Weekly wrapup and looking ahead - week of Feb 22, 2013

Apologies for the late update, I'm getting over a sinus infection - good times...

First of all... Not at all local news, but relevant to me, therefore forcibly relevant to you:

Moz had to cancel and postpone some more of his tour dates because of bleeding ulcers...
1) I know way too much about this as I have been hospitalized infinity times in the past 3 years for the same thing
2) I feel so much closer to the man now, because we both truly *do* hurt the same...(she said, fainting on a chaise)
3) He released an apology statement via True-to-you, that was brilliant and hilarious and perfect and he had a line that i wanted to quote to you, because it is so tragically pertinent to my life at the moment:

"If you bump into me this week at a heavy rock show, please understand that I'm lowering myself into the cut and thrust after weeks on ice - horizontal, with sockets empty of eyes."

Oh, I love him, so!

That being said: Show wrap up:

The Love Hangover at King's, Friday 02/15/13

So.... Love Hangover, on a personal level, didn't start out so well. my relationship hit a rocky spot and I was in a bad mental space. It made enjoying the evening kinda difficult. I tried, but wasn't able to stick it out through the whole show. Also, I forgot my camera, so I had to use my cell, which is a bummer.

Reid Johnson and Maria Albani

I promised a lot of barfing on stage because I wouldn't be able to handle all the "love"! what I did, instead, was hang up front with miss Ashley Carter of Stella Lively and Scott Phillips of Goner and do a lot so swayin' and swinging and grinning :)

here is a video, which blogger will not let me embed - precious!

love so skrong i can smell it. Like Gruyère

Caroline Mamoulides and J. Chris Smith -
Caroline - the reason we have the Hangover, this was an absolutely precious and flawless performance, of course!

Rose Higgins and Erik Sugg -
My highlight of the evening - after seeing Rose as Janis Joplin for the Great Coverup (with Erik, actually) I was dying to see her live again. and I was not disappointed. so very amazing! I loved her props! the on-stage banter was almost as good as the performance itself - Priceless!

 

Caspian with Junius at Local 506, Saturday, 02/16/13

I got there just in time to catch Junius; whom i had never heard before. The facebook invite had some review that described them as "Neurosis meets The Smiths" aka, apparently this reviewer had never listened to the Deftones before? I dunno. Either way, Junius was pretty kick ass. AND this was like, the hottest beardy-dude band on the planet. and they were all moody and dark, so bonus!(I promise this fact. Google image search confirms. daaaamn!)

These are the notes I took for myself in my iPhone for Junius:

• Lead Vocalist keeps making sex faces, usually drummers make the "O" face - I am objectifying the shit out of this band. This must be how guys think.
• Lead Guitarist has ultimate rock stances
• The drummer looks so much like my friend Bronson, it is distracting
• Why is the bass player hiding behind the speaker tower? kinda precious
• Some dude behind me is a superfan he has air-guitared for their whole set - heeeeelarious!

Then Caspian:
Oh my, I have waited what seems like forever to see them live. Whatever expectation I had for this set were far exceeded. I don't know if I have *ever* heard anything like that live before - it was absolute perfection. If I hadn't been watching it happen right in front of my face, I would have sworn it was pre-recorded. No note or time or moment or step out of sync. Moments/songs like "Halls of the Summer" were absolutely ethereal for me; flawless.

 

Note: LV/LG Philip Jamieson looks JUST like Roo's Bf, Patrick. Which Luc & I incessantly pointed out to each other.

Added bonus, as it was Chapel Hill crowd, and therefore notoriously unresponsive and zombie-esque (in my opinion) I was one of like, 4 people, in the whole crowd that "WOOO!"-ed and clapped and head-banged/danced. After the fourth or fifth song, a girl to my left touched my arm and said "Thank you for showing some enthusiasm, I am so excited to see these guys and I would feel so goofy if I was the only one yelling [sic]..." and I said something like "HELL YEAH CHAPEL HILL SUCKS CASPIAN RULES!" (aka I was drinking, obvs) so long story short, come to find out - this was DJ Sarahnade, who does the Post-Rock Block on WKNC! NO WAY! We are now facebook friends now and have become post-rock-sisters-in-arms 4-lyf. 

Luc (the unicorn) was running behind and I texted him during the first 5 minutes of their set that if he didn't get there asap I would kick his ass. No, that is a lie; I think I just texted: "GET. HERE. NOW" - and he did. and he was just as impressed as I was. I think, literally, after ever song we turned and made eye contact and said something to each other, like "Duuuuuuuuude...."

xoxox

This is the best thing: As you know, I am a set-list junky and scoured the stage for any kind of paperwork. none to be seen. the bass player, Chris(?, I'm pretty sure - seen behind me and Luc in the above pic) literally picked up one of Junius's left over sets and WROTE THE WHOLE THING OUT FOR ME....INFINITY COOL POINTS!!!

May be one of my most prized (CUSTOM!) set lists to date - Fan for life, guys!

Final word on Caspian: I want to see them again, infinity times.... that was freakin' amazing!

-----------------------------------------------------

Here are a few shows on my immediate radar:

• Thursday, Feb 21 - The Invisible Hand at LBLB, Tir na Nog - with Naked Gods and Spooky Woods, but I'm mostly super-psyched for TIH, as long-time readers know.
•  I'm going to be out of town Friday and Saturday, but if you're here you should check out Savage Knights at King's on Friday and Corvette Summer at Sadlack's or Toon & The Real Laww at Pourhouse on Saturday. 
• I'm not going, but you might care: WOOL Tour kick-off party at Slims, next Tuesday 02/26/13 -  with The Love Language (acoustic with string accompaniment) and Ryan Gustafson (solo).

Some newer stuff that has popped up:

• Tyler the Creator at Cat's Cradle was announced, 03/16/13, and sold out almost immediately. well, dang.
• Friday Night Metal w/ IRATA (et.al.) at Casbah - 04/05/13
•  Rusted Root at Southland Ballroom 05/14/13 - re-live your hippie days. I think this is going to be like that time I saw "YES" in high school; everyone mingled and ignored them until they played "Owner of a Lonely Heart", everyone went ballistic, then everyone left. I bet you infinity dollars if you go to this show, "Send Me On My Way" is an encore and it turns into an extended jam that goes on for 15+ minutes with 12 different bongo drum solos. 
• !!! at Motorco - 05/19/13
• BACK STABBATH - Pour House - 05/31/13 are you kidding me?? look at this! You could not keep me away!!! 
• John Cale has been announced as the first official performer for Hopscotch 2013. cool. 

On the lookout:

• Grandchildren are coming back to King's - 03/09/13
• Got your ticket for Javelin at King's, 03/27/13, yet? get on it. 
• Still eyeballin' Ebsen and the Witch - (Motorco - 04/14/13) just waiting for someone else to maybe poke me and say YOU SHOULD GO and then I'll be all like... MAN, I SHOULD GO! and then I will buy a ticket. 
• Flosstradamus at Lincoln? Tempting, but true clusterfuck potential. - 05/20/13  - also $20+ to watch a dj? ...come on. 
• James Blake - Cat's Cradle - 05/13/13 - not bought a ticket yet, but yeah, most likely going.

I now have a facebook page for the blog. be sure to "like" me! Once I get to 100+ likes, I'll probably start having giveaways and such things! ....You guys Rock!

Just announced shows and such... METZ

METZ!

the Toronto based post-hardcore trio is playing at the Local 506 on April 20 - tickets go on sale Friday (the 8th) - this has "Epic" potential... (if you like this kind of music, that is... which, hey, I DO!) .... no confirmation yet on who they will be playing with... looks like part of the tour they are playing with Titus Andronicus, A Place to Bury Strangers (keep your fingers crossed!), and Fucked Up... so far nothing listed on their or 506's site on who is sharing the bill, but either way, you should do some exploring and listening and see what you think and buy a ticket on Friday... like me... BE LIKE ME. Personally, I think 506 is a perfect choice, albeit not in Raleigh... good ear-shredding decibel levels, just the right size. I approve.

Note: the Subpop link above has just about every link you could need to decide if you like the band or not, or if not need more encouragement...

a live recording. ahhhhhhhh! SO GOOD.

a studio recording: STILL SO GOOD

You will like Metz if you like:
Big Black
Japandroids
Drive Like Jehu 
Jesus Lizard


personal note: I just realized this is Auralmemories' 100th post. ...WOW!

Where I've been, Where I'm going - week of Jan 25, 2013

Busy, Busy, Busy!

First some news:

• If you missed it, be sure to check out my local venue guide (made some changes this morning in, fact!)
• My good friends at Crank Arm Brewing Company have their Kickstarter Launch Party / Beer Tasting Tomorrow (Friday) night at Raleigh Times from 5-8. If you haven't already, you should hit up their Kickstarter and get psyched for the opening of the Brewery this Spring (in the former White Collar Crime space)
• I found out this past week that I am being laid off from my current position of 8 years at the end of February. this means several things; you will probably see more updates from me, as I may be having more time to do so and I will be working on more personal projects... SUCH AS: My boyfriend and I have started a Custom Button Printing side project. contact info, templates and prices are listed in the link!
• Holy Shit it is cold outside! 

Where I've been:

• Jan 12, my buddy Courtney and I wandered off to Chapel Hill for the 2012  Tar Heel Soundfest. It took place at three venues (Cave, Nightlight and 506) and I was pretty disappointed by the turnout, but the sound was amazing. Ended the night at 506 with White Cascade:  

•  After hearing the news about my layoff, my boyfriend (Brian John Mitchell) and I headed down to Myrtle Beach. He played a show (As Remora) with Wicked Gift and Feel No Other at a fairly decent Biker-ish Bar called the Rockin' Hard Saloon. I thought Brian was excellent, but the patrons of the bar were blitzed and surly and the set was cut short. The other bands were excellent and hey, guess what... Myrtle Beach has a music scene...! Who knew?? (Interesting fact: I got folks to do the electric slide.)

• A last minute addition to the weekend, Brian and I found ourselves at the "first of an upcoming matinee series" of shows at Chapel Hill Underground. The show started 6ish with a band called The Bros. Alien, as the headliners... One of Silber's band's, Irata (amazing, btw) and then something new and yummy: a band called Set and Setting, from St. Pete Florida. I'd highly recommend giving these guys a listen - double drummer sludgy post-rock... aw yiss!!! They (along with Irata) are playing at The Flat Iron in Greensboro this coming Sunday if you are around.

Where I'm going:

•  Tonight is officially side-Project night at Tir Na Nog for LBLB; Bands/performers from North Elementary, Schooner, etc will be playing. I cannot confirm 100% that I will be at this show, as it is barely going to get above freezing today, so like... I dunno, man. I wanna, but dang.
• Tomorrow night I would walk through the fires of hell or infinite snow-drifts for... GRAY YOUNG'S CD RELEASE PARTY!!! the new album, Bonfire, is being "officially" released (although, those of us that backed their kickstarter already have a sneak peek ;)) They are playing with Wesley Wolfe and the Bronzed Chorus at King's Barcade. Doors at 9, no pre-sale tickets, so get there early! SNOW, BE DAMNED!
• January's 919noise showcase is going to be at Nighlight on Jan 30. featuring M is We and Isotroposphere
• Thursday, Jan 31, Brian and I will be at Maya on Tate in Greensboro; he will be performing/providing ambient drone for a feminist poetry reading... word.
• DILEMMA TIME: (Brian/silber will have a vendor booth at double barrell, but dang lookit that lineup for the metalfest!!!) .....Feb 1-2:  Double Barrell Benefit at the Pour House **OR** Feb 1-2  Second Annual Bull City Metal Fest at Casbah - what's a girl to do??

Look-ahead, get this on your radar now:

• The (14th annual) Love Hangover is at King's Feb 15...  a tradition and an added Bonus: Erik Sugg (of Corvette Summer) and Rose Higgins (who demolished us all as Janis Joplin at this year's Great Coverup) are playing a set together!!! also... Maria and Reid are playing a set together and I may barf. (i kid.... xoxoxo...)
• Caspian will be at the Local 506 on Feb 16 (been looking forward to this fo-evah)
• Menomena will be at Motorco on Feb 20 (not to be missed. if you've never seen them live, you're missing out!)

 Holler if you spot something i've missed that is like all, not to be missed and such.
xoxo
karla anne

Karla Anne‘s Raleigh(ish) Live Music Resource Guide for Performers and Voyeurs

This is something I was recently urged to publish by some local musicians/bands/fans... How does my music calendar stay so flush? How do I know when and where to be? How do I know the folks I know to contact when trying to get myself or other bands booked? This is a pretty basic resource guide to the resources I use to stay active in the “scene,” man.

SO YOU WANT TO PLAY A SHOW, EH?

Just you, your acoustic, and a suitcase full of dreams, right? Well, pony up, Tracey Chapman: here’s where to start. These are your bare-ass-basic Open Mic Night venues and “Hey, you got anything open on a Tuesday at 6pm?” venues. And by “venue” I mean, there is probably a mic stand somewhere in this bar. But hey, Everybody’s gotta start somewhere… if you’re in the DTR, this is where you take the big leap. Or, if you’re bored, there’s nothing going on at any of the regular hotspots, and you want to pretend you’re a music scout, go to these places... Find a cool new band before all your friends do.

Note: these are literally in no order what-so-ever... Just listed as I thought of them... Professional!

• Trali Irish Pub – Way up on Brier Creek, but they have live music on Friday and Saturday nights

• Spy – Mostly a dance club, but sometimes live mix Djs – this is mostly for the house music scene kids

• London Bridge – Same as Spy, but I have a strong booking contact here for summer concert series/hopscotch day shows or DJ sets.

• Architect – stay away on the weekends, unless for sure you know who is DJ’ing or if there is a Hip Hop Act you are looking to see. This place is bizarre. I’ve only really wound up there on a lark with the Graffiti kids to see hip hop shit. They have a secret VIP area... What?

• Royal James – So far, I’ve wandered in on two shows here. They have a pretty cute/decent setup here, excellent patio, and best art in town, but they just need a consistent scene. I don’t think it could be too hard to get a show here as they are pretty new and eager for a crowd.

• Woody’s City Market – Live music Friday nights... Email to book. I don’t know these guys, really. Sometimes there are DJs on Saturdays.

• Overtime Sports Pub – way up on New Bern almost to 540, but Acoustic Open Mic night on Thursdays and their site says “LIVE BANDS FRIDAYS” but I have never seen a band play here. Someone go play there, that would be interesting and I’m always up for decent cheese fries.

• Zydeco – (across from Woody’s in City Market) – no idea when or who plays here, but there are shows always listed on their site and I hear music coming from there all the time. A couple times this past summer they set up a live stage out in the parking lot… kinda cool.

• Napper Tandy’s – of all the Irish Pubs that swarmed DTR in the mid 2000’s, Napper’s is still my favorite. Best food, best staff, best Trivia night, and overall best. They have live music on Saturday nights and isn’t hard to get on the calendar, you just have to get in line. Also, trivia is Tuesday nights and it is the best because they have a “name that tune” round – aww yisss.

• Irregardless Café – a lot more live music is played here than you would think or than you probably remember. Check out their Google calendar, like, every day there is something. I would assume you would need to be acoustic/low key to play here, so like… Colossus, you dudes stay home… or just come for the delightful brunch.

• 42^nd Street Oyster Bar– on the Lounge side on Fridays and Saturdays. Also added bonus of freshest/best seafood in town… And now I crave crab legs.

• Loafers Beach Club – on Creekside by Longbranch. Obviously this is a Shag/Beach music club, but they do have live music. It’s just pretty freakin specific.

• Champions Mission Valley – I’m not going to post every Karaoke night in town, but this is where I go for my Karaoke (Monday nights). Tuesday nights is an open mic blues jam. Random Saturdays they have live music. Also, there is always a drum kit on stage there. It is like, a house drum kit? That is a mystery to me.

• Champions Plaza West – Over by the Harris Teeter near Warlock’s – Live music Friday nights. Sometimes.

• Brewmaster’s – (if that’s still what it’s called)Was Cherrybomb at some point, used to be Joe’s Place. They have a music calendar, sorta.

• Pickled Onion – up on Falls of the Neuse - acoustic open mic on Tuesdays, live music (sometimes) on Saturdays

• Fat Daddy’s – they have live music down in the pool hall sometimes. Not sure about open mic nights or whatnot. Check their facebook? 

• Schoolkids Records – they have an events page that is never updated, but if you like them on facebook, they have random in store shows all the time.

• Katmandu – This used to be The Comet, which used to be attached to the Brewery. Somehow, and I’m not even sure, this new little like, emo/screamo-straightedge-baby punk scene has taken it over. I wouldn’t know this except I hang out at Cup a Joe on Hillsborough street pretty much always and these kids overflow into Cup, because they don’t drink, or maybe are too young to drink. And there are always flyers on the windows of Cup now for bands, scrawled with drippy blood fonts, and named “My Uncle is trying to Kill Me” or “Wherever You Want To Eat Tonight Is Fine With Me Just Not Red Lobster Again”. I don’t understand this scene. It makes me feel old. But I keep thinking I’m going to wander over there and see what the hell is going on, I just can’t get the Care enough to do it. This bar had cornhole tournaments, Jägerbomb specials, is right across the street from East Village and was frat-central until like, a minute ago… like I said, I am clueless on this one. If anyone can clarify WTF is going on over there or can find a link to a show calendar, please comment.

• Hope Café – Part of a church, but they have live bluegrass on Thursdays and live music on Saturdays, but assume it is... Wholesome? This is south of Raleigh off Tryon, kinda near Larry’s Soul food Buffet.

• Brooklyn Heights – not been here yet, as its GloSo (Glenwood south) and I tend to avoid that shit like the plague, but they have live music often, or so their website would imply. Looks cute; I’d go.

• Mandolin – Five points-ish – over where no restaurant could ever last on the corner of Oberlin and Fairview. So far this place is getting rave food reviews, so they added a live music night on Tuesdays in their bar. I’ve not hit it up yet, but one of you guys go play, so I can check it out.

• The Oxford – I’ve never gone to a “show” here because the atmosphere, not unlike Isaac Hunters or Big Easy, is so tribal tattooish, ex-Marine, and meatheadly that I can’t handle it. And yes, I know I come off like a smarmy hipster bitch here, but I promise. I have tried to like these places; I’ve just been burned repeatedly… ANYWAY… Oxford has a live music calendar on their site. Someone is apparently booking these shows for people. You check it out. If I like you enough, I’ll go. I mean, let’s be honest, is The Oxford really gonna book like, Goner or something? No. they are not cool enough for Goner. But honestly... who is?

• Busy Bee – I dunno. Or the Hive. I’ve only really seen Hopscotch day shows here. But there is a ton of shit on their calendar all the time. Just like… not anything I care about.

• Sadlack's –Anybody can play Sadlack’s. If you don’t mind playing a show at 4pm on a Tuesday, then this is your place. but also, Sadlack’s is an institution and I will be loyal until the end. But hey - I’ve seen tons of “bigger” shows here as well. Some of my best Hopscotch day shows have been at Sad’s.  Also they have amazing food. Also Michael is the most blazingly hot bartender on earth and I am quasi-smitten with him (sorry, his wife – I kid!)

• Black Flower – I have had no luck with this place. Not seen any decent shows here, but I refuse to give up on its validity, especially now that Dive Bar has bitten dust. Their event page confuses me and I have never had a real reason to go, but I keep thinking one day I might.  

SO YOU’RE BORED BUT YOU DON’T WANT TO RISK IT AT SLIM’S WITH THE GUTTERPUNKS / HIPSTERS

Some or most of these places are actually Museums or Galleries… These places don’t always have shows, but sometimes they do. Follow them on facebook or check their sites. Or if you’re looking to book with these venues, contact them via facebook or their website. I mostly don’t have any sort of contact with these venues, but some of their events I have attended. I’ve mostly only seen live stuff at these sites for Hopscotch or Summer Concert Series.

• 18 Seaboard – mostly summer concert series in conjunction with J Betski’s, etc.

• NC Museum of Art – Blue Ridge Rd – the best are the concert/movie combos they do in the summer.  (I met Kate Pierson of the B-52s because of one of these shows – AWESOME.) I check their calendar often.

• Contemporary Art Museum (CAM) – still getting its footing, but gaining momentum. A big hit on First Fridays. Music shows there are totally arbitrary. Definitely a Hopscotch Day Show venue, though.

• Amplified Art – I’m assuming this place is still open, although I haven’t seen any shows there in like a year. Mostly a gallery, but like, a really cool Pop Art Gallery, lots of show flyers, etc.

• NCSU Stuff – Check this main, big-ass calendar for events on campus. Anything from lectures, art shows, movies, or music.

THE REGULAR SPOTS, IN ABSOLUTELY NO ORDER

I will link direct to the events pages for show-attendees

• The Nightlight (Chapel Hill) – remember this used to be the Skylight Exchange? I loved Skylight so much. Now, I don’t know. looks like someone’s basement. But folks play here. Somehow.

• The Cave (Chapel Hill) – co-owned by Slims’ folks in Raleigh. Mostly local acts, but sometimes curveballs show up.

• Chapel Hill Underground - Once upon a time this place used to be called "Hell" - don't know much about what's going here, but I am going to a show here Sunday night, so I will let you know. 

• Pinhook (Durham) – mostly local, mostly trivia night and/or the bartenders amusing themselves with random shit, but again, curveballs… I saw Shonen Knife here about a year ago… SHONEN KNIFE! Random…

• Motorco (Durham) –despite the “drama” associated with this site, I still have loyalties to it, as I helped dig it out of the ground. This venue seems to go through ups and downs, busy local acts, then nada (NFL games are the only thing on the roster?) then suddenly – WHOA! I AM GOING TO SEE MENOMENA THERE IN FEB! YAY! Random…

• Casbah (Durham) – I’ve really only gone to see friends’ bands there. When I think about Casbah, I miss Troika.

• Broad Street Café (Durham) –  I’ve seen some of the best shows of my life here. (aka Vienna Teng!) Always worth a look to see who is showing up here.  They also have an Open Mic night, but I’ve never been.

• Fullsteam Brewery (Durham) – their calendar is mostly food trucks, but I swear I’ve seen live music here before.

• Duke Coffeehouse (Durham) – not a huge venue and not often truly “booked” but some really cool stuff comes through here sometimes.

• Haw River Ballroom (Saxapahaw) – For the right act, it’s worth the drive.

• Local 506 (Chapel Hill) – 50/50 amazing shows and total doo-doo. Most of my worst AND best drunk stories about shows are somehow always centered around 506. Might have something to do with those massive PBRs they sell. (PS - dear 506, thank you for finally getting a real website calendar - love it!)

• Cat’s Cradle (Carrboro) – there is always something going here - insider info, go to the Station after the show, that's where the bands hang out, man! Sometimes they get on the "stage" (seen it happen a couple times. fun.)

Raleigh only:

• Deep South – These guys will take care of you, good people, good venue. They have Open Mics on ...Tuesdays I believe? This is one of my favorites and a good “foot in the door” to the Raleigh scene open mic night for beginners. Unless you suck, then can’t nobody save you.

• Slim’s – the launching pad for everyone, if we ever lose Slim’s, we will lose the scene. I stand firm by this belief.

• King’s Barcade – Viva Kings! If you are a carryover from the olden McDowell Street days, you know how vital King’s is to the Raleigh music scene. If you are new to the scene, then you know how vital King’s is to Raleigh music. King’s is Raleigh’s answer to Cat’s Cradle… there is always something worth seeing. I have been known many, many times to just… go, even when I have no idea who is playing. The dream is to get shows to skip Chapel Hill and come to King’s. I fight on. I will tell you guys trying to book – you will need music up online for Paul to hear first and then assume a 2-3 month lead time to confirm.

• The PourHouse – scenesters would probably refer to this as “the hippie bar”, but they have a pretty diverse schedule. Back in the day, sure, it was all Pink Floyd and Phish cover bands, but I think Hopscotch raised PH’s cred a notch or two.  As far as I know, they still have open mic on Mondays.

• Berkeley – Used to be like, a blues bar. Then Berkeley was the hub of the drum n bass/jungle/house music scene in Raleigh, and then all of a sudden (pre-Dive Bar) it was like, all hardcore shows. Now I have no idea. Like I said, I just really miss their blues open mic night. I don’t think I’ve gone to a show here specifically outside of Hopscotch … like… ever. No real reason, just no shows have drawn me here.

• Longbranch – Hey man, you never know. a few years ago I saw Jerry Lee Lewis here. and he played the piano with his ASS, therefore I will always give LB a peek.  Apparently Longbranch is drawing in this wild house/club scene. I couldn’t say for sure, as I am thoroughly not interested in a house music scene that would bloom from a country and western bar.

• Lincoln Theater – Oh, let me tirade about Lincoln for a minute… I could go on forever, but I will summarize. I think Lincoln Theater is *the* best venue in Raleigh, but I cannot figure out what the fucking problem is here? Why can they not bring in shows? The sound/board/staff/parking/everything about Lincoln blows the Cradle out of the water, but I cannot figure out why they can’t book shows? Like, someone amazing comes in about every other month and the rest of the time it serves as a glorified cover band palace. I really want to talk to their booking agent and figure out how to fix this. it makes me crazy. I love Lincoln, I want to see the better/bigger bands omit the Cradle and come to Lincoln. Let’s make this happen, people.

• Tir Na Nog – When it’s not random-ass Irish bands, this is pretty much the place we are all at on Thursday nights for Local Beer, Local Band… God Bless Tamplin.

• White Collar Crime – Crank Arm Brewing Co - Not sure if this will have show space yet or not. to open Spring 2013. Go hit their Kickstarter NOW if you haven't already :)

• Southland Ballroom – I have yet to step foot in this place, but they have the most eclectic and bizarre show calendar ever, I always check it just for the amusement factor. Maybe one day someone incredible will pop up on there – who knows???

ARE YOU FAMOUS? YOU WILL PROBABLY PLAY HERE & I DON’T KNOW WHY YOU ARE READING THIS BLOG – CALL YOUR AGENT

I have zero contacts to these places, because I am not famous. But I always check these sites for cool shows that might pop through, because you never know.

• Red Hat Amphitheater – call it whatever you want, DTR-er’s will still just keep calling it The Walt.

• Koka Booth Amphitheater – in Cary, worth the drive. Usually.

• Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts – this site lists all three of the auditoriums (Meymandi, Fletcher, Memorial) and their upcoming shows/performances

• DPAC – sometimes music, sometimes lectures/stand-up, sometimes theater, always worth a look.

• The Ritz – (was disco rodeo, was the Ritz, now the Ritz again) – they don’t have their own site, as far as I can tell. I think mostly it is like, “Cat’s Cradle Presents At...” but I’ve found ticketmaster typically lists the current bookings with tickets for sale

• Carolina Performing Arts Center – mostly classical and all snooty; but I have a weakness for “world music” and there will forever be some Ozomatli or Fela Kuti popping through on here.

• PNC Arena – I dunno. Taylor Swift. Or Hockey Games. You never know. You may just be better off trolling Ticketmaster for this venue.

• Raleigh Convention Center – check this calendar, it’s weird; sometimes there is music on it.

CATCH-ALL

This is an invaluable calendar to have bookmarked. Anything you may have missed on your radar; music, arts, theater, oddball shenanigans, festivals, etc… it’ll show up here.

Truth: I check this site every day.

• Downtown Raleigh Alliance Events Calendar

And as always, you can hit my Google Calendar to see when and where I’ll be if you’d like to stalk me or simply trust my excellent music judgment skills and tag along. 

I'm planning on this being a "living document" and I am open to suggestions, corrections or additions.