Music Picks for Wednesday, May 26

Feeding the Fire - Pourhouse (Rock/Indie)
This Chapel Hill based band brings an interesting mix of alt/rock, indie and social commentary into their high-energy sets. They are on the best local bands at mixing their music so that their songs, while differing in mood and gravity, they flow together to make a great set. This is the mark of their musical skills. Overall an very good band that is finding their way on a path that is certainly not main stream - and that is a good thing....
Feeding the Fire & Lactose Cuervo open the set - so expect an 11:30 or so start for Feeding the Fire...
www.myspace.com/feedingthefire

For those of you interestted or involved in the local music industry, the Berkeley Cafe is having a mixer tonight to bring all of us interested together to share ideas, create gigs and network... This is an excellent opportunity to get to know your peers and get your name out there...
This is a Free event - bring any promo materials that you may have and meet your peers!

Music Picks for Monday, May 24

Anna Rose Beck - Deep South - Folk
Anna is one of our hidden gems that is soon to no longer be a secret. Based in Durham, she played her 1st concert in Feb and has very quietly been putting together a great set of music. Her Folk/acoustic style is simply amazing, soothing and moving. It is simply amazing that she has only been playing for a little over a year and actualy performing for around 3 months....
She is truly a pleasant surprise and a very good reason to check out her so on a Monday night.
Her vocal style is a bit like Natalie Merchant and her range is broad, and clear.
Check her out: www.myspace.com/annarosebeck
Expect the show to start around 9pm...

Music Picks for Week of May 24

Hey All!

We have some great shows coming to town this week and Holiday Weekend. Come check them out!

Monday 5/24:
Anna Beck - Deep South (Folk)

Tuesday 5/25:
Mayday Parade - Lincoln Theatre (Indie/Pop/Rock)

Wednesday 5/26:
Feeding the Fire - Pourhouse (Rock)
Music industry Night feat. Rome is Dead and The Long Drive - Berkeley Cafe

Thursday 5/27:
Mosadi Music & Ex Monkeys - Pourhouse (Hip-Hop/Soul/Electronica)
Valentino Trio - Hibernian (Jazz)
Bumble - Busy Bee (Electronica)

Friday 5/28:
Morgan McPherson, Garland Mason, Louder Monnlight - Deep South

Saturday 5/29:
Music for the Music City, A Benefit for Nashville - Pourhouse (Mult)

Sunday 5/30:
I was Totaly Destroying (U2 Covers) - Local 506 (U2)

Monday 5/31:
Trampled by Turtles - Pourhouse (Roots/Rock)

Review - Funkuponya and Mosiac Spring Music Fest

The Mosiac Music Festival held twice a year is a true gem for this area as it offers some best of the best of our local electronic music scene as well as some of the better regional and national performers. I was very, very impressed with the turnout on the nights I was able to attend (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Sun) - great music, great crowd and a great way to support our diverse local music scene.
As a way to bring the fest to a close - Funkuponya played an opening act for Neu Romance - the creation of Chico Scott - and one of the standard bearers of the Electronic Music scene. Neu Romance kept the electonic music scene going in Raleigh through the dark days and now is one of the more respected names in town.... Chico has been able to get the best of the best to come out to the weekly gigs for those of us who need an electronica fix.... Thankfully, the mosiac is the new venue for this event as the Albi bar closed down - as it will be recreated into the new Kings facility....
Funkuponya is a collection of some great musicians - each with different backgrounds - they have been really working hard on their sound and are near perfection - with Brian tearing up the keys, Leo on the bass, Carl on drums and Doug on guitar - this band has found it's way bringing Raleigh with, solid Funk - and it is exactly what was needed. I look for this band to continue their hard work and hopefully add some horns but they are a great band and they are testament to the developing music scene...

Music Picks for Friday, May 21

Small Ponds - Pourhouse (Folk/Rock)
This is the latest gem from Caitlin Cary - and what a Gem it is. Her duo with Matt Douglas is simply masterful and makes for some great easy listening. There vocal blend together in a "tug at your heart strings" sort of way. Just take a listen to "bleeding heart" and you will know what I mean. This draws strong compariasons to Glenn Hansard - it is that good....
This will be a great show - Luego & BJ Barnham will open the evening expect Caitlin and Matt to take the stage around 10-10:30
www.myspace.com/thesmallponds

Berk Dance Party - Berkeley Cafe (Dance/Electronica)
Let's continue the party from the throwdown last night at Mosaic at the Berkeley with Goldfinger, Fig, FM, Kino, Shallin Nicole and many more.... This will be a bumpin night of hi-energy dance...

Johnny Folsom 4 - Sadlacks (Rockabilly/Johnny Cash Tribute)
Local rockers Johnny Folsom 4 bring their talents to honor one of the great ones - Johnny Cash - this evening at Sadlacks. Expect a 7pm start or so - and expect a packed house - so get there early if you want a place at a table or along the wall.....

Zydecopious - Seaboard Station's Music on the Porch Series (Zydeco)
Kenny Shore's Zydeco band is back at it - making great music and making people dance. Tonite will be no exception at Seaboard. This is a Family Friendly event with a place for the kids to play while the Adults enjoy the music. Expect a 7pm start for this band.
www.myspace.com/zydecopious

Music Picks for Thursday, May 20

Ethnographers - Deep South (Indie Rock)
This Greenville based band is the latest in a long string of solid local indie rockers - but this band has an added piece of the puzzle that allows them to stand alone - Megan & Danielle - vocalists that really give this band it's soul and it's distinctive sound - it's masterful.... As an added component - they have the ability to move into the postal service/death cab sound on their slower songs - and it's great.... I highly reccomend this show and the opening band Down by Five.
www.myspace.com/theethnographers - check out "I was young once" and "Fine and Dandelions"
www.myspace.com/downbyfive

Mosiac presents: Triangle United Techno Party - feat. Big Shern, Brian San Diego, Lil Saint Dee & more (electronica)
The latest in the Mosiac Spring Music festival has some great DJ's set up their "all things techno" party this will be a great night of dancing - and some block rocking beats!
www.mosiacwinelounge.com/smf/techno.htm

Music Picks for Wednesday, May 19

Glossary - Berkeley Cafe (Southern Rock)
This Murfeesboro, TN band has been quietly making noise and is in the middle of a regional tour of the Southeast.... They bring a style of Southern Rock with rockabilly overtones - the great thing is that they are excellent vocalists and they also have the ability to change their sound and tempo which makes their sets interesting and enjoyable. This is a great mid-week show to catch. This is also an early show - expect opening band: Come on Go with Us to start around 8:15-30 and Glossary to start just before 10 or so....
www.myspace.com/glossary

Review - Mosiac Music Festival Mon & Tue

All,

Caught some great music at the Mosiac over the last two nights - great house/lounge/downtempo music that kept your attention and for most of us - dancing until close.... Great Music, great crowd and awesome, awesome music. Make sure you are back for the Thursday - Triangle United Techno Party - it will be over the top!!
Special shout outs to Dj Cyrus, Goldfinger, Andrius, Even Keel and Slipstream - you ROCK!

Music Picks for Week of May 17

Hey All,

Some great stuff on tap this week... Mosaic has it's bi-annual music festival and there are some great nights of music as well as some other great shows. Check out the listings below and check on the daily write-ups for more detailed info about the shows.

Enjoy!!

Monday May 17:
Tekitkal Elektronik feat DJ Cyrus, Goldfinger, Pressler, Andrius - Mosiac (Electronica)

Tuesday May 18th:
Flavor feat. EvenKeel, Slipstream, Charlie Horse and others - Mosiac (Electronica)

Wednesday May 19th:
Glossary & Come an go with us - Berkeley Cafe (indie rock)

Thursday May 20th:
Ethnographers & Down by Five - Deep South (Indie Rock)
Triangle United Techno Party feat. Big Shern, Brian San Diego, Lil St Dee & more- Mosaic (Electronica)

Friday May 21st:
Small Ponds - Pourhouse (Folk/Rock)
Berk Dance Party - Berkeley Cafe (electronica)
Johnny Folsom 4 - Sadlacks (rockabilly / Johnny Cash tribute)
Zydecopious - Music on the Porch @ Seaboard Station (Zydeco)

Saturday May 22nd:
Band Together feat. Michael Franti & Spearhead, Old Ceremony, One Eskimo & Holy Ghost Tent Revival - Lincoln Theatre

Paul Atkinson & The Good Life - Berkeley Cafe

Sunday May 23rd:
Funkuponya - Mosaic (Funk)

Recap of Week Ending 5/16

All,

We had some great music last week and while I was unable to post about all of it, I hope you were able to get out and enjoy it....
Notable shows were I was totaly destroying it's Friday show at Tir na nog..... Awesome job - and great show.....

Artsplosure was yet again a wonderful treat of great local, regional and national music.... This has got to be the best Free music Festival in the Triangle and this year was once again, no disappointment....
The Heavy Hitters on Saturday - The Iguanas of New Orleans & Karl Denison's Tiny Universe (adopted home of New Orleans) - put on two great sets of music.
The iguanas style of latin rock infused with blues/folk/funk elements have been a mainstay in the New Orleans and National music scene for the better part of two decades. They were have given rise to similar bands out of this area - most notably - Los Lonely Boys.
Karl Denison - what more can I say about him after that show? It was truly masteful - a great display of musicianship, and a hi-energy vibe that had the entire crowd dancing - the crowd exploded with the start of the show and the park was fairly full - just to see these guys - it was a great time...
Sunday saw Mel Melton and Charlie Musselwhite - both great shows except that the rain cut short Charlie's show - but all great hi-quality music....

Music Picks for Wednesday, May 12

Amelia's Mechanics - Pourhouse (Bluegrass/Folk)
I find this all-women band from Greensboro to be very talented and they have more than filled the void left by the departure of "sweet bye & bye". Take a listen to "Moonshine Driving" and you would think that the Indigo Girls are singing.... The vocals range from that to something on par with Bjork - take a listen to "French Press" and you will certainly agree. These ladies are for real and certainly worth a listen...
Expect Daryl Hance to get things started around 9-9:30 with the ladies taking the stage around 10:30...
www.myspace.com/ameliasmechanics

Music Picks for Tuesday, May 11

OK Go! - Lincoln Theatre (Indie Rock)
Indie Rock Heavyweights OK Go - light up Raleigh while on their national tour that is mostly sold out. These guys are White Hot in the indie music scene and it is a real treat that Raleigh can host this show (courtesy of the Cats Cradle). Their music style is simplistic - with rock/alt guitar, vocals and light electro keys. Its a great sound and hugely popular with over 1 million hits on their top 3 songs.... Check these guys out - it's great stuff and certainly will be a packed out show...
www.myspace.com/okgo - check out "WTF" "Invincilble" & "Here it goes again" - the latter of which played on most major radio....

Nova Stella - Pourhouse (Funk/Folk Rock)
This Greeville based band has been a pleasant surprise. In their 18 months of existance - they have not only defined their sound, but have been able to successfully get the masses to buy into their unique stylings. Self described as a "Funk Band that Ate a Folk Singer" - and their ecclectic sound does lend itself to this but also it is more than that - it's great music that can stretch from funk to alt rock - blended in with some great vocals.... This is certainly a unique sound - but it is very good and certainly worth a listen.
Oatmeal Conspiracy & Pacifico open the evening - both are fine bands and will bring some Indie Pop/Jazz to warm you up. Expect a 9pm start with Nova Stella coming on around 11.
www.myspace.com/theoatmealconspiracy
www.myspace.com/pacifico

www.myspace.com/novastellaband - check out "Falling Down" & "Open Air"

Music Picks for Week of May 10

All,

There are several Great Shows this week - but the gem of the week is the 2-day music fest at Artsplosure featuring 2 stages of great musical acts. Come see great local bands like Mel Melton and the wicked Mojos or New Orleans Rockers The Iguanas. Check out the listings below and check back for more details on each band on their listed date.

Get out there and enjoy our Raleigh Music Scene.

Tuesday May 11:
OK Go! - Lincoln Theatre (Indie Rock)
Nova Stella - Pourhouse (Funk/Folk Rock)

Wednesday May 12:
Amelia's Mechanics - Pourhouse (Folk/Americana)

Thursday May 13:
The Hotwires - Pourhouse (Bluegrass)
Little Feat w/Swagger - Lincoln Theatre (Country/Southern)

Friday May 14:
Drivin n Cryin - Pourhouse (Southern Rock)
Doco & Friends - Berkeley Cafe (Reggae)
I was Totally Destroying It Plays U2 - Tir Na Nog (Cover)

Saturday May 15:
Artsplosure Feat. The Iguanas, Greg Gleb Quintent, Karl Denison's Tiny Universe and more - Moore Square Downtown - (Various)
Wax Planet - Berkeley Cafe (Jam)
Viva La Venus - The Dive Bar (Rock)

Sunday May 16:
Artsplosure Feat. Mel Melton & The Wicked Mojos, The Explorers Club & more - Moore Square (Various)

Music Picks for Saturday, May 8

Funkuponya - Berkeley Cafe (Funk/Jam)
It's time to get your Funk fix and this Raleigh band will do just that..... These guys are THE funk band in town and will be playing with familiar running mates Hot Politics. This should be a GREAT show to shake it, or just enjoy the music. With Leo on Bass, Brian on Keys, Carl on Drums and Carl on guitar - make an sound that is a mix between john gros (thanks Brian) and Johnny Sketch.... The only thing this band needs is some Horns!!! Thankfully Hot Politics is there and will lend a hand in that dept....
This band has a great sound, each show gets better and better and I'm glad to see them out there with more and more bookings and exposure...
www.myspace.com/funkuponya - check out "Hot Air Baloon Chase" as well as my fave back from the old Mayhap days "Jims Chicken"
Expect a 9pm showtime - with Funkuponya starting around 11 or so...

Steep Canyon Rangers - Cats Cradle (Bluegrass)
The best Bluegrass in the State and one the best in the country throw down on Saturday in Chapel Hill.... This is a must see for those of you jonesin for a Bluegrass fix... See my earlier post on them in Feb - awesome stuff and not to be missed.
www.steepcanyon.com - listen to "cant sit down" "be still Moses" and "rambling man"

Q-Bex & The Jackets - Pourhouse (Rock/Americana)
This is a makeup for a cancelled show from last week - should be an awesome time!

Music Picks for Friday, May 7

The Mantras - Pourhouse (Psychedelic/Rock Fusion)
Take a journey with this Greensboro based band as they set out on an evening excursion of music that ranges from psychedelic trance to jam rock to electro funk rock..... All and all, a great evening of a wide spectrum of music all tied together with one band. This band has been setting the local Phish standard - and they seem to be getting better and better. They certainly have the range of great jam bands like Particle and this is a show that is highly reccomended.
Check them out @ www.myspace.com/themantras

Megafaun - Cats Cradle (Folk)
Raleigh folk favorites holding forth over in Chapel Hill for a Friday gig. No strangers to the Raleigh scene, it's going to be the last time to catch them in the area for a while as they are embarking on a national tour that will keep them away until at least July. Joe, Brad & Phil keep getting better and better and each new show brings a new twist - all good and certainly worth catching in order to get your Megafaun fix for the Summer....
www.myspace.com/megafaun - check out the fave - "The Fade"

Music Picks for Thursday, May 6

Bio Ritmo w/ Umoja Orchestra - Pourhouse (Salsa)
This Ponce, Puerto Rico band is world-renowned in salsa, carribean beat, and dance. This is a real treat to have them at the Pourhouse and it should be a packed crowd as it coincides with "Salsa night" at a downtown Raleigh establishment. This group is considered one of the founders reviving the new "old school" Salsa Movement - or "Salsa Classica". Their full entourage of instruments and vocals is the total package and this music is not commonly found in the U.S. outside of select cities like Miami or New York. This is certainly a must-see for those of you with any interest in Salsa / Carribean Beat.
www.myspace.com/bioritmo



Holy Ghost Tent Revival - Local 506 (Indie/Punk/Ska)
Our Friends - Greensboro based Holy Ghost Tent Revival is out again (check listing from 4/8/10) - this time at Chapel Hill's Local 506. Expect another night of guitar,vocal,drums and horns..... This is going to be a great night that will build into a crescendo music,dancing and craziness. This is truly an up and coming band - and it's only a matter of time given the talent and energy of these guys....
Check them out @ www.myspace.com/hgtr - check out "Hammer Fell" & "Getting over your love"



Schooner - Tir Na nog (Indie)
Yet another installment of the WKNC sponsored "Local Beer, Local Band" night, Carboro based Schooner comes to town to play it's version of Indie Rock. This is a mellow, easy-going music that flows easy - but is damn good... The vocals range from a refined Chris Isaak to a deranged Sting.... The admirable thing about this is that the band is able to artfully make it flow all together for our listening enjoyment.... I've seen these guys several times over the past few years and it is allways a pretty good show - check it out - there will be a good crowd.
www.myspace.com/schooner Expect a 10-10:30 start at Tir Na Nog and great beer specials...

Delta Rae, Big Fat Gap, Wylie Hunter - Deep South (Folk/Bluegrass/Blues)
This is a show NOT to be missed!

Delta Rae is quite possibly one of the best bands "under the radar" from this area in a long, long time. Their vocals are simply amazing - Brittany Holljes has got to be one of the best new female vocalists on the scene. The rest of the band - consisting of three siblings Ian, Eric & Brittany as well as Elizabeth Hopkins and James Goldberg - together their harmonization and masterful use of keys, strings and percussion to supplement the vocals is beyond words - its a religious experiance..... The talent level of this band far surpasses most bands - and they seem light years ahead of development - they have only been a band for not quite a year and already they have the seasoned sound and harmonization that takes others years to master. The music scene has not seen the level of vocal talent in this band since Fleetwood Mac... I highly reccomend this show to anyone and everyone - its your chance to see a true up and comer perform in the beginning stages of what should be a great career.

www.myspace.com/deltaraemusic or www.youtube.com/deltaraeband

All songs are great but check out "Bottom of the River" "Morning Comes" and "Holding on to Good" Please also check out Edwin McCain's shout out to them on You Tube - very good....

Big Fat Gap & Wylie Hunter will follow and will bring their brand of Bluegrass and Americana/Blues. Big Fat Gap is a Bluegrass mainstay that makes our Bluegrass music scene one of the best in the land.... They are frequent visitors to the various music venues around the area and they will most certainly put on a great show... I like Wylie Hunter's musical style - it's similar to David Gray with a touch of Ben Folds and he brings an energy that is certainly contagious and hey, if your gonna stay for two shows, catch the 3rd one as well....

www.myspace.com/bigfatgap

www.myspace.com/wyliehunter

Music Picks for Wednesday, May 5

Album Leaf - Cats Cradle (Electronica/Indie)
This San Diego based band is yet another heavy hitter in the Electronica/Indie scene. They are in the midst of a national tour and the Triangle is lucky to have landed them for an evening. They are not quite a true electronica band - but they experiment with rock (drums,guitar,keys) along with the electronic imputs to create their unique sound. Today as I sit writing this, we have a cloudy, stormy day - perfect for this music - it creates a mood - and would certainly be perfect for a lounge. This will be a great interlude - and if you in any way like electronic music, this show is a MUST!
www.myspace.com/thealbumleaf This is a 9pm show -with Sea Wolf opening - expect a 10pm start to Album Leaf....

Chasing Edison - Pourhouse (Funk/Indie)
Yet another great show on a Wednesday - This Charlotte Based band is North Carolina's version of Widespread Panic or Perpetual Groove - with a bit of a rock overtone - and it works! Justin, Jeff, Alex and Greg have only been together for roughly a year and yet they have put together an impressive sound that is part funk, part rock, part jam with groove mixed in to tie it all together. This is going to be a great show and I
www.myspace.com/chasingedison - check it out - the show will start around 10 - with Sign of the Rhino - expect Chasing Edison to start around 11.....

Music Picks for Tuesday, May 4

Future Islands - Berkeley Cafe - New Wave/Pop/Electronica
This is the CD Release party for this Baltimore-based band. Their style of new wave/electronica harkens back to the heydays of this genre - and I love it! They sound a bit like The Hood Internet and bring elements of Pop,Indie, and a touch of hip-hop to customize their sound and the backbeats keep you grooving... With that being said, they can also surprise with a couple of tunes that is straight up Indie Rock - it makes for a show that keeps you on your toes. This is going to be a great evening of music - a lounge type setting and some good drinks and we will be set..... Baltimore running mates, Lower Dens will be opening the show as will local band Lonnie Walker. This is certainly a show that is worth catching - so come by and check it out!
www.myspace.com/futureislands - check out all the material - it's all good!
www.myspace.com/lowerdens - check out "blue and silver" & "2 dudes" - good stuff
www.myspace.com/lonniewalker

Yadkin River Theory - Pourhouse (Southern Rock/Americana)
This Salisbury, NC based band is straight up Southern Rock in vein of The Blue Dogs they have have mastered the art of a great song and hard driving rock - which is the standard of a good Southern Rock band. They have great vocals backed up by great hard guitar driven rock. It's the perfect symbiosis for rock as demonstrated with "Stations Fade".... As an added twist, they can dial it down a bit and come out like Chris Isaak such as the case with "That night"
This is certainly going to be a great show - check it out and get your Southern Fried Rock fix!
www.myspace.com/yadkinrivertheory

Music Picks for Monday, May 3

A Tin Djinn - Deep South The Bar (Indie Rock)
This Raleigh-based band produces an eclectic style of Indie infused rock with touches of electronica mixed in that smooth the edges of the hard driving guitars. Good Vocals, good songs and they are certainly worth checking out on a Monday night if you are in the mood for a show. This is certainly a show for you to relax and jam out to on a Monday and a great start to the work week.
www.myspace.com/atinjinn

Music Picks for Week of May 3rd

Hey All!

As we ease into Summer, we have some great shows in Raleigh as well as a few in Chapel Hill that are definitely worth checking out. Come on out and support the local music scene. Please check back for detailed listings per day as listed below.

THanks!

Monday 5/3:
A Tin Djinn - Deep South The Bar (Indie Rock)

Tuesday 5/4:
Future Islands - Berkeley Cafe - (New Wave/Pop/Electronica)
Yadkin River Theory - PourHouse (Southern Rock/Americana)

Wednesday 5/5:
Chasing Edison - Pourhouse (Funk/Rock)
Album Leaf - Cats Cradle (Electronica/Indie)

Thursday 5/6:
Bio Ritmo w/ Umoja Orchestra - Pourhouse (Salsa)
Holy Ghost Tent Revival - Local 506 (Indie/Roots Rock w/horns!)
Schooner - Tir Na nog (Indie)
Delta Rae/Big Fat Gap/Wylie Hunter - Deep South The Bar (Folk/Bluegrass/Blues)

Friday 5/7:
The Mantras - Pourhouse (Psychedelic/Rock Fusion)
Megafaun - Cats Cradle (Folk)

Saturday 5/8:
Steep Canyon Rangers - Cats Cradle (Bluegrass)
Q-Bex & The Jackets - Pourhouse (Rock/Americana)
Funkuponya - Berkeley Cafe (Funk)