How the time flies. It’s not been one, but two decades since the inception of the Cape Fear Blues Festival. Port City blues fans have a lot to look forward to this Friday, July 24, through Sunday, July 26, as new acts and old favorites head into town. Continue reading CRUISING ALONG: The Cape Fear Blues Festival enters its 20th year
“All the guys who play with me bring to life the whole intent of the song,” he says. “That’s a big part of the connection that happens between all of us [in JJ Grey & Mofro] … and it’s because of the way these guys play the songs. I think that really moves past any language or cultural barriers.” Continue reading A Universal Connection: JJ Grey & Mofro returns to Greenfield Lake Amphitheater
One night a year it is perceived socially acceptable to release our inner freaks from their cages. As children we dress up in costumes and go knocking from door to door, shouting “trick-or-treat” whenever someone appears with candy. When we are thrust into adulthood, our perception of Halloween tends to warp a bit, but costumes are still a must as is celebrating a night of … Continue reading GETTING ZOMBIEFIED: SOUTHERN CULTURE ON THE SKIDS HEADLINE FIFTH ANNUAL ZOMBIEFEST
Since moving to the Port City from Kinston, NC, Clay Whittington has found more opportunity to stretch his range of talents as an actor, singer, songwriter, pianist, and overall entertaining fella. Whittington will perform at Costello’s (211 Princess St.) through March, with his monthly January schedule including the 3rd, 9th and 31st. His “Hymnprov” show is slated for February 9th at Grainger-Hill Performing Arts Center in Kinston; his debut album can be purchased through iTunes, Amazon and Google Play. Continue reading Faith in Talent: Clay Whittington lands standing gig at Costello’s through March
While The Infamous Stringdusters are no strangers to our fair Port City, it is their deep connection with Colorado that has them coming back to us this Saturday. Since releasing their new EP in November, “Road To Boulder,” featuring Bruce Hornsby on the accordion, the ‘Dusters have taken to the road with Colorado band Paper Bird, for their Road To Boulder tour. “Road To Boulder” … Continue reading One Big, Happy ‘Jamily’: The Infamous Stringdusters return for live show
Marti Jones and Don Dixon Fri., 11/11, 7 p.m. $10 adv. or $12 at door http://www.soapboxlaundrolounge.com How great were the ‘80s? big hair. Rainbow Brite make-up. Shoulder pads. OK, maybe they were questionably great. Where I grew up, we held onto the ‘80s until at least 1993 (even now, it’s normal to see a frosted perm lingering in honky-tonks and bars). Sure, the ‘80s gave … Continue reading Married with Music:
The CARE Project Documentary Premiere/Fund-raiser Brooklyn Arts Center • 516 N. 4th St. 9/23, 6:30 p.m. • $35 adv/$40 at door http://www.thecareproject.me W hen couples find out they’re having a baby, I’m told there’s a clash of emotions. First, there’s excitement over creating a little “mini-me”—sure to become the next boy or girl wonder, saving the world in various ways. Immediately, anxiety follows—for the hope … Continue reading The Care Project
Man of La Mancha Thalian Hall, main stage 310 Chestnut St. 8/31-9/4, 9/9-11; 8 p.m. Sun. matinees, 3 p.m. •$23-$25 http://www.thalianhall.org pedlamps.org It’s a story that has been told and retold in many ways—a true classic, where our heroes are optimistic and imaginative, even if pitted against cynicism. Don Quixote has been conceived in literature, movies and even TV shows, including on PBS’s “Wishbone” (”two … Continue reading Hope, Even in Fear:
Just Our Luck ByChance Productions Cape Fear Playhouse 613 Castle Street 8/18-21, 25-28, 8 p.m. $12 (910) 471-5690 Siblings often have unique dynamics. Like finger prints, no two relationships are alike. However, sometimes the roles they play in each other’s lives change, whether welcome or not. There’s often love, heartbreak, humiliation, confusion—the usual stuff. (I’ll admit: I often feel lucky being a one-man show when … Continue reading Reprising Family:
Béla Fleck and the Flecktones Greenfield Lake Amphitheater Sun., 8/14, 5:30 – 10 p.m. Tickets: $35 at Gravity Records http://www.flecktones.com Inevitably as we age, there are times when the world jades us into cynicism. Nothing is ever new or unexpected. This is the worst feeling one undergoes when it comes to their job or passion. The key? Not to let it happen. That’s the main … Continue reading Reuniting After 20 Years:
Shannon Rae Gentry 