CHAMBERFOLK TRIO: Harpeth Rising combine classical training with folk traditions at Brunswick concert this week

It’s not clear when or where distinct folk music began in history, but there is evidence that various forms of storytelling and singing predates the written word by centuries. The evolution of music and its genres continues on an undetermined path with melting-pot bands, like the classical-folk trio Harpeth Rising. The all-female group combine classically trained talents who deliver their music via folk storytelling and … Continue reading CHAMBERFOLK TRIO: Harpeth Rising combine classical training with folk traditions at Brunswick concert this week

NEW REPRESENTATION: Deborah Butler takes seat and action in the NC House of Representatives

The first couple of weeks of February were quite busy for Wilmington attorney Deborah Butler. Butler was sworn in to fill NC House Rep. Susi Hamilton’s 18th District seat on Monday, Feb. 6. Gov. Roy Cooper appointed Hamilton to NC secretary of natural and cultural resources. Butler, who unsuccessfully challenged Thom Goolsby for his Senate seat in 2012, was one of 10 people considered to … Continue reading NEW REPRESENTATION: Deborah Butler takes seat and action in the NC House of Representatives

HEAR OUR VOICE: 10 Actions in First 100 Days has local postcard-writing meetup Thursday

“We attended the march in DC,”  Wilmington resident and artist Lauren Lassiter describes. “It was without a doubt the most beautiful event I’ve ever participated in.” Lassiter and her friends went to the US capital prepared with a list of supplies. They walked through the crowds of women and men with their names and emergency contact numbers written on their arms in Sharpie. “We didn’t … Continue reading HEAR OUR VOICE: 10 Actions in First 100 Days has local postcard-writing meetup Thursday

DUALITY OF FEMINIniTY AND MASCULINITY: Slow Dance releases debut EP this weekend at Gravity Records

Wilmington’s latest indie-folk duo Slow Dance, made up of Justin Lacy and Sarah Royal, ended 2016 by debuting a self-titled EP—often haunting, a bit quirky and all-out emotional. Though, Lacy admits, New Year’s Eve isn’t a typical release date for new work, he says they wanted to “leave these songs in the old year.” “It was actually Sarah’s idea,” he clarifies. “Being a bit of … Continue reading DUALITY OF FEMINIniTY AND MASCULINITY: Slow Dance releases debut EP this weekend at Gravity Records

12 MONTHS, 24 NEW SONGS: Sunset Kings set lofty goals for 2017, play Satellite this Saturday

“I’m the kind of guy who jumps in the water and then learns how to swim,” Brandon Rougeau says over the phone. It’s not where we start our conversation but it certainly summarizes how he and his three-piece rock band, Sunset Kings, are approaching 2017. Rougeau (guitar, vocals), Nick Simon (drums) and Stephen Luther (bass) have committed themselves to release two original songs each month … Continue reading 12 MONTHS, 24 NEW SONGS: Sunset Kings set lofty goals for 2017, play Satellite this Saturday

SOARING SOLO: Richard Strater makes his Wilmington debut at Ted’s Fun on the River

“I wanted to record an EP that represented me as a solo act as accurately as possible,” solo singer and guitarist Richard Strater wrote in preface to his last album, “The Pessimistic Troubadour,” in 2014. “That’s why the only audio you will find on this EP is the sound of my guitar and of my voice.” Strater plays solo on guitar and vocals on each track, … Continue reading SOARING SOLO: Richard Strater makes his Wilmington debut at Ted’s Fun on the River

MULTI-LAYERED: SUSTO’s Justin Osborne digs into latest album ‘& I’m Fine Today’ before ILM show

This week Charleston, South Carolina’s SUSTO will release their sophomore album “& I’m Fine Today” on January 13. Named for the record, their winter tour will bring them north to our own port city’s Bourgie Nights (127 Princess St.) on January 14. Lead singer Justin Osborne admits they wanted to marry a few different sounds on this album, including but not limited to folk, psychedelic … Continue reading MULTI-LAYERED: SUSTO’s Justin Osborne digs into latest album ‘& I’m Fine Today’ before ILM show

NEW SONGS OF THE NEW YEAR: Fourth Carolina Pine Songwriter Session features Cara Schauble and others at BAC

Though a lot of readers might agree not much good came of 2016, here’s at least one: Carolina Pine Songwriter Sessions. Started by Wilmington’s Carolina Pine Productions, the monthly (save for December’s holiday break) songwriter sessions debuted last September. “There’s a lot of talent there,” singer-songwriter and guitarist Cara Schauble says of November’s session. “People come out of the woodworks all over the place; there’s … Continue reading NEW SONGS OF THE NEW YEAR: Fourth Carolina Pine Songwriter Session features Cara Schauble and others at BAC

MELODICA ON THE STREETS: Will Wood and the Tapeworms will fray the end of their rope at Juggling Gypsy

As soon as I started in on the first track of “SELF-iSH,” the latest album from New Jersey’s Will Wood and the Tapeworms, Gogol Bordello came to mind: high-energy, messy and fun. It’s not a far-fetched connection because Wood and company have toured with theatrical Gypsy-punk group, so naturally their eccentricities seemingly blend in their video for “Mr. Capgras Encounters a Secondhand Vanity.” Shot in … Continue reading MELODICA ON THE STREETS: Will Wood and the Tapeworms will fray the end of their rope at Juggling Gypsy