The weekend starts a day early this week with a Thursday night show in Charlotte…

April is here and as the weather warms up so too is the concert calendar across North Carolina. This weekend is highlighted by another visit from a Texas artist in addition to an album release party from one of North Carolina’s own.

Kicking off an epic tour, Sarah Shook and the Disarmers are definitely a band you do not want to miss. On the rise, “Years” the groups second album arrives on Friday. In addition, there are a variety of other options available for your listening pleasure and many groups have two dates, so you don’t have to worry about making any difficult decisions – simply go to shows both nights – or all three if you start early.

There are plenty of options to choose from, so get out and support live music this weekend in North Carolina!

THURSDAY – APRIL 5, 2018

Travis Meadows – Puckett’s Farm Equipment, Charlotte

Meadows isn’t just waxing poetic about the perks of self-acceptance. The 52-year-old has clawed his way to the peace he’s found, and his willingness to map that journey through his songs has saved more lives than his own. On his anxiously awaited new album First Cigarette, Meadows proves once again that when he sings the truth he’s living, he can set us all free. “I’ve always put secrets in my records, but I had this ring of fire that nobody could get in––a defense mechanism from my childhood. Nobody gets too close,” he says. “I think this record is a way of me letting people in a little more, inside the ring of fire.”

Jack Ingram – Puckett’s Farm Equipment, Charlotte

Throughout a recording career that has spanned more than 20 years, Jack Ingram has maintained a reputation for uncompromising, personally charged song craft and energetic, charismatic performances, earning him prominent stature in a prestigious tradition of iconoclastic singer-songwriters. Ingram’s prior work has won him a fiercely devoted fan base as well as reams of critical acclaim, and now Midnight Motel marks a creative milestone for the veteran artist, his sound ever evolving while showcasing some of his most expressive, emotionally raw songwriting to date.

FRIDAY – APRIL 6, 2018

Sarah Shook and the Disarmers – Cat’s Cradle, Carrboro

When Sidelong, Sarah Shook & the Disarmers’ debut album, was released in early 2017, it quickly earned kudos for its blast of fresh, fierce honesty and sly wit. It was a welcome new voice in a genre too often mired in the staid and conventional. And while that record may have come to many as a surprise, 2018’s follow-up, Years, solidifies the point: Sarah Shook & the Disarmers have moved from getting people’s attention to commanding it.

Scooter Brown Band – Annex Plaza, Winston-Salem

After 4 years and 3 months, 2 tours overseas with 1 tour of combat in Iraq as a United States Marine, Scott Brown traded his guns in for guitars and hit the road. The Scooter Brown Band was formed in 2005 and played mainly in and around Houston, Texas. It wasn’t until 2009 with the release of their first studio album, “Between Hell & Texas,” that they gained a notable presence in the Texas music scene.

SATURDAY – APRIL 7, 2018

Steve Hartsoe – Motorco Music Hall, Durham

For this veteran rocker, a former AP journalist and college pitcher turned husband and father, that all-in conviction is an audible thread running through the 15 tracks on the Raleigh, N.C., artist’s latest indie release, “The Big Fix-Deluxe Edition,” released Dec. 1, 2017. After almost two decades removed from writing, recording and performing his own songs, Hartsoe is again singing about the daily of life — its troubles, joys and all the in-between. But this time he has a lot more life experience to sing about.

Chris Knight – Motorco Music Hall, Durham

Kentucky based singer-songwriter with a rich history in both although he didn’t start performing until he was 30 years old. Now a popular name in Americana music, Knight has released multiple albums in his career.

Sarah Shook and the Disarmers – Neighborhood Theatre, Charlotte

Another opportunity to celebrate the release of Years.

Scooter Brown Band – Crown Theatre, Fayetteville

A second chance to see them this weekend.

—
Enjoy the shows, take advantage and keep spreading the love, one song at a time…

You can’t go wrong this weekend, no matter which show you decide to attend…

After two relatively slow weekends for live music, March is going out like a lion with a wealth of opportunity. While a majority of the shows are located in the state’s capital, options remain available in western and central North Carolina.

Two rare shows are happening with visits from Texas native Sunny Sweeney and Georgia artist Brent Cobb. Both songwriters have enjoyed success on various levels while maintaining a commitment to quality music.

Opening for Sweeney will be North Carolina’s own Jonathan Parker, one of many native artists performing this weekend so get out and enjoy a live show from potentially local talent!

FRIDAY – MARCH 30, 2018

Pistol Hill – Shooters Lounge, Hickory

Independent and traditional country music. Emerging local artists within the genre featuring both original songs and covers from some of your favorite individuals and bands.

Brent Cobb – The Pour House, Raleigh

Brent Cobb didn’t set out to write an album that feels and sounds like the place he grew up. But now that the grooves have been cut in his debut LP, Shine on Rainy Day, there’s no denying the people, the places and the vibe of his southcentral Georgia home infuse almost every song.

Nathan Kornegay – Deep South Bar, Raleigh

“Singer/Songwriter based in Raleigh. Influenced by great songwriters like Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, Jason Isbell, and Ryan Adams.”

Steve Hartsoe – Deep South Bar, Raleigh

For this veteran rocker, a former AP journalist and college pitcher turned husband and father, that all-in conviction is an audible thread running through the 15 tracks on the Raleigh, N.C., artist’s latest indie release, “The Big Fix-Deluxe Edition,” released Dec. 1, 2017. After almost two decades removed from writing, recording and performing his own songs, Hartsoe is again singing about the daily of life — its troubles, joys and all the in-between. But this time he has a lot more life experience to sing about.

SATURDAY – MARCH 31, 2018

The Black Lillies – The Ramkat, Winston-Salem

The Black Lillies have never backed down from a challenge: proudly independent since their formation, they are always pushing forward and evolving, letting the inspiration and music take focus. That drive has led them to become one of Americana’s biggest success stories: an internationally-renowned band of roots-rockers, armed with songs that blur the boundaries between folk, soul, red dirt country, blues and rock.

Sunny Sweeney – Puckett’s Farm Equipment, Charlotte

Sunny Sweeney is the party and the morning after. She’s the quip that makes you laugh and the truth that makes you cry, the devil that’s egging you on and the angel whispering that you aren’t alone. But those compelling contradictions aren’t what’s most interesting about Sweeney: it’s the depth and brazen authenticity she brings to all her roles that grabs you and won’t let go.

Enjoy the Easter holiday weekend with some live music and keep spreading the love, one song at a time…

A relatively slow holiday weekend should make deciding on a show easier, especially for the western part of the state…

The past few weekends have created multiple opportunities for seeing live music within this genre. In fact, shortly after Cody Johnson played Coyote Joe’s in Charlotte, he became the first unsigned artist to sell out the Houston Rodeo and by all accounts put on an amazing show.

The morale of this story is to take advantage when ANY of the Texas country or Red Dirt artists venture outside of their normal touring circuit. Not only to see those that hail from both Oklahoma and Texas, but to also appreciate the artists here who have been and are breaking into the scene.

This weekend provides an opportunity to see two different acts on opposite ends of the spectrum but who are still representing a commitment to their craft with a profound ability to entertain. Each has their own characteristics and with St. Patrick’s Day looming on Saturday, can assist in your celebration with the addition of live music.

FRIDAY – MARCH 16, 2018

James Scott Bullard – Shooter’s Lounge, Hickory

After a brief stint in rehab several years ago, James Scott Bullard declared himself substance-free, yet it took him longer to accept responsibility for the rest of his life’s decisions.  That process led to fan-favorite lovelorn songs from his previous albums.  Full Tilt Boogie jumps forward to where Bullard is now, owning his bad choices and sometimes reveling in them, while not giving up vices altogether, as his string of exes will attest.  Bullard’s honesty about his flaws endears him to his fans, who find broken pieces of themselves in the lyrics. 

SATURDAY – MARCH 17, 2018

Pickxen – Oskar Blues Brewery, Brevard

Saint Paddy’s Day fun with Pickxen!  While we may not be able to utilize the outdoor patio bar, the Tasty Weasel taproom is open daily with free tours of the brewery. The Oskar Blues CHUBwagon food truck serves up CHUBurgers and tacos to quench your hunger. Five nights a week, local and regional bands make your ear holes happy. Pisgah National Forest is a 10 minute bike ride away, so go git rad and meet back at the brewery for a pint.

Nathan Kornegay – Goldsboro Brew Works, Goldsboro

“Singer/Songwriter based in Raleigh. Influenced by great songwriters like Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, Jason Isbell, and Ryan Adams.”

You won’t go wrong with any choice this weekend and for a large number of people in the western half of the state, you’ll be close to something both nights. Get out, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and enjoy your weekend by supporting live music!

Take advantage and keep spreading the love, one song at a time…