The Nick

History

Dan Nolen took over the failing Wooden Nickel, in a former convenience store called B’ham’s Finest Qwik Mart at 2514 10th Avenue South, and opened it as The Nick on June 22, 1982. He dropped the “el” from Nickel because he planned to book cutting-edge bands. Pam Stallings started as a waitress in 1983 and later became co-owner and manager, while Nolen books the acts. The skinny room, capacity about 250, has hosted Black Flag, Jane’s Addiction, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Black Crowes, and Widespread Panic, and it still books rock.