Hopscotch Must-See: Overmountain Men

This is a personal artist spotlight on Overmountain Men by DJ Salinger for Hopscotch.



It’s hard to pick a place to start when beginning to talk about Overmountain Men. The band members’ thick North Carolina roots coupled with the fact that David Childers is a lyrical genius only give a glimpse into the many reasons why Overmountain Men is a musical gem. To top it off, Bob Crawford of the Avett Brothers played such a huge role in the formation of the band—(which is enough proof to show just how talented this band really is). Wherever you start, each little bullet point on the list has a long story behind it. To simplify it down a bit, Overmountain Men is a great, foot-stomping folk band from the Charlotte area of North Carolina headed primarily by the extremely talented David Childers. Childers seems to be a very down-to-earth, proper representation of a true North Carolina man that (thankfully for us) never sat his guitar down for too long. The talent and inspiring lyrics that Childers puts forth was what caused a stirring in Bob Crawford to start the collaboration that became Overmountain Men. However, Bob is not the only Avett Brother to take a liking to Childers; the entire Avett Brothers band has covered and performed Childers “Prettiest Thing” online and in concert.

For one man to have such a big influence on a popular modern folk band speaks thousands of words for itself. You better bet that I will be in the audience for their set at Hopscotch this year with my head nodding and my heart pounding.

Favorite Track: “Some Place Along The River” on “Glorious Day”
Playing: Saturday, September 7th between 10 – 11pm at Tir Na Nog

WKNC pint glasses are here!

 

WKNC now has for sale pint glasses. The glass, which features the lovely logo of WKNC is at the bargain price of $5. Be sure to pick yours up before they run out. They will be available at Double Barrel Benefit X February 1 and February 2 at the Pour House, and the day party at Tir Na nOg on February 2.  You can also find them at any other event that WKNC can be found. For those that can't wait to get their hands on one, you can pick them up at WKNC's offices in 343 Witherspoon Student Center only during normal business hours, 9 a.m and 5 p.m.

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.

8.11 LBLB Photo Recap

Photography by WKNC Photographer Katie Hill

Some Army

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Maldora

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Onward, Soldiers

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Want to see more WKNC photos? Visit our flickr site!

8.5 LBLB Photo Recap

Photography by WKNC Photographer Katie Hill

Kid Future
I hope yall have been able to experience Kid Future because this past Thursday night at Tir na nOg was there last show! The lead singer is moving to Texas, drummer lives in Boston, and the pianist's beard "is getting too big to sing." This is the second time I've seen them at LBLB, and they only got better. From the charisma emanating from the lead singer's presence, to the flashy yet talented style of the drummer, and the great back-up harmonies from the bearded keyboardist, they had definitely put a spell on the crowd. Poppy without being cheesy, soulful without being sad, and rocking without all that obnoxious noise—I'm going to miss these guys.


Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Big Picture
If you haven't experienced Big Picture, that needs to be next on your list. It took them about 45 minutes to set up for their 8-member band on that compact nOg stage, but it was so worth the wait. They start off with one of the drummers belting inspirational spoken word to a hushed room... "eradicate 'cannot' from your vocabulary...the Big Picture, yall." Then sound explodes from every instrument: two sets of drums, four guitars, and two keyboards, even a few tambourines. Finally the lead singer leaps on stage with his modern-day gladiator/lacrosse padding, gloves, and helmet, and jumps and hollers to get everyone pumped. He sings every now and then throughout each song, but the sound of all those instruments mixing with the sound of his voice are what really makes the experience. You can't exactly understand the lyrics, but you can feel what he means. Every now and then he broke out his ukelele, plucking away, probably for his own entertainment. Not quite classic rock, too much technicality for post rock, but not really that indie-techno noise either. It's simply an awesome experience. This is also the second time I've seen them, and I would not hesitate to go back for a third.


Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Brett Harris and The Tender Fruit LBLB July 14

Beat the July heat by cooling down with a nice cold North Carolina brew this Thursday, July 14 at Tir Na nOg. You'll want to double check their selection when you get there, but feel free to scope out their beer menu in advance.

For the local band part of the equation, this week features Brett Harris and The Tender Fruit. Durham-based Harris has been on the scene since 2007 and hooked up with WKNC in September 2010 to play during Habitat for Humanity's annual Shack-a-thon on the NCSU Brickyard. He also stopped by our studios earlier that year to talk with Adam Kincaid during "The Local Beat." Our friends down the hall at Wolf TV graciously recorded that performance, available for your review below.

[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/11149502[/vimeo]

WKNC fans will also recognize The Tender Fruit from their February 2010 performance at Double Barrel Benefit 7 and November 2010 Fridays on the Lawn show with The Tomahawks.

Local Band Local Beer is a weekly collaboration between WKNC and Tir Na nOg. It starts every Thursday after 10 p.m. and is free and 21+. Coming up:

• July 21 - Birds and Arrows, Free Electric State and Gray Young


• July 28 - Nests and Lilac Shadows


• August 8 - Big Picture and Kid Future

LBLB Photo Recap 7.7

The Milagro Saints


Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

deja Mi Releases deja Fest Schedule

The mini-festival, which will hit Raleigh July 22 and 23, will be bringing some huge names in both Local and nationwide artists to the area. Working alongside the fine people at Hopscotch Music Festival,  the free two-day event will bring the likes of Hooray for Earth, Free Energy, Wye Oak, Surfer Blood, and much more.

 

The events kick off on Friday starting at 6pm with acts playing venues including Kings, The Pour House, Tir Na Nog, Slim's, and Neptunes. Saturday acts play from 1pm to 11pm with outside of Lincoln Theatre with the after party taking place inside the venue.

 

 

For more information visit hopscotchmusicfest.com

Local Band Local Beer 6.16

Looking for something to do on these hot summer nights? Check out Tir na nOg and WKNC's Local Band, Local Beer June 16. This event happens every Thursday night in downtown Raleigh. It is FREE and 21+. This week we will present the ska and reggae acts The Archbishops of Blount Street and Climb Jacob's Ladder; show starts at 10:30.  Grab a local brew and enjoy, mon!

WKNC swag will be available-- shirts, bags, coozies, and some CDs.

Stay tuned for the rest of June and July lineup... something tells me it's gonna be hot!

Photo Recap of LBLB June 9

Photography by WKNC photographer Katie Hill

KinGator of Raleigh, NC


Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Photo Recap of LBLB June 2

Photography by Katie Hill

Jessica Long


Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Stella Lively


Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Outside Soul headlines LBLB

This Thursday, May 26, Local Beer Local Band features "a sound forged in the streets of the Capital City." The funk/R&B/neo-soul group Outside Soul will take the stage after 10 p.m., but you'll want to get to Tir Na nOg early for the Kinder Soles Birthday Party, celebrating its first year providing environmentally-conscious footwear.

As always, Local Beer Local Band is a free show for those 21+.

Local Beer International Band Night

If you learned in elementary school English that two negatives make a positive, then you already know to expect a good show from Raleigh's Double Negative when they perform Thursday, May 19 as part of WKNC and Tir Na nOg's Local Beer Local Band series.

"It’s the hardest-core hardcore band currently whipping punk kids half as old as the band’s members into foot- and fist-flailing mosh froths," writes Bryan Reed from Independent Weekly.

We then open our house to Århus for music by FOSSILS and Cola Freaks. Described as "Denmark's answer to the Fucking Champs," FOSSILS is a drum and bass rock duo with punk and metal influences.

Members of Cola Freaks backed Jay Reatard as part of his last live line up. The band's songs "will pogo around your brainpan for weeks after you hear them," promises the Chicago Reader.

The music starts after 10 p.m. FREE, 21+.

LBLB Metal Music Mayhem

Raleigh's Mumu Tutu and Sex Panther will blow the doors of Tir Na nOg this Thursday for Local Beer Local Band night.

Promising to lead listeners into a "heavy metal time machine filled with big hair and spandex pants," Sex Panther traditionally offers a set list peppered with Poison, AC/DC and Alice Cooper. Mumu Tutu, meanwhile, "is all about brain blisterin', blood vessel bustin' rock originals."

The face melting starts at 10 p.m. and as always is FREE and 21+, with $5 cheeseburger specials.

Athens Invades Local Band Local Beer

This week, Tir Na nOg and WKNC have turned Local Band Local Beer into something less local to us, but equally awesome. Athens, Georgia's Modern Skirts perform and Terrapin Beer Company of Athens Georgia is our beer special.

And just to keep our Super Music Triangle involved, Digg Up Tapes artist Oulipo will open the show. Sooo rad, I know.

Come enjoy what local means to Athens, right here in Raleigh this Thursday!

 

Hank Sinatra headlines benefit concert for familes of tornado victims

For years, Tir Na nOg Irish Pub has hosted events to benefit local organizations like Hopeline, The Haven animal shelter, InterAct and countless others. Just Thursday they collected donations of food and $960 in cash for the Triangle chapter of the American Red Cross to help those affected by the tornadoes that ravaged Raleigh and other parts of the state April 16. The nOg Run Club also raised $600 on April 18 for the Triangle Red Cross.

Ten musicians/bands will grace the Tir Na nOg stage Tuesday to help raise money for burial costs and other necessities for the families of four children who were killed after a tornado hit the Stony Brook North Mobile Home Park - just five miles from the Pub. There is no cover charge for the event, but donations are strongly encouraged. According to a statement on the Tir Na nOg Web site, the restaurant will also be honoring storm victims and volunteers with free hamburgers (donations encouraged for all others).

The event begins at 5 p.m., with music to start at 5:30 and follow this schedule:

5:30 p.m. - Stella Lively
6:00 p.m. - Brett Harris
6:30 p.m. - Richard Bacchus
7:10 p.m. - This House on Fire
7:50 p.m. - Jack The Radio
8:30 p.m. - Maldora
9:10 p.m. - Anitbubbles
9:50 p.m. - The Olympic-Ass Kickin Team
10:30 p.m. - A Rooster for the Masses
11:10 p.m. - Hank Sinatra

If you are unable to attend this event, there are a number of other way to help tornado victims. From now until May 20, IndieNC is sponsoring an online fundraiser to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wake County. The Pour House has scheduled a two-night "We Are Raleigh" benefit for the Triangle Red Cross May 25 and 26, with details and performers to be announced. If you know of any additional benefit efforts, please post them in the comments below. You can also visit the City of Raleigh Web site for information on where to give and get help.

Full disclosure: WKNC and Tir Na nOg have been partners since March 2007 to present the weekly Local Beer Local Band free concert series.

LBLB April 21 Hopscotch Party!

This Thursday is truly going to be something special!  WKNC and Tir Na nOg are more than happy to have Hopscotch Music Festival and Vitamin Water Uncapped present a very special Local Beer Local Band Hopscotch Announcement Party featuring The Rosebuds, Heads on Sticks, and DJ SPCL GST spinning throughout the evening and a fashion show hosted by Revolver Consignment.

 

Come early - this show will be packed!!  Might as well get a cheeseburger (they're mad cheap at the pub on Thursdays) and down some beers with friends before the fashion show starts at 10 p.m. Following that will be all the live jams.

The Rosebuds are releasing their new album Loud Planes Fly Low on June 7, and I have a feeling you might get to hear a little sneak peak of it at the show... well at least I hope so.

Heads on Sticks has been my favorite local live act since the first time I saw them. This is music that I like.

There is hardly any other time you're going to get all of the awesomeness for the price of FREE so I don't understand why anyone would not come. I'm guessing there will be a few Hopscotch wristband giveaways at the show too.

2nd Thursday = Brewer Series at LBLB

Come to this week's lblb/pound pound/## to catch Goodbye, Titan, Minor Stars, and Monsonia!

Lots of fun stuff to do this week thanks to WKNC and Tir Na nOg and New Raleigh. First of all there is the awesome line-up, second, there will be awesome delicious local beer. In particular Craggie Brewing Company from Asheville, NC will be there with THREE beers to choose from:

Burning Barrel- a bourbon chipotle porter

Antebellum Ale- an 1840s North Carolina beer recipe

Cask of the Battery Hill- an English style rye ale

Can't wait to get my hands on all of these. There is a different brewery at the pub every month on the second Thursday so be sure to mark your calendars! Oh, and the music. Goodbye, Titan is always a great band to see live. I haven't seen Minor Stars yet but they've gotten awesome reviews in the Independent and a lot of other places, so I'm absolutely excited for that one. And Monsonia I've heard once through the door at the Nightlight. We didn't feel like paying to get in (so used to free shows at Tir Na nOg , I guess) so I stood outside to listen, and I can tell you right now that they kind of sound like Arcade Fire.

As always it starts at 10 p.m., 21 and up, and FREE. See you there, friends.



 

Local Beer Local Band Photos April 7

April 7 Local Beer Local Band

Welcome to April friends! To kick off the month, and hopefully the warmer weather, WKNC and Tir Na nOg are happy to bring you North Elementary and Organos! Music starts at 10 p.m., 21 and up, FREE, and it is the cool thing to do.

Both of these bands are local music favorites and I have not seen them enough.  I am also super excited because they are putting out a 7" Split together. Will this show be a preview of the awesomeness ahead? Guess you'll have to show up to find out! Waiting to hear back to see if these two bands will talk to me LIVE ON AIR from 7-8 p.m. this Thursday.

ALSO there are very yummy burgers at the pub as well as yummy yummy beers.  Drink it upppp

 

I will see you at the pub.