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Arts & Music

Advance Notice: The Week in Happening 3/15-21

Mid-week you are advised to be more creative than to stumble into the nearest crappy Irish themed bar.  I mean, really.

Mon – 3/15

  • I Was Totally Destroying it / Mobley / En Serenade @ Local 506 – $5

Tues – 3/16

  • Dexter Romweber (solo) @ The Cave – $TBA
  • Music Trivia Night @ The Pinhook – Win a round, win a pitcher. Enough said. $FREE!

Wed – 3/17

  • Unknown Hinson / Blood Red River @ Berkeley Café – Unknown Hinson, a musician, performance artist (?), and the voice of Early on the Squidbillies, is a total nut. See: this.  Wednesday night there’s going to be a sideburn and beehive contest at the show, which is enough of a reason in itself to advertise it. I mean, right?  $15
  • Fruit Bats  / Blue Gient / The Singleman Affair @ Local 506 – $10 adv / $12 at the door
  • St. Patty’s Day with Penny Prophets / Randy Whitt’s Celtic Celebration @ The Cave – $TBA
  • St. Patrick’s Day Mug Night with Waylandsphere / The Oatmeal Conspiracy / Triple Wide @ The Pour House – $6

Thurs – 3/18

  • The Black Lips / Box Elders @ Cat’s Cradle – …because even though that one guy spits loogies in the air and catches them in his mouth, at least he doesn’t pee on stage anymore (as my friend Austin warned me one time). Oh and also because they make great gritty rock’n’roll. $10 adv / $12 day of the show

Fri – 3/19

  • The Mercury Program / Fin Fang Foom @ Local 506 – $8
  • Dance Party to Benefit Choice USA @ The Pinhook – $5

Sat – 3/20

  • Billy Sugarfix / Anna Bullard / John Harrison / Houston Brothers @ The Nightlight – $TBA
  • The Rosebuds / Mount Weather @ Cat’s Cradle – $10 adv / $12 day of the show ((editors note: This show has been canceled.))
  • Athens Boys Choir / 8 inch Betsy / Pink Flag / Pariah Piranha @ Local 506 – Should you be confused about who Athens Boys Choir is this video is a decent primer. $7
  • Dance Party to raise funds for sending people to the Human Rights Conference at the Hague @ The Pinhook – $5

Sun – 3/21

  • Deerhunter / Schooner / Free Electric State @ Cat’s Cradle – $14 adv / $16 day of the show
  • Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, Dale Ann Bradley, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, Danny Paisley & the Southern Grass @ Raleigh’s Meymandi Concert Hall – $40-$50 for PineCone members, $45-$55 public

Where else?

Categories
Arts & Music

Gimme Five! Stuart Edwards of Old Bricks

old bricks A gutturally honest new addition to the local scene, the music of Old Bricks combines splintered narratives, fragile vocals, and a cobweb-cluttered aural-field of effects and drum bursts.  Centered on the confessionally-tinged songs of Stuart Edwards and filled out with the help of Andy Holmes, the music is a bewitching blend of art and ache.  Though the project initially cut teeth in Nashville, it’s found its legs here nearer to their homesteads in Rocky Mount.

Thus far, they’ve released one EP and now, to our great luck, a debut LP collection of tunes, Farmers (available for preview over at IndyWeek).   If you really want to see what these guys are up to, you can catch them live (along with The Daredevil Christopher Wright and The Tender Fruit) at Slim’s in Raleigh on Friday, March 12th.

And now, five questions and five answers:

1. If your band were a president, who would it be?

Teddy Rooseveltteddy roosevelt

2. When did you decide it was time to share this music?

Never planned on not sharing it

3. Describe the perfect midnight snack.

cereal

4. Who/what might be a few inspirations or influences that might really surprise people?

tv on the radio

5. What did you dream of being when you were a kid? (how ’d that turn out?)

NBA star-dream died in sixth grade

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Even if that was a abbreviated,  be sure to toss a high five at the Old Bricks when you catch ’em out. And check back next week!

Categories
Miscellany

PDF version of today’s Citizen now up!

Here’s the link:

http://www.ibiblio.org/carrborocitizen/print/citizen031110.pdf


Categories
Arts & Music

Advance Notice: The Week in Happenings 3/8-14

Break into the spring with a show or four.

Mon – 3/8

Tues – 3/9

  • Mount Moriah / Sandwitches / Filthybird @ The Nightlight – Heather McEntire may bounce around genres (Bellafea – Rock / Un Deux Trois – Pop / Mount Moriah – Country), but damn is she good at it. $5

Wed – 3/10

  • Stars of Track and Field / Simple @ Local 506 – $6 adv / $8 at the door
  • Wolf Nipple Foofarah: An Acoustic Group Musical Happening @ The Pinhook – Bring along your acoustic instruments and prepare to jam. All skill levels welcome. $FREE!

Thurs – 3/11

  • The David Wax Museum / The Daredevil Christopher Wright @ The Pinhook – $5
  • Jim Avett / Amelia’s Mechanics / Carolina Roadkill @ The Pour House -Yes, that Jim Avett or those Avetts. $6 adv / $8 at the door
  • Spirit Family Reunion / Whiskey Smugglers @ The Cave – $6
  • Danielson / Ortolan / Ben & Vesper @ Local 506 – $10 adv / $12 at the door

Fri – 3/12

  • The Morning Benders / Miniature Tigers / Acrylics @ Local 506 – The Morning Benders make fun, addictive, pavement-lite pop rock. I’ve had their record Talking Through Tin Cans on sporadic rotation since I stumbled on this gem of a video sometime two summers ago.  Pro-Tip: go to this show.  $10
  • Pierced Arrows / Shit Horse @ The Cave – To quote the Cave,” Pierced Arrows, the Portland-based trio comprised of legendary members Fred and Toody Cole of the seminal punk band Dead Moon and drummer Kelly Halliburton are coming.” No joke. Advance tickets are on sale now. $10

Sat – 3/13

  • Mega Haiti Benefit Dance Party featuring: Scientfiic Superstar / Anamanaguchi / Sabre Pulse / Henry Home Sweet (UK) / Starscream / Virgo 9 / Barron / DJ Yammy @ The Nightlight – $5 suggested donation
  • Dexter Romweber Duo /Hank Sinatra / Killer Filler @ The Pour House – $8 adv / $10 at the door

Sun – 3/14

  • Patrick Street @ The ArtsCenter in Carrboro – Legendary Irish musicians join forces and show off their virtuosity for the betterment of everyone-in-earshot’s coming St. Patrick’s Day.  $25 / $23 for ArtsClub members

Anywhere else?

Categories
Arts & Music

Gimme Five! Katharine Whalen

katharinewhalenWhen it comes to local musicians that need little introduction, vocal luminary and founding Squirrel Nut Zipper, Katharine Whalen is perhaps tops on that list.  She’s done her share of musical adventuring, storming with the Zippers through some raucous fusion of Delta blues, Gypsy jazz, Klezmer and beyond and musing the possibilities of 60s’ pop, trip-hop beats, and torch songs on other personal projects.  So, it’s not so much introducing her that’s the trick as it is unraveling the layered and experimental sounds that crowd her musical catalog.

With her latest outfit, Lucky, Whalen turns the page once again, this time toward surf-tinged rock’n’roll thick with 4-part harmonies and pop melodic sense.  The cast of characters  for this venture is rounded out by Will Dawson (of The Squirrel Nut Zippers), Ken Johnson, Darrell Young, and Steve Newton, and if you’re lucky you’ll catch them out live as they ramp up to a debut release due sometime this spring.

And now all that’s left are the five hardest questions in faux business:

1. If your band were a sitcom, what would it be?the-andy-griffith-show

The Andy Griffith Show.

2. When did you decide to start this new project?

I heard the first version of the song “Lucky” in a trailer behind “The N Club” in Greensboro before a snz show about 3 years ago. It was a punk-rock song originally, and I thought it would make a great country song.  We stole the rhythm section of our favorite bar band and the rest is history.

3. Describe the last time you felt really lucky.

This past month, when I was snowed in for 3 days with my family and lots of supplies (and cats) and I wrote 4 songs.

4. Who/what might be a few inspirations or influences that might really surprise people?

Mr Tater the Greatest Music Maker Alive, Tasha Tudor, Dare Wright, and John Steinbeck.

5. What did you dream of being when you were a kid? (How ’d that turn out?)

Veterinarian.  I do have a lot of several cats.

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Be sure to check back for the next furious five question assault to hit the blogosphere.  Keep tabs on Lucky shows and their upcoming release here.  And be sure to give Katharine a high five when you see her!

Categories
Miscellany

PDF version of today’s Citizen now up!

Here’s the link:

http://www.ibiblio.org/carrborocitizen/print/citizen030410.pdf

Categories
Community

Free flu vaccine clinic set up in honor of Tom Robinson

The Orange County Health Department is going to hold a free flu (H1N1 and regular seasonal) vaccine clinic at Carrboro Town Hall on March 13 in honor of Tom Robinson who died last week (see Citizen story and editorial)
Here’s the official release:
For Immediate Release:

THE ORANGE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT, in cooperation with the Town of Carrboro, will offer a free flu vaccine clinic dedicated to well-known Carrboro merchant Tom Robinson, on Saturday, March 13 at Carrboro Town Hall. The clinic will be open to the public from 9 am to 1 pm. No appointment is necessary. Both H1N1 and Seasonal flu vaccines will be available. All vaccine will be offered free of charge.

Robinson, 58, who died March 19 at UNC Hospitals, operated Tom Robinson’s Carolina Seafood Market in Carrboro for four decades.

Despite diminished media attention, the H1N1 virus is still actively circulating. Seasonal influenza normally peaks in February but significant illness can occur throughout the Spring It is not too late to receive both vaccines.

Vaccine is available to all persons 6 months of age and older, without regard to residence. The vaccine supply is currently plentiful in both the injectable form and the nasal mist.

The Orange Count Health Department operates walk-in clinics, weekly, on the following schedule:

Tuesday: 2 – 6 pm, Whitted Building, 300 West Tryon Street, Hillsborough
Wednesday: 9 am – 1 pm, Whitted Building, 300 West Tryon Street, Hillsborough
Thursday: 2 – 6 pm, Southern Human Services Center, 2501 Homestead Rd, Chapel Hill
Friday: 12:30 – 4:30 pm, Southern Human Services Center, 2501 Homestead Rd, Chapel ill

There is no charge for the flu vaccine. Some young children will require two doses, and may receive the booster dose from the OCHD or local providers.

For more information, call the OCHD nurse line at 919-605-2051.

Categories
Arts & Music

Advance Notice: The Week in Happenings 3/1-7

Chin up, cheer up, go see something.

Tues-Fri – 3/2-7

  • Spring Awakening @ DPAC – This groundbreaking rock musical based on an 1891 German play but retooled by Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik (yes, that Duncan Sheik) won 8 Tony awards (including Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Score) and pretty much changed my life. Go. $25 – $70

Tues – 3/2

  • Ben Sollee and Daniel Martin Moore / Lizzy Ross and the Little Bear that Barks @ The Arts Center in Carrboro – Two Kentucky boys and rising stars join forces (along with producer Yim Yames) to make beautiful music for an important cause–namely to raise awareness about the horrible destruction of our landscape through the use of mountaintop removal coal mining.  Learn more about MTR mining and what you can do to help end it here.  $13 adv / $15 day of the show

Wed – 3/3

  • Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt / The Shakes / Mad Happy @ The Pinhook – If that first name throws you, allow me to explain by saying they are signed to David Byrne’s label, and you can read about them in The New York Times.  Better now? $5

Thurs – 3/4

  • Big Fat Gap / Feeding the Fire / Rocket Surgeon @ Local 506 – $FREE!
  • Ben Davies and the Jetts / Inspector 22 / Gross Ghost @ The Nightlight – $5
  • The Graveyard Fields / Alcazar Hotel / Come Hell or High Water @ The Pinhook – $5

Fri – 3/5

  • Brian McGee and the Hollow Speed / John Howie Jr. and the Rosewood Bluff @ The Cave – $5
  • North Elementary / Aminal / Caustic Casanova @ The Pinhook – $5

Sat – 3/6

  • Spring Break Forever: Jenny Owens Young / Bess Rogers / Allison Weiss @ Local 506 – $8 adv / $10 at the door
  • Nightlight’s 7th Anniversay Party! featuring Future Islands / Wizzerds of Rhyme / Dj MothersBrothers / DJ Family Vacation @ The Nightlight – $?
  • Django Haskins / Austin Lucas / Mary Johnson Rockers @ The Pinhook – $5

Sun – 3/7

  • Cymbals Eat Guitars / Bear in Heaven / Freelance Whales @ Local 506 – $8 adv / $10 at the door
  • Cross Canadian Ragweed / Reckless Kelly @ Lincoln Theatre – $20 adv / $25 day of the show

Anywhere else of note? Let us know.

Categories
Miscellany

PDF version of today’s Citizen (with Mill!) now up!

Here are the links:

Regular section: http://www.ibiblio.org/carrborocitizen/print/citizen022510.pdf

Mill: http://www.ibiblio.org/carrborocitizen/print/printedmill/mill0310.pdf

Categories
Arts & Music

Gimme Five! Juan Huevos

treasurebathcoverThe likelihood of telling a story about a cancer-surviving butcher who spends his free time throwing down beats and spitting rhymes is, I would think, incredibly rare, like bleeding, bright pink filet minion rare.  Puns aside, it’s also the incredible true story of Juan Huevos, a hip-hop madman who’d probably rather be known for his stage presence than his medical history or side occupation.  The only problem with that being that it’s hard to separate that dim past from his gregarious stage presence and bright recording future.  Anyone can struggle, but only certain people can come out of something like that vowing to party and providing the soundtrack.

That aggressive creativity has so far produced two full lengths (2008’s MC People Magazine and 2009’s Treasure Bath), an EP (Golden Shower: High Class Demos), and a fliptape (which he describes as an evolution of the mixtape). On the latest, Treasure Bath, Huevos shines at his most earnest yet—which for him translates as a dizzying display of beat-conscious bravado and wit with a healthy dose of self-awareness thrown in.  He’s as likely to offend with dirty jokes, as he is to stun with the intimacy of his reflections. Mostly, he provokes— humor, disgust, amusement, thought, dancing.  On record and live, he is nothing if not present, in the moment, and in your ear insisting you party while he supplies the tunes.

And now the answers to these five mind-boggling questions:

1. If your music were a fashion accessory, what would it be?
Larry Blackmon from Cameo’s red codpiece because I’m cocky but I blush easily.  Can’t I be shy, too?

2. What does it mean to be a briefcase rocker?
Being a Briefcase Rocker means you are going to find yourself in crev situations on a regular basis, which can be a curse or a blessing depending on your mood.  But the best part is having people all over the world that you get to collaborate with, play shows with, party with, crash with … some of whom you may have never even met in person until that moment.  We got a lot of talented artists in the crew who deserve serious attention, I’m stoked to be in their company.

3. Describe the last time you totally jammed out to a song.
I was working on a song with Missy Thangs and we were laying down keyboard parts.  We were super hype on what we were coming up with and we couldn’t stop bopping around.  We haven’t worked on the song since, but we were dancing our asses off.

virgin_suicides4. Who/what might be a few inspirations or influences that might really surprise people?
I think most of my influences and inspirations are painfully obvious.  Once, in 1999, I wrote a poem about Kirsten Dunst.  I had just seen The Virgin Suicides and I thought she was super cute.  I wanted to send it to her.  Maybe i can post it on her Facebook page?  Just kidding, I’m over it.  KD doesn’t do it for me anymore.

5. What did you dream of being when you were a kid? (How ’d that turn out?)
For a week I wanted to be a professional football player.  I was a Chicago Bears fan and I wanted to be like Walter Payton.  Seeing as how he raps and dances in the video for The Super Bowl Shuffle, I guess it came true.  Even if I look more like Steve Fuller.

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Check here for more on Juan Huevos’ music and upcoming shows.  And please, do give the man a high five when you see him!

Categories
Arts & Music

Advance Notice: The Week in Happenings 2/22-28

See you there.

Mon – 2/22

  • Leslie and the Lys / Christopher the Conquered @ Local 506 – Please send a representative and wear your best gem sweater. There’s no way Leslie Hall won’t win you over with her craft talk.  How many hints do I have to drop? Just click my hyperlinks and go to the show, already. $9 adv / $11 at the door

Tues – 2/23

  • Cage the Elephant / As Tall as Lions / Morning Teleportation @ Cat’s Cradle – $14 adv / $16 day of the show

Wed – 2/24

Thurs – 2/25

  • Old-Time Jam @ The Nightlight – Round up your best guitar slingers and banjomen for the first of what will hopefully be a monthly gathering of picking and grinning on last Thursdays. There’s apparently free ping pong too.  What’s not to love? $FREE!
  • State Radio / Big D and the Kids Table / Cobalt and the Hired Guns @ Cat’s Cradle – $15
  • Lucky / Birds and Arrows / Mandolin Orange @ Local 506 – Mandolin Orange will throw down their cheery old-time licks, Birds and Arrows will float on top a gauze country haze, and Katherine Whalen’s Lucky will pop/rock you till you’ve had your fill of fun.  Ain’t a bad way to spend an evening. $7
  • Tender Fruit / Nervous but Excited / Humble Tripe @ The Pinhook – $5
  • The Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour featuring Kenny Barron, Regina Carter, Kurt Elling and Russell Malone @ Carolina Theatre – $42-45

Fri – 2/26

  • Wooden Toothe with Wild Wild Geese @ The Cave – Wooden Toothe’s the next in that lovely line of bands slamming together punk brash and country wailing with just the right touch of indie rock-we’recoolerthanyou.  Lord bless ’em. $5
  • Sam Bush / Missy Raines and the New Hip @ Cat’s Cradle – $20 adv / $23 day of the show
  • Americans in France / Whatever Brains / Invisible Hand @ The Nightlight – $6

Sat – 2/27

  • Felix Obelix CD Release Party! with The Strugglers @ The Nightlight – $8 (with free CD!)
  • The Whiskey Smugglers / Aminal / Saint Solitude @ Local 506 – $6
  • John Harrison / Doug Keith @ The Cave – $5
  • Second Annual Tisch Brain Tumor Center Benefit featuring The Moderate, John Pringle and Trances Arc @ The Pour House – $10

Sun – 2/28

  • North Mississippi Allstars / City Champs @ Cat’s Cradle – $16 adv / $18 day of the show

Anywhere else?