Gonna be in town over the winter break? Entertaning guests? Wondering what to fill all that free time with?
Go with live music, of course!
Below are my recommendations for shows between December 17 to January 11 (N.C. State’s Winter Break)
December 17:
Who: Sea Legs & Old Bricks
Where: WKNC’s Local Beer Local Band atTir Na Nog Irish Pub in Raleigh
I must say it, these are actually two of my favorite local bands. Both bands are new to the scene but I predict they will have quite a name for themselves by this time next year. Catch um while their new so you can be the cool guy who knew them when they were the little people.
December 18:
Who: Fin Fang Foom, Free Electric State, Gray Young
Where: Pinhook in Durham
If you haven’t yet been to the Pinhook, this is your excuse. Not only is it one of my favorite places to drink, they have a killer patio, these local bands are all worth seeing.
December 19:
Who: Holiday Honky Tonk and Burlesque Show
Where: Local 506 in Chapel Hill
Say whhhat? I get to see The Whiskey Smugglers, The Pneurotics and Gambling the Muse all while Miss Mary Wanna puts on a burlesque performance…. I’m sold.
December 20:
Where: Nightlight in Chapel Hill
What: Nightlight Holiday Craft Fair from 2 to 6 p.m.
Okay, so it’s not music. Think of it this way though, its local art and any local art that is presented to me will get a moment of my time. Stop by, especially if you haven’t checked everyone off your shopping list yet.
December 21 to 24:
It’s my birthday week so I would love to celebrate with some tunes! Unfortunately, the world seems to shut down around these dates, I’m not sure why. If YOU want to serenade me happy birthday feel free to find me at one of these shows!
The Cave in Chapel Hill is holding an all day open swap December 22 and 23. You can buy and trade your doodads. Sounds like fun!
December 25:
Where: The Pour House in Raleigh
You can celebrate Christmas day along with Terry Anderson, who will be celebrating his birthday as well. He brings his band, The Olympic Ass Kicking Team to the Pour House. You know there isn’t much to do after the family is done opening gifts and eating food so bring them to sing along!
December 26:
What: The Merch Holiday Party
Where: Local 506 in Chapel Hill
The Merch is a local screen printing and design business whose logos are plastered all over the triangle. They are huge supporters of local music and we love that! Not sure what the night entails but it should be something great! The party starts at 10pm
December 31st:
Downtown Raleigh
First Night Raleigh
Ring in the new year right! Surround yourself with the amazingness this town has to offer. First Night is offering performances by The African American Dance Ensemble, Crucial Fiya and the Annuals (plus a million other amazing things to see and do). While your downtown don’t forget to stop by Slims to see A Rooster for the Masses.
OR
New Years Eve Party at Local 506 in Chapel Hill
Violet Vector and the Lovely Lovelies, The Love Language and the Dirty Little Heaters share the stage to help you ring in the new year!
January 1:
HAPPY NEW YEAR! there isn’t much going on this week so make sure to rest up for next week because it is jam-packed with shows to witness!
January 6
Where: The Pour House Music Hall in Raleigh
Who: The Ex-Monkeys are spinnin in downtown Raleigh this night. Great to see if you’re in the mood for a different kind of electronic music to dance too.
January 7
Where: Tir Na Nog Irish Pub in Raleigh
IT BEGINS! RALEIGH UNDERCOVER STARTS TONIGHT!!
This a weekend all local music lovers should look forward too! Your favorite bands will cover the bands that have inspired them. Last years performances included Valient Thorr covering Parliament Funkadelic, Hearts and Daggers covering The Beastie Boys and Embarrassing Fruits as Pavement. Make sure to be there for at least one night this weekend!
January 8:
Where: The Pour House Music Hall in Raleigh
Who: Your favorite local artists Lonnie Walker, Megafaun and The Rosebuds are all joining together to put on one amazing show. The night will be a prom theme and fun for everyone! If you can’t make it out on the 8th, no worries, Megafaun and The Rosebuds will be performing again, same place same time, only this time the amazing Hammer No More the Fingers will be joining them.
January 9:
Where: The Nightlight in Chapel Hill
Who: Midtown Dickens takes the stage with Joe Romeo and the Orange County Volunteers. Midtown Dickens is a group that consistently keeps a smile on my face. They are a joy to watch and with this year’s release of Lanterns, you wont be let down.
Also right down the street North Elementary will be playing at The Local 506. A classic local group that is worth the short walk!
That is it for now!
The new year seems to be starting out well here in the Triangle!