It is with a heavy heart that I relinquish my title as general manager of  WKNC on May 20. My tenure as general manager would not have been made possible without the advice, positive reinforcement, and generosity of my fellow staff members, advisors, and the community at large.  I am certain that DJ Ones, the next general manager at WKNC, will continue to make WKNC the best radio station in the world.

I want to take the last local lunch shift of my time here at WKNC to thank all of the amazing local bands who have helped me and WKNC out throughout this past year.

These are the bands that played shows like Double Barrel Benefit and related Day Party, Fridays on the Lawn, small concerts that may or may not have been successful, and the birthday party. These amazing members of our community donated their time and their talent to WKNC and deserve to be recognized.

This local music scene and related community has made my job worthwhile. There will be airbreaks full of reminiscing, shout outs, and gratitude.

Tune in for the grateful local lunch, Friday May 18 starting early at 11:30 a.m. and going until 1 p.m.

Birds and Arrows play the first night of DBB9

Ben Sollee, from press kit

One of my favorite musicians, Ben Sollee, will be coming by the station on May 10  at 1 p.m. for an in-studio performance and interview before his show at Kings Barcade (Cat’s Cradle Presents). Sollee’s music is inspired by his Kentucky roots, but spans genres from folk to jazz, carried by his syncopated rhythms and smooth voice.

You may recognize Ben Sollee from his work with Daniel Martin Moore on Dear Companion, an album speaking out against Mountain Top Removal and preserving their Appalachian homes. This album was produced by Yim Yames of Monsters of Folk and My Morning Jacket.

Sollee joined other acclaimed genre-bending artists Casey Driessen, Bela Fleck, Abigail Washburn to form the Sparrow Quartet. This group was defined by intense instrumentation, worldly themes, and the tenor of Abigail Washburn.

If You’re Going to Lead my Country, Something Worth Keeping, Learning to Bend, and Inclusions are Sollee’s  solo EPs and LPs, respectively. These albums feature his political lyrics, blues-infused voice, and friends joining in on saxophones, percussion, and other instruments on many songs.  This show on May 10 at Kings Barcade marks one year since Inclusions was released.

Ben Sollee is different from many other “green” celebrities in that he lives the lifestyle to the best of his ability, showcased in his “Ditch the Van” Bike Tour.  Strapping the cello and other equipment to a tiny trailer attached to his bike, he has traveled to dozens of shows and thousands of miles with a much smaller carbon footprint than other touring artists.

Sollee is no stranger to the area, opening for The Rosebuds at a Hopscotch 2011 Day Party and an awesome show at Casbah in Durham.  I hope he likes the new bike lanes on Hillsborough Street.

Tune in to hear what I’m sure will be an amazing live in-studio performance and interview. If you have any questions for Ben, leave them as a comment or tweet them at us (@WKNC881) during the interview on May 10 from 1 -1:45 p.m.  Be sure to check out his performance at Kings Barcade May 10.

Listen to Americana Blues and Company on May 5 and the interview May 10 to win tickets to the show!

Being from Florida, summertime is my favorite time. I love it when it gets so hot and muggy that even the mosquitoes can’t fly and your only refuge is a piece of watermelon, an ice-cold beverage and the music in front of you.

My three favorite outdoor venues in the Triangle allow picnics and sell all of the best local brews. Read on for summer shows to look out for at The North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA), Sarah P. Duke Gardens, and American Tobacco.

North Carolina Museum of Art:

NCMA Concert Area, courtesy of the NC Dept. of Cultural Resources

Located on Blue Ridge Road in Raleigh, NCMA has the largest concert arena of any art museum in the country and as such can bring brings some of the best acts around. I had the opportunity to see Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Lucinda Williams, and Gillian Welch there last summer.

Summer 2012, NCMA brings us:

AfroCubism:  June 10

If you like Buena Vista Social Club, Malain music, and awesome beats, check this show out.

Doc Watson and Deep River Rising:  June 30

At 89, Doc Watson can still tear up a guitar. If you haven’t heard of Doc Watson but love old-timey music and all things bluegrassy and folk, don’t miss this chance to see one of the trailblazers of this genre.

Andrew Bird w/ Mavis Staples: July 10

Through a collaboration with Cat’s Cradle, indie folk master Andrew Bird will whistle the night away with rhythm and blues goddess Mavis Staples.

Neko Case: July 14

I’ve never seen this woman perform solo, but I had the chance to see her with The New Pornographers a few summers ago. Her voice is everything female vocals should be.

More shows listed later in the summer and further information is available here. Be sure to listen to WKNC all summer, as we usually do a considerable amount of giveaways for these shows. Tickets for these shows range from $15-35, with a discount for children and a prime seating location for members. Parking can be tough: I suggest either arriving early or parking in one of the administrative buildings slightly up Blue Ridge. Get to these shows early so you can spread out your picnic blanket, grab a bottle of wine (sold at the venue) and enjoy the evening.

Sarah P. Duke Gardens:

Sarah P. Duke Garden's Concert, courtesy of Duke Gardens

Located in the heart of Duke’s West Campus, Duke Gardens is a spectacle in itself. 55-acres of native and non-native plants provide the perfect backdrop (and aroma) for the summer concert series. Doors (gates?) open at 6:30, so be sure to set up early behind the Visitor’s Center. I’ve never had the chance to come to one of these shows, but as I’ll be living less than 3 miles away this summer, they’ll have to pry me away. All of the artists presented here are local indie acts.

The Beast + Big Band: June 6

Local hip-hop infused with jazz.

The Old Ceremony: June 13

Indie rock bordering “dad rock,” but in a good way.

Dex Romweber and the New Romans: June 21

I love this description from Independently Weekly, “noir-tinged Americana”

Bombadil: June 27

Rolling indie rock infused with folk, teddy bears, and a bit of sorrow

Mandolin Orange: July 11

One of the best duos around, keeping traditional folk alive with modern inspiration

Midtown Dickens: July 18

Playful and thoughtful, their music makes you literally sing along “this is the best summer ever”

Megafaun: July 25

Do I need to describe these guys? Experimental folk with deep themes and beards.

More information about the shows and tickets is available here. Tickets are $12, with a $5 discounted price for Duke employees and students. There is a cafe on site selling full meals, snacks, wine, and beer. You’ll find me sneaking in some watermelon slices and lemonade. Parking is available after 5 p.m. for free in the Garden Lots. Be careful with parking outside of the garden; Campus Police will get ya!

American Tobacco

American Tobacco Campus, from Indyweek.com

Located next to WUNC in the American Tobacco Campus, this venue is secluded with restaurants and shops on all sides and arranged perfectly for concerts. The audience is separated from the band by a moat, which keeps the ravenous fan girls like me off banjo players like Chatham County Line’s Chandler Holt. It also sets the stage, literally, with the babbling of water and a home-town feel as the band plays under the water tower. Like the other venues presented here, they are very family friendly and allow for picnics and serve all of the best beverages.

Music Maker Relief Foundation Blues Revue: May 11

I saw these guys at Shakori Hills and it was like watching the history of Blues before your eyes.

Tony Rice Unit: May 18

Traditional bluegrass, performed immaculately.

Adam Hurt, Stephanie Coleman, and Beth Williams Hartness

Bluegrass trio, with bits of loose mountain music

Pops for Pops: June 17

What better way to celebrate Father’s day than with jazz of all kinds. Durham Jazz Orchestra and Durham Community Concert Band will play all night.

Lizzy Ross Band: June 22

This girl can sing. She is a cute, young musician who can belt out some of jazziest, smoothest music out there. Her band provides a full Americana, folk rock inspired set.

John Brown and the Groove Shop Band: July 4

A 13-piece band full of funk, rhythm, and blues.

Justin Robinson and the Mary Annettes: July 27

Don’t expect Carolina Chocolate Drops sound. Former Drop, Robinson, is experimenting with his musical style with this ethereal genre-break band.

John Howie Jr. and the Rosewood Bluff: August 10

Honky-tonk Americana with an occasional rock-kick.outdoor

For show listings after August 10 and more information, go here. Sponsored in part of by Back Porch Music, all of these shows are family friendly acts with their mind to roots music. All of these shows, unless otherwise noted, are free. There are great restaurants surround the venue and Whole Foods usually sets up a table selling fresh dinners. I usually end up bringing my own snacks, but end up buying a locopop.

Phew. There is a lot going on this summer and I hope that this has helped you formulate a plan of action for shows to see. Did I miss any awesome outdoor venues? Comment with your favorites and maybe I’ll blog about those shows as well!

My Morning Jacket will team up with Band of Horses this summer for a month-long tour culminating with a Sunday, Aug. 26 performance at the downtown Raleigh Amphitheater. Thanks to our friends at Live Nation, lucky WKNC listeners have a chance to win tickets before they go on sale this Saturday, May 5 at 10 a.m.

My Morning Jacket press photo by Danny Clinch

For those without fast fingers or who don’t have 860-0881 and 515-2400 on speed dial (remember to add the 919!), lawn tickets will run $36.50 each (fees included), while reserved seating tops out at $57.85 a ticket (again, fees included). A dollar of the ticket price will be donated to the Neuse Riverkeeper Foundation. My Morning Jacket and Band of Horses will also perform Saturday, Aug. 25 at the Time Warner Cable Uptown Amphitheatre in Charlotte. The Charlotte Public Tree Fund will receive a $1 for each ticket sold to the Charlotte show.

Redress Raleigh, the premier eco-friendly fashion show of the Triangle, featured 13 outstanding designers, three lovely producers, and an inspiring charity Friday, April 20, in the Warehouse Distric at the Contemporary Art Museum. After starstuff and I arrived downtown, we were ushered into the musuem and shown front row seats right next the show’s other prestigious sponsor, “The Raleigh Downtowner.” The four of us received handmade swag bags, chocolate made right here in Raleigh, a cookie, and a handmade wallet by Aban, the featured organization for this year’s show. Aban (A Ban Against Neglect) is a charity fronted by recent college graduates Callie and Becca which looks to provide an income for girls in Ghana. A portion of the proceeds from the show will go toward the charity, providing the funds needed for the girls in Ghana to create beautiful products from recycled materials as well as instill empowerment and leadership in them.

The show started a little after 8 p.m. on an unconvential runway with a stark white backdrop that allowed for lots of posing; a perfect setup to showcase the garments and models. There was no shortage of quality, innovation, and creativity at the event. Locally-based designers drew inspiration from places as far as Costa Rica to create “no fluff” natural wedding gowns (Kenal Leonard), and edible materials, like the orange peels used by Pamor Designs & Zassdesign to create colorful jewlery. As long as designers maintained a conscious mindset when they created their collections, they had free range to take them in any direction they chose. With this in mind, some designers reinvented the norm of eco-fashion and created high fashion garments like jackets and shift dresses made from organic cotton and wool (Belindabilly). Leopold Designs focused on hand-dyed silk and colorful garments flooded the runway with silk screen, Shibori and Batik techniques. One of my favorite collections from the evening came from the final designer, Rocket Betty, who showcased retro alternative wedding apparel made with modern repurposed fabrics.

During a brief intermission, which was much needed to really absorb the fabulous fashions of the five previous designers, co-producers Mor Aframian, Jamie Powell, and Beth Stewart thanked the sponsors (us, yay!), introduced this year’s featured charity, Aban, and reiterated the goals of Redress Raleigh. Mor announced her desire for eco-fashion to be not just a trend but a lifestyle and how they wish for consumers and designers to use Redress Raleigh as a resource for anything eco-fashion related. Beth continued on how the fashion show has become an integral and exciting part of the organization. She also talked about how events throughout the year, like fundraising concerts, continue to spread awareness on our responsibility as designers and consumers to be concious of what we wear and how it impacts the earth and the people creating the clothes.

Redress Raleigh is an incredible eco-conscious movement happening right here in Raleigh and it is inspiring to see the creativity that we can accomplish with repurposed materials or goods made with little impact on the earth. As a radio station that continues to promote local artists and the good of the earth, it is exciting to be a part of this movement!

Check out more about Redress Raleigh and Aban here.

We have some awesome tickets to give away to start of the month of April.

Tuesday, April 3 - Kimya Dawson with Paleface and Your Heart Breaks

Tuesday, April 3 - Delta Spirit with Waters

Wednesday, April 4 - Of Montreal with Loney Dear and Kishi Bashi

Wednesday, April 4 - Hadwynn with Lion in Winter

Thursday, April 5 - Breathe Carolina, Ready Set with Ashland High, Matt Toka, Romance on a Rocketship

Thursday, April 5 - Band of Heathens with Clay Pigeons

Friday, April 6 - DE’SEAN JONES with The Black Experience, The Real Laww & Toon

Saturday, April 7 - Cannibal Corpse with Exhumed, Abysmal Dawn, Arkaik

Saturday, April 7 - APACHE DROPOUT with Last Year’s Men, Flesh Wounds

Sunday, April 8 - PATHOLOGY, ROSE FUNERAL, PRIAPUS, ENGULFED IN AFTERBIRTH, SURGICAL

We have been doing giveaways on our Twitter and Facebook so be sure to keep up with those pages for more goodies!

One of my favorite events of last fall was Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival, located in Pittsboro, N.C. Camping out with your friends, seeing incredible live music, and living off campfire food and veggie things for the weekend is a cure for anything that’s been getting you down. And it’s back again for its 10th spring installment, April 19-22.

This spring’s lineup is exciting: Leftover Salmon, Donna the Buffalo, Blitz the Ambassador, The Red Clay Ramblers, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet, Rubblebucket, Suénalo, Preston Frank, The Sim Redmond Band, Elephant Revival, David Wax Museum, Driftwood, and Lydia Loveless…

Local acts like Diali Cissokho & Kairaba, Holy Ghost Tent Revival, Bombadil, The Beast, Mandolin Orange, Dark Water Rising, Justin Robinson & The Mary Annettes, Greg Humphreys & The Hobex All Stars, Lizzy Ross Band, Music Maker Revue, Midtown Dickens, Rey Norteño, Big Fat Gap, Randy Dean Whitt, New Town Drunks, Sarah Shook & The Devil, Shirlette & The Dynamite Brothers, Apple Chill Cloggers, Onyx Club Boys, Deep Chatham, Curtis Eller, Jeanne Jolly, The Ayr Mountaineers, and Justin Johnson…

And other bands, such as Revelation Mizik, Equanimous Minds, Richie Stearns & Rosie Newton, Jim Avett, Raffa & Rainer, Dirty Bourbon River Show, Harper & Midwest Kind, Old Man Luedecke, The South Carolina Broadcasters, Dutch Bucket System, Galactic Cowboy Orchestra, Farmer Jason, Mad Tea, Bareknuckle Betties, Roxanna & The Rusty Bucket Band, Elkland Art Center Puppets, Town Hall, Kin Ship, and more.

WKNC will be helping you and your friends go this year, with day-passes to giveaway on the Local Lunch, Americana,  Blues & Company, The Church of Bluegrass and the Truer Sounds, Both Kinds Radio and our Facebook page. If you impress the DJ, you may even get the newest Bombadil CD All the Rain Promises as part of your prize! Make sure to tune in and have your phones ready so when the DJ asks for it, you’ll be all set to win!

With the success of the previous 8 Double Barrel Benefits, WKNC is broadening its emphasis on all things local. This year, DBB will include a day party and market Saturday, February 4 from NOON to 5 p.m. at Tir na nOg Irish Pub, just two doors down from The Pour House. The event is free and all ages!

Raffles will be held for WKNC merch, concert tickets, and VIP passes to Hopscotch 2012! There is also a fantastic list of Triangle charities, artists, and businesses important to WKNC.  Check out the following artists

A few mid-January concert tickets are up for grabs this week. Listen in to WKNC to win!

Friday, Jan. 20: Raleigh’s Finest Dance Party feat. Fuck the Biters at Kings Barcade

Friday, Jan. 20: Brand New Life with The Black Experience at Pinhook

Sunday, Jan. 22: Anthony Green with The Dear Hunter at Cat’s Cradle

Double Barrel Benefit 9 will be Feb. 3 and 4 at the Pour House Music Hall in downtown Raleigh.
Each night will feature four great local bands. Who, you ask? Tune in to the Local Lunch Friday, Jan. 13, to find out!

Tickets are available online and will soon be available at Schoolkids Records and Bull City Records.

To follow all things Double Barrel, use the hashtag #DBB9 and check out the facebook event.

Stay tuned for a comprehensive look at the ninth annual DBB, coming next week!

And of course, set your radio to 88.1 or listen online at noon Jan. 13!

by Julie Alvarez

WKNC 88.1 FM, the student-run radio station at North Carolina State University, offers volunteer on- and off-air positions to full-time N.C. State students with a 2.0 minimum grade point average. To qualify for an on-air position, you must first complete a six-week DJ training program and pass a written operator’s exam and demonstrative audio board test.

Anyone interested in becoming a WKNC DJ must attend one of our two interest meetings. They will be Tuesday, Jan. 10 and Wednesday, Jan. 11 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. The location will be 201 Witherspoon. You only need to attend one of the two interest meetings. During the interest meeting, we will provide an overview of WKNC and its role on campus and in the community. You will also receive an application, which must be completed and returned to the WKNC studios at 343 Witherspoon Student Center by 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 13. Individuals interested in electronic, hip-hop, heavy metal and public affairs are particularly encouraged to attend the interest meeting and apply for a spot in the WKNC training program.

After reviewing all applications, our general manager will contact you via email to notify you if you have been accepted into the WKNC training program. Decisions will be made by the general manager and program director, in consultation with the student board of directors.

The DJ training class will be held Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Jan. 17, Jan. 24, Feb. 7, Feb. 14, Feb. 21 and Feb. 28, 2012. The location will be 201 Witherspoon. If you cannot attend five of the six sessions or need to come late/leave early, please do not apply for the training program.

Six WKNC DJs put the books down for a few hours Tuesday afternoon to hit the courts in this year’s Exam Jam Dodgeball Tournament, held at Carmichael Gym on NC State University’s campus. Sarahnade, Mollypop, The Chanellor, AudioRush, Muta, and DJ Megashark prepped by dancing to Zumba, playing video games with ROTC, getting massages from Campus Rec‘s specialists, and practicing bravery in the wrecking-ball bounce house.

WKNC was the second team to play, matched against a fast-pitching team of NCSU students. The heart-wrenching match went on for a significant amount of time — both teams dodged, dipped, ducked, dove and dodged with grace. This included WKNC DJs jumping over balls as they sped towards them and retrieving the opponent’s missed throws in the blink of an eye. The last two standing were AudioRush and Megashark, being cheered on by the rest of the team. Unfortunately, despite their valiant efforts, they too were taken down after a few minutes.

Double Barrel Benefit, WKNC’s two-night benefit concert, is just around the corner. In order spice things up, we are taking after POSTERscotch and holding a poster design contest!

Artists can submit their work by Dec. 31 to be publicly voted on. The top five submissions will be printed and sold at the event. The winning artists will receive a pair of tickets to DBB9, a DBB9 t-shirt, a copy of their work, and their work will be featured on the WKNC homepage for two weeks.

Rules:

• No fee to enter
• Must contain the WKNC Logo
• 300 dpi, CMYK in high-res pdf or jpeg format
• Suggested Dimensions: 11×14 or 11×17
• Must be original work, and no more than two entries per person
• Submit your work to gm(at)wknc.org by Dec. 31 at midnight with the subject line “DBB9 Poster Competition”
• Designs will be voted on publicly at www.wknc.org/dbb9 from Jan. 5-13

Support N.C. State and come to Homecoming events continuing through the weekend!

On Friday, Nov. 18, Wear Red, Get Fed will be providing food once again in the Brickyard starting at 11 a.m. A blood drive will also be held all day in the Bragaw Activity Room and Carmichael Playzone.

That night will be the Homecoming Parade on Hillsborough Street starting at 6 p.m. And guess what? The parade will be emceed by your very own KNC DJs! Come join jose jose, Mollypop, Elly May and Jeff as they host the festivities.

Right after the parade at 7 p.m. will be the Homecoming Pep Rally: Packhowl presents The Wayans Brothers emceed by KNC’s DJ Carizmatic.

So come on out to the celebration and cheer on your Wolfpack as we try to Tame the Tigers!