Must See Shows For This Week (1/14-1/20)

This week is going to be a great one for shows in the Triangle, but it could involve some tough decisions on certain nights.  Check out some of the best shows listed below and many more listed in the Rock Report.

 
Tuesday, January 15th- Spider Bags and Gross Ghost at The Pinhook, 9pm

These bands are two of the best acts in the area both live and on the record.  Gross Ghost released their Grip Tapes' debut "Brer Rabbit" in March of last year and showing that in their several years of existence they have already crafted a sound of their own.  This diverse album features hints of lo-fi garage rock, 90's era indie rock, as well as some influences 60's pop-rock.  Last year they were seen playing all over the Triangle, but most notably at WKNC's 9th Double Barrel Benefit and the 3rd annual Hopscotch Music Festival where their music lit-up the audience.  They are followed up by Spider Bags.  Spider Bags are beginning to become a household name in the North Carolina.  They are known for their incredibly energetic live shows that will leave your ears ringing for days.  Their latest effort has been receiving a lot of national attention including an 8.1 review on Pitchfork as well as sitting number 1 atop PopMatters' Top Overlooked Albums of 2012.  This is a show that you don't want to miss.

 
Thursday, January 17th- Birds and Arrows with Katherine Whalen at Tir Na nOg, 10pm

Katherine Whalen of Squirrel Nut Zippers fame is back at it again.  Her solo work is often labeled under the title of "folk music," but her new sound encompasses so much more.  Her new album titled "Madly Love" has something there for everyone.  Birds and Arrows are an incredible act that were seen at last year's Double Barrel Benefit.  The trio's folky sound led by a cello appeals to every audience  with their well-perfected live show.  The trio has well stood the test of time in an area that has seen many folk acts come and go.  It is amazing to see three people translate such intricate music perfectly to the stage.  This is a show is a folk-lovers' paradise and a great introduction to anyone else.

 
Friday, January 18th- Bleeding Rainbow and Jenny Besetzt at Duke Coffeehouse , 9pm

If you have yet to go to a show at Duke Coffeehouse, there is no better time.  The atmosphere there always makes for the most energetic and intimate shows.  Greensboro natives Jenny Besetzt open up the night.  Jenny Besetzt are a brand new band who have exploded onto the local music scene.  They turned many heads when they performed at last year's Hopscotch Music Festival as well many different shows all around the Triangle.  Their debut LP "Only" dropped this past October.  Their sound is a fusion of dream-pop and shoegaze with a punch which they describe as "dream-punk."  The night ends with indie-pop quartet Bleeding Rainbow out of Philly.  This band has only released a handful of 7 inches, but with their debut album due out at the end of this month their are bound to break big.  With several different tracks being reviewed by Pitchfork and the like, they have created quite a buzz for themselves.  This is bound to be an amazing show that you do not want to miss.

 
Friday, January 18th- Annuals with The Lollipops and  Eros and the Eschaton at Local 506, 9pm

This night starts up with the great Greensboro husband-wife duo Eros and the Eshaton.  Their sound falls somewhere between shoegaze and dream-pop.  This new act has been turning heads opening for many different acts over the past year.  They are followed up by The Lollipops.  This lo-fi indie pop bedroom project of Iggy Cosky has expanded into a full band project and exploded onto the scene in the past year with their numerous recordings.  Their live shows have proven themselves time and time again to be just as fun as their songs.  The night ends with the always entertaining Annuals.  Annuals' name speak for themselves.  This 6-piece indie pop group out of Raleigh have been a household name in the Triangle since the release of their critically acclaimed debut in 2006.  They have been known for their energetic live shows.  If you have not seen them yet, there is no better chance then with this great supporting cast.

WKNC's Guide to New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve is always a very important night. It signifies the end of one year and the beginning of the next. It's a huge responsibility to make sure that you end 2012 on a good note and bring in 2013 in the best way possible. So how do you do this sans Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve? Well WKNC is here to help you make the best decision. This New Year's Eve seems to have something for  everyone in the Triangle. From salsa to jazz, hip hop to indie rock; this New Year's Eve seems to cover all the bases. With so many great options, it's hard to go wrong.

The biggest event of this year is without a doubt New Year's Jazzin' Eve with Art of Cool at the Cotton Room. The headliner of this event is the incredible hip-hop duo The Foreign Exchange. The Foreign Exchange features Raleigh-native rapper Phonte (formerly of Little Brother) and famed Dutch producer Nicolay. This show also features some amazing jazz by the Al Strong Quintet, Marcus Anderson, and Yolanda Rabun along with special guest DJ Apple Juice Kid.  There will also be a special performance by Toon and The Real Laww who were most recently seen bringing down the house at Tir Na nOg for Local Band Local Beer several weeks back.  This event is complete with a chicken-and-waffles breakfast buffet.

If this event doesn't seem quite your speed, Kings Barcade and Neptune's Parlour in Raleigh are hosting New Year's Eve Double Decker Debauchery. This event features DJ sets by Jon Yu, Sean McKee and Michael Perros.  It also includes your customary champagne toast and countdown to midnight, followed by an anything but normal full band set from The Lollipops.  The Lollipops rocked like it was their last moments on earth at Local Band Local Beer's End of the World Party at Tir Na nOg and you can expect much of the same here.  If you haven't seen these guys yet, I can think of no better way to ring in the New Year.

Some other notable events around the Triangle include the Salsa Party at Cat's Cradle in Carrboro featuring Orquesta GarDel & DJ Keith Ward; the Dance Party at The Pinhook in Durham with DJs Shahzad, Treee City, Trademark, and Queen Plz; and the North Carolina Symphony in Meymandi Concert Hall in Raleigh conducted by Jeff Tyzik with special guest drummer Dave Mancini.

With so many great opportunities all around the Triangle, there is no bad way to spend New Year's Eve.  Whether you are rocking with The Lollipops at Kings or watching the acorn drop in City Plaza, you can be assured that you will have a great New Year's Eve.  Check out the full list of events in the Triangle below to find the best event for you.

Raleigh
Kings Barcade & Neptune's Parlour - The Lollipops & DJs Jon Yu, Sean McKee and Michael Perros
Meymandi Concert Hall - North Carolina Symphony conducted by Jeff Tyzik with Dave Mancini on drums
Tir Na Nog - U-Phonik & Wake & District Pipes & Drums
The Pour House Music Hall - Barefoot Manner & The Morning After
Berkley Cafe - GruvGlu LOOPED w/ MCLC, Matic, Special Blend, Severe & Outburst, AudioRush & Xander, Beastmode, Noisydrums, Andrew Cappaletti, Tyler Buck Vs. Bassik, Zom-B, Trizzak, Jordan Clark, SeanEboy & Shuhandz & Roudee
First Night (downtown) - Delta Rae, Jonathan Scales Fourchestra, Saints Apollo, and many more
Deep South the Bar - Hanks for the Memories w/ Hank Sinatra & Debonzo Brothers
Lincoln Theatre - Revolution Raleigh w/ DJ WOBBLE Factory / Vertical & DJ FM
Southland Ballroom - Cry Wolf & Unlimited Gravy

Durham
The Cotton Room - The Foreign Exchange, Al Strong Quintet, Marcus Anderson, Yolanda Rabun, DJ Apple Juice Kid, & Toon and The Real Laww
The Pinhook - Dance Party featuring DJs Shahzad, Treee City, Trademark, & Queen Plz with appearances by Toon and the Real Laww
Motorco Music Hall - The Wusses & The Pusses
Broad Street Cafe - Hog, B Side Project, Spiralfire, & JKutchma
Casbah - Peter Lamb and the Wolves & Kate McGarry

Chapel Hill/Carrboro
Cat's Cradle - Salsa Party with Orquesta GarDel & DJ Keith Ward