws, which require establishments serving alcohol without food to operate as membership-only clubs. For just $1, you can join for a full year, gaining access to one of Charlotte's most unique venues.

The space can accommodate up to 125 people across multiple areas, each with its own character:

The Main Room: A sea of mismatched tables and chairs creates an eclectic, welcoming atmosphere
The Audrey Room: A tribute to Audrey Hepburn offering a more intimate setting
The Game Room: Equipped with ping pong, disc golf putting baskets, cornhole, and classic board games like Monopoly
Outdoor Patios: Multiple outdoor seating areas with heaters, fire pits, and an outdoor stage for performances during nice weather
Chalkboard Walls: Where patrons create chalk drawings and leave messages for fellow club members

The venue is dog-friendly, making it perfect for those who want to bring their furry friends along. Free parking is available in a secure gravel lot across the street, and it's conveniently located near both the Parkwood and 25th Street stops on the LYNX light rail.

What They Offer: Drinks & More

While Starlight doesn't have a full kitchen, they've focused on what they do best: creating an exceptional beverage experience in a relaxed atmosphere.

The Bar: Features craft beers ranging from PBR to local favorites from NoDa Brewing (like Hop, Drop & Roll IPA) and Wicked Weed. Wine and spirits are also available, with inspired cocktails mixed by knowledgeable bartenders who take pride in their craft.

Food Options: While you can enjoy chips and crackers on-site, Starlight welcomes orders from nearby NoDa Market & Deli, which delivers directly to your table. The venue also allows outside food, and private events can bring in their own caterers.

Environmentally Conscious: In keeping with Lyons and Sires' environmental values, Starlight uses paper straws instead of plastic and prioritizes sustainable practices throughout their operations.

Events: A Calendar Packed with Culture

What truly sets Starlight on 22nd apart is its commitment to providing a platform for local talent and cultural experiences. The venue's calendar is consistently filled with diverse events, many of them free to the public.

Weekly Events

Soul Sundays (4:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
Free (donations accepted)
Soul and R&B music fill the space, creating the perfect Sunday wind-down atmosphere.

Karaoke Mondays (7:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
Free
Known as "Krazy Karaoke," these nights bring out everyone from shower singers to serious vocalists in a supportive, fun environment.

Comedy Open Mic (Every Tuesday, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
Free
Local comedians test new material and hone their craft while audiences enjoy laughs and drinks in an intimate setting.

Open Hearts Open Mic (Wednesdays, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
Free
Musicians, poets, and performers of all kinds take the stage, often followed by featured performances from established local artists.

Additional Events

Beyond the weekly staples, Starlight hosts:

Live Music Showcases: Featuring local bands and touring acts across genres including jazz, acoustic, indie, and more
Drag Shows: Celebrating LGBTQ+ culture and talent
Burlesque Performances: Bringing vintage glamour and entertainment
Pole Shows: Showcasing athletic artistry
Movie Nights: Outdoor screenings during pleasant weather
Singer/Songwriter Nights: Intimate acoustic performances
DJ Nights: Dance parties with local spinners
Book Readings and Poetry Nights: Honoring the spoken word tradition
Private Events: Weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, corporate gatherings, album releases, and even funeral after-parties

The venue has also hosted community events like "Out in the Industry," organized by the Carolinas LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce, and various pop-up markets for fashion, art, and crafts.

The Atmosphere: Your Living Room Without the TV

Walking into Starlight on 22nd feels like entering a friend's eclectic living room—if that friend happened to be an artist with impeccable taste and a knack for creating welcoming spaces. The walls showcase rotating art exhibits, currently featuring some of Ruth Ava Lyons' older work, including giant canvases depicting people and planets.

The venue's tagline captures its essence perfectly: "More than just another club, we're your community hangout for good drinks and a lotta fun!" This isn't corporate-designed ambiance; it's authentic, organic, and constantly evolving based on the community's needs and creative expression.

The crowd is diverse—artists, young professionals, neighborhood regulars, LGBTQ+ community members, and curious visitors all mingle comfortably. The atmosphere strikes that rare balance between chill and energetic, mellow and inspiring. As one reviewer noted, "The owner, bartender, and host were the sweetest and the atmosphere is immaculate."

Games scattered throughout encourage interaction and play, from disc golf putting practice (think cornhole but with disc golf) to ping pong matches and board game marathons. Free Wi-Fi accommodates those who want to work during quieter hours, though Starlight really comes alive in the evenings when events begin.

A Hidden Gem with Growing Recognition

Despite its proximity to bustling North Davidson Street, Starlight on 22nd maintains a somewhat hidden quality. As Ruth Ava Lyons has noted with a laugh, "We're on the edge of all that activity, but in the old days people were scared to come to NoDa and we had to do all kinds of things to try to get them there and now we're doing the same thing because we're in between all that development. No one can see us."

But those who discover Starlight tend to become devoted regulars. With 100% recommendation ratings from reviewers and 8,490 Instagram followers, word is spreading about this cultural gem. The venue has been recognized by the Levine Museum of the New South, Blumenthal Arts, and Charlotte is Creative as an important cultural space that's helping to unite and revitalize the community.

Visitors consistently praise:

The welcoming, inclusive atmosphere
The creative, artsy vibe that feels authentic rather than manufactured
The friendly, attentive staff and owners
The variety of entertainment options
The comfortable outdoor spaces with heaters and fire pits
The commitment to supporting local artists and performers

Practical Information

Location: 422 East 22nd Street, Charlotte, NC 28206
(In Optimist Park, on the edge of NoDa)

Hours:

Monday: 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Saturday: 1:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Sunday: 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Membership: $1 annual membership required (due to NC ABC laws)

Parking: Free parking in the gravel lot across the street or along 22nd Street/Brevard. LYNX light rail stops at Parkwood and 25th Street (one block away).

Amenities:

Dog-friendly
Outdoor seating with heaters
Free Wi-Fi
Wheelchair accessible
Games (disc golf, ping pong, cornhole, board games)
Available for private event rentals (holds 125 people)

Social Media & Staying Connected

Starlight maintains an active presence on social media where they post updates about upcoming events, special performances, and daily happenings:

Facebook: Starlight on 22nd
Instagram: @starlighton22nd (8,490 followers)
Website: starlighton22nd.com (features full event calendar)

The best way to stay current on their packed event schedule is to follow them on social media or check their website calendar regularly, as they continuously add new shows, open mics, and special performances.

Looking Toward the Future

Plans for Starlight's outdoor lot include hosting concerts, festivals, and markets—echoing the kind of community events that Ruth and Paul pioneered decades ago in NoDa. The family may eventually add a kitchen to expand food offerings, though for now, they're focused on perfecting the cultural programming and beverage experience that makes Starlight special.

As development continues to reshape the areas around 22nd Street, Starlight on 22nd stands as both a reminder of what made NoDa great and a beacon for where Charlotte's creative community is headed. It's a space that honors the past while embracing the future, all while providing a present-moment experience that feels increasingly rare in our fast-paced, screen-dominated world.

More Than a Bar: A Cultural Legacy

Starlight on 22nd represents something profound in Charlotte's cultural landscape. It's not just a venue; it's a continuation of a 40-year mission to create spaces where artists can thrive, communities can gather, and creativity can flourish without pretension or exclusivity.

As noted by the Levine Museum of the New South, "Carrying on the legacy of the artists who created NoDa, Starlight on 22nd is another attempt at creating creative space and rehabilitating East 22nd Street. It is already helping to unite the community through frequent open mics, comedy shows, and music showcases."

In an era when rising rents have pushed many artists out of NoDa and corporate developments have changed the neighborhood's character, Starlight serves as a reminder of the district's roots—and a promise that the creative, inclusive, funky spirit that made NoDa special is alive and well, just off the beaten path.

Whether you're a longtime NoDa resident, a visitor exploring Charlotte's arts scene, or someone searching for authentic community in an increasingly homogenized world, Starlight on 22nd welcomes you. Come for the drinks, stay for the entertainment, and return for the feeling that you've found your people—a community that believes everyone deserves a trophy, that art matters, and that the best nights are spent gathered with others in spaces that honor both creativity and connection.

Just like a starlight beacon in the night sky, Starlight on 22nd calls to those seeking something real, something meaningful, and something that feels like home—even if it's your first time walking through the door.