WKNC 88.1 FM will hold its eleventh annual Double Barrel Benefit concert Friday, Feb. 7 at Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro and Friday, Feb. 14 at Lincoln Theatre in Raleigh. Cat’s Cradle will host The Love Language to kick off the festival with Hammer No More the Fingers, T0W3RS, and GHOSTT BLLONDE supporting. Lincoln Theatre will feature Mount Moriah for the final night along with special guests to be announced, Loamlands, and Daniel Bachman.
“The goal is to bring the established bands we’ve always loved to work with and promote the best new bands that we really believe in,” Bri Aab, general manager, said. “As a station, we want to help cultivate a community in which musicians can thrive. The Triangle has a deep local music history, and we hope to strengthen that relationship of music and the area.”
Because of the interconnected nature of the Triangle, WKNC is holding the first night of the festival at Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro, a Double Barrel first, and keeping the second night at Lincoln Theatre in Raleigh. The station’s signal is also 25,000 watts, which puts the entire Triangle in its coverage pattern.
“WKNC has grown a lot over the past 10 years of Double Barrel, and this year we are changing it up to illustrate that,” Michael D’Argenio, program director, said. “I’m excited to be bringing this event to larger venues across the Triangle to expose more people to the great local music we have to offer.”
The idea for Double Barrel Benefit, a two-night event to raise money for station operations, came from former general manager Jamie Proctor in 2003. It has become a staple in the music community of North Carolina, and has dually served to promote great local musicians while also benefiting WKNC.
“It’s crazy to have both The Love Language and Mount Moriah this year,” Walt Lilly, station production manager and co-creator of “The Lounge” video series, said. “These are two incredible acts that have a national presence while staying rooted in the Triangle, and we are glad to have their homecoming at Double Barrel.”
“Not only is DBB a great platform to see already established artists in a unique way, it also pairs these acts with our favorite up and coming performers in the area.” John Kovalchik, operations manager, said. “We are very excited about the possibilities that this year’s event has in store.”
Tickets are on sale now at http://wknc.org/dbb11. Prices are $12 in advance and $14 at the door for each night and all proceeds benefit WKNC. Two-night passes are available for $22. The event is 18+. Doors for each show open at 8 p.m. with music at 9 p.m.