My girlfriend and I came to the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center (shamefully) for the first time last night to see Traces, a new show that came in from NYC. As a snooty New Yorker, I always thumb my nose at what Charlotte has to offer in a cultural sense--which is normally dumb. Yet again, I've been proven wrong. \n\nThe Blumenthal Center is awesome: modern, new, clean--just a really awesome performance space. Honestly, with the exception of its size, it's pretty much identical to any stage or symphony hall in a bigger city. There's also nice bars and concessions, so it really does have a great feel. We'll definitely be going back for future performances. \n\nBe sure to get there on the early side, though: the entrance area can get a little backed up pre-show (understandably).