Many parties during DNC won't have lavish food, expensive entertainment

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Eyewitness News learned many parties during the Democratic National Convention will not have lavish food and expensive entertainment.

The NC Music Factory will host one of the biggest parties -- 15,000 members of the media will be there, but the owner, Noah Lazes, said getting the contract came with some surprises.

“When you think of these upscale, glamorous events, you think of plated dinners. In my mind, I envisioned big buffets,” said Lazes.

That's not what Jill Marcus will be making with her catering company, Something Classic.

“I think a Bud Light budget is appropriate, but we can still make awesome food on a Bud Light budget,” said Marcus. "I wish they were buying more of the local beer and supporting our wineries but the budget just isn't there for that."

Planners are keeping an eye on cash and man power.

Officials with the Human Rights Campaign told Eyewitness News they're not having a big concert like they did in Denver in 2008.

The Bipartisan Policy Center said they will hold small breakfasts and dinners instead of a large reception.

Eyewitness News asked the DNC Host Committee for a list of entertainers they have lined up for the week. Officials would not release that information.

Charlotte may have competition from California in attracting celebrities. The MTV Music Video Awards may throw a wrench in the DNC plans when they air live Thursday, Sept. 6.

That is the same night the president accepts the nomination.

According to the Huffington Post, many artists may skip politics to perform live and hope for trophies.

MTV played a huge role in the 2008 election when the network pushed the Rock the Vote campaign to get 18 to 29 year olds to the polls.

Marcus said she's happy the DNC isn't spending extravagantly.

“We're going to make money," said Lazes.  "It won't be a slam dunk, home run, hit out of the ballpark kind of deal."

Lazes hopes the payoff will be widening his facility's reputation.

WSOC