WHERE THE PEOPLE ARE: (Dis)connect with ‘OK GURGLE’ at Cucalorus 25

“Just like Ariel [from ‘The Little Mermaid’], we all wanna be where the people are,” artist Alexis Powell says. She’s talking about connectivity—especially between artists, musicians and working creatives in the digital age. “Big tech knows that and uses it to its advantage.” “I love the internet,” Candace B. Thompson adds. “I was an early smart-phone adopter, and I use Instagram constantly in my work … Continue reading WHERE THE PEOPLE ARE: (Dis)connect with ‘OK GURGLE’ at Cucalorus 25

COMMUNITY TIES: Carolina Pines Fest returns after three-year hiatus

  Carolina Pines Fest is back in full swing this weekend after a three-year hiatus. Having made it official with a comeback party in June, followed by a series of house parties and small shows, Carolina Pines relaunches with two days of live music Friday at Satellite and Saturday at Waterline Brewing. While original festival cofounder Anna Mann says she’s a little nervous about this … Continue reading COMMUNITY TIES: Carolina Pines Fest returns after three-year hiatus

HERE TO SERVE: Flavor of NC returns for sixth year with Southern grub

“Pulled pork, shrimp and grits, butter bean succotash, smoked gouda mac and cheese, smoked turkey, collard greens.” Jane Birnbach, senior development director at Good Shepherd Center, lists the menu for this year’s decadent fundraiser. The sixth annual Flavor of NC is Saturday, November 9, at Carolina Yacht Club. Aside from soulful Southern fare, Coastal Beverage has donated NC craft beers and wines, plus a silent … Continue reading HERE TO SERVE: Flavor of NC returns for sixth year with Southern grub

LIVE FEARLESSLY: Andy Frasco & The U.N. headline show at BAC

  Andy Frasco & The U.N. aren’t just a soulful rockin’ party band; they are the band that brings the party. “I love entertaining,” Frasco says over the phone before his October show at the Brooklyn Arts Center was moved to Sunday, November 3. “That’s what keeps me alive, I think. It’s like all this horrible stuff I do to my liver, and my body … Continue reading LIVE FEARLESSLY: Andy Frasco & The U.N. headline show at BAC

SPOOKY ADVENTURES: Haunted highlights leading up to All Hallow’s Eve

  The only thing more terrifying than ghost stories and bloody entrails is the fact we don’t have enough room to print all of the Cape Fear’s Halloween happenings. Trunk-or-treats, haunted trails, pumpkin carvings, costume contests, spooky theatre, murderous music, movie screenings, fearsome festivals… Hold onto your butts, it’s Halloween. October 24, 7 p.m. Pumpkin Carving Contest Palate, 1007 N. 4th St. Free entry Know … Continue reading SPOOKY ADVENTURES: Haunted highlights leading up to All Hallow’s Eve

MONSTER MASH: Hillbilly Hellcats play 10th annual Zombiefest at Satellite

  Ten years ago, Zombiefest began as a night of a monster (music) mash. When The Phantom Playboys moved their popular underground Halloween-inspired concert to Satellite in 2017, drummer and festival founder Jimmy Kaylis told encore he wanted to keep this monster music creation full of fun, laughs, and most importantly, original rock n’ roll. It was Kaylis who tapped rockabilly brethren Hillbilly Hellcats to … Continue reading MONSTER MASH: Hillbilly Hellcats play 10th annual Zombiefest at Satellite

CAPTURED MAGIC: The Wood Brothers discuss live album ahead of GLA concert

  When The Wood Brothers dropped their 14-track live album in September, taken from a two-night run at The Fillmore in San Francisco, upright bassist Chris Wood said it reflects the fact “the longer [they] play together, the more [they] can read each other’s thoughts and anticipate each other’s musical choices.” For his brother, Oliver (guitar, vocals), the sets’ songs “Chocolate on My Tongue” and … Continue reading CAPTURED MAGIC: The Wood Brothers discuss live album ahead of GLA concert

FALL ‘GRASS: Folkstone Stringband return to 2nd Cape Fear Bluegrass & BBQ Fest on October 12

  “Spring” and “fall” are loose terms in North Carolina. Nowadays, it feels like we have “early summer” and “extended summer” (I mean, the calendar says October 3, but at 95 degrees outside, it feels like August 64). While this might extend summertime activities, the heat index can make outdoor events a little less enjoyable. Last year’s inaugural Cape Fear Bluegrass and BBQ Festival learned … Continue reading FALL ‘GRASS: Folkstone Stringband return to 2nd Cape Fear Bluegrass & BBQ Fest on October 12

UP, UP & AWAY: UNCW wins contest to bring Elephante to GLA

  At face value Monster Energy’s Up & Up Festival competition seems like a pretty simple numbers game: a contest between participating colleges across the country to see who can cull the most votes/pre-sale tickets in 48 hours. The top five schools get to host an Up & Up concert in their city. With roughly 17,000 students, UNCW is an underdog compared to the 99,000 … Continue reading UP, UP & AWAY: UNCW wins contest to bring Elephante to GLA

TAKING ACTION: Music and arts are brewing this Sunday at Waterman’s

    “I have instant respect for people who use their talents and influence to help kids and communities in need,” Tumbleweed’s McKay Glasgow says of fellow musician Jason Andre of The Midatlantic. “I don’t know Jason well, but I’ve seen him out in the water and he’s a good surfer. I also see him supporting other musicians at shows and doing cool things in … Continue reading TAKING ACTION: Music and arts are brewing this Sunday at Waterman’s