This week at Tir Na nOg we have two darling bands to delight us. WKNC is proud to present The Revolutionary Sweethearts of Raleigh and Crystal Bright & the Silver Hand of Greensboro. The show is FREE, 21 and up, and starts at 10 p.m.

The Revolutionary Sweethearts

I’ve seen this band twice… once on Thanksgiving with Felix the Drum Machine and again with The Loners. I must say I fell in love with these two the first time I heard them. The band “draws inspiration from indie-rock projects like Fugazi to singer-songwriters such as Neko Case. Filled with catchy melodies and curious harmonies, the music is simple yet dynamic… The Revolutionary Sweethearts continue to write and play music, and eagerly look forward to recording their first album in the upcoming year.” (quote found on their Myspace page)

I will have the Revolutionary Sweethearts at the station on Thursday at 7 p.m. so be sure to tune in!  They promise some live music!

Crystal Bright & the Silver Hands

“Crystal Bright & the Silver Hands have a maddeningly eclectic sound. This band is truly difficult to put a label on. Depending on the song being played, one could describe them using a variety of descriptions ranging from circus nightmare theme to Spanish traditional song to experimental noise. The band is composed of Crystal Bright playing accordion, keyboard, saw, and whatever other little toy she decides to pick up (There’s one instrument that looks like a big hamburger that she hits with mallets.), Pete Lewis on the drums, Charles Kurtz on upright bass, and Diego Diaz on guitar, toothbrush, and electric lapsteel. Definitely a hell of a wall of sound. Crystal Bright is an amazing multi-instrumentalist Badass with the voice of a damn banshee.” -Taylor Bays (before his badass joined the band)

If you attempted to nap before going to Kings on Turkey Day then you most likely didn’t wake up. And you missed a great show. That’s okay. There is always next year.

Here is a recap!

The Revolutionary Sweethearts opened up the night. I was in love at first listen with this band for sure. After their set I immediately headed backstage to meet Brandy. I hope to see them at a Local Beer Local Band next year!

DJ Gonzo played before/inbetween/after sets. I remember he spun my favorite Veelee song, “Amber.” What a lovely listen that was!

As Brian Shaw pointed out, there were a lot of people there that he didn’t know or recognize. A good thing, indeed. Felix the Drum Machine’s annual Thanksgiving shows are evidently gaining a fan base.

Everyone was in costume: Brian C. in the space suit, Zack O. as some animal/superman combo, William C. in a black trench coat, and Brian S. as a Mr. America (or something like that) outfit. They were all super cute!

At the end of the night, I picked up my own cassette tape that Felix the Drum Machine was selling. The artwork completely original and unique. Best investment I’ve made in a while. See you next year!

Unfortunately, this Turkey Day there will be no Local Beer Local Band at Tir Na nOg. However, there is a local band playing down the street at King’s Barcade. Felix the Drum Machine! You will get sick of your family by at least 8 p.m. so head on down to Kings with your tummy full. Show will start at or around 9:30 p.m. All ages. Six bucks gets you through the door.

If you were hanging around Kings in 2001, you probably didn’t see Felix the Drum Machine the one and only time they played the legendary venue. Now’s your chance.

Featuring members of Future Islands, Lonnie Walker, Annuals, and Cellar Seas, Felix the Drum Machine is proud to bring its second annual Thanksgiving night show back to Kings Barcade, this year featuring the first all-new Felix song since 2002 and a special surprise set to open the evening.

In-between sets there will be music by DJ Gonzo, who in his college days as DJ Che was the first (and only?) person to play Felix on WKNC.

The band hopes to have some old Felix recordings for sale so you can see how they’ve matured since high school.  (Hey Felix, let WKNC get a copy so we can spin it!)

PLUS!  Tune in Thursday at 7 p.m. for a live interview with Felix the Drum Machine.

Be sure to tune into 88.1 WKNC for your chance to win tickets to these awesome shows happening the week of November 22:

Tuesday, November 24:

Capelton w/ Anthony B, Cocoa T, and Steve Martinez & The Give Thanks Band @ Lincoln Theatre

Capelton

Thursday, November 26:

NAPS w/ Felix the Drum Machine @ Slim’s

NAPS

Saturday, November 28:

Pico vs. Island Trees w/ Michael Alvarado @ Lincoln Theatre

Pico vs. Island Trees photo by Evan Perigo

Thad Cockrell w/ Civil Wars @ The Pour House

Thack Cockrell photo by Reid Rolls

For a complete list of local shows in your area, check out The Rock Report!