WKNC 88.1 FM - North Carolina State University Student RadioPreviews, reviews and coverage from music festivals like Hopscotch and Moogfest
Here’s a few quick pictures of where the venues are and their walking distances from City Plaza.
If you’re biking, make sure to have a front and back light for night – cops will stop you and make you ride on the sidewalk if you don’t have them, which is more dangerous for everyone.
If you’re too drunk to bike and don’t want to walk, or your feet hurt, etc., take advantage of the rickshaws.
Edited from hopscotchmusicfest.com
Distances and walking time from City Plaza
Happy Hopscotch Week! It’s finally (almost) here, and KNC DJs have compiled some advice to make the most of your weekend.
John says:
1. Don’t let it ruin your weekend if for whatever reason, a venue is too packed. Just go to a different one and have fun.
2. Don’t be a douche to door guys. Or anyone in general.
3. See at least one act you don’t know well during the fest.
Don’t Miss: Laurel Halo, Thee Oh Sees, Amen Dunes, Jane Jane Pollock
DJ Ones says:
1. Modestly sized dinners before shows is the best option. That way you reduce your chances of your stomach getting upset during the show, and that’s no fun.
2. Sometimes sticking to one location isn’t such a bad idea. There are more than enough venues where you could stay there all night and have an amazing time.
3. Sitting space is good space. Standing up and running around that much can take its toll, so find decent places to sit down when you can.
Don’t Miss: Wye Oak
Mollypop says:
1. Make friends with a rickshaw biker. They will look out for you!
2. Don’t be afraid to go to a show alone. If it’s something you want to see- go!
3. And tip your bartenders!
Don’t Miss: yo la tengo and the weather station (James from bombadil is playing drums for them)
Sarahnade says:
1. Practice dancing with a beer in your hand beforehand so you don’t spill on your neighbors at a show.
2. Jimmy John’s doesn’t deliver to the front row (yet) so bring snacks if you’ll be up there for hours.
3. Stay hydrated to avoid hangovers – you don’t want to miss the day parties.
Don’t Miss: Shovels and Rope, Dan Deacon, Spider Bags
Kate the LBLB Lady says:
1. DO NOT wear open-toed shoes, unless you enjoy having your toes crushed.
2. Don’t let judgmental looks from "too-cool" hipsters or stiff old white people stop you from dancing your pants off. You’ll be having way more fun than them.
3. If youre not familiar with the venue locations, study your map beforehand so you know where you’re going!
Must-sees: Wye Oak, and the day party @ CAM on Friday
C’est La Bri says:
1. Never spend more than a half hour at any show- unless it’s something you really love. There are too many good acts to get in on, even if you can only see them for a hot minute.
2. Track out the distances between/where are the venues when figuring out your schedule! This is CRUCIAL in not missing a minute of musical glory.
3. If you’re a late riser (like everyone in the world), be sure to set ten thousand alarms for the day parties. There are too many to miss simply by sleeping in.
Must-sees: Zola Jesus
May Day says:
1. Map out where you want to go as well as pit stops (bars) along the way. Also have cash for the Raleigh Rickshaw. Your legs will thank you when you have to get from Tir Na Nog to Lincoln Theatre
2. Along the same lines, don’t be afraid to feel shows out. When Best Coast (whom I loved) sold out for Hopscotch, I went to see Javelin instead (whom I had never listened to). I think I made the better decision.
3. DAY PARTIES. I believe the best thing in life is free, but even the staunchest libertarian will agree: skip work and your philosophy class to go see some performances.
4. Bonus, So what if The Flaming Lips just got out and Future Islands and Toro Y Moi are playing halfway across downtown? Don’t leave your friends behind for shows. Concert karma is a vengeful B.
Don’t Miss: Class Actress and Flosstradamus
Adam says:
1. If there is a band you must see, get there during the set of the band before them. Otherwise you might be disappointed standing in line.
2. If there is a line to a show, skip it and go to the next venue. All the bands are great and you might discover some new bands you had no intention on seeing.
3. TRY to discover new bands. Make a list of five bands you have to see and wing the rest. You’ll have better memories and the surprise of discovering a new group is totally worth it.
Don’t miss: Hiss Golden Messenger
Anastassia says:
1. Avoid the insane traffic, hop on a bicycle and bike around downtown. Another benefit of biking is beating the long lines in front of venues !
2. Go see new bands ! Last year I was bummed that a lot of my favorite bands were playing 21+ venues but I went to alternate shows and discovered new favorite bands.
3. See as much as you can. Go to the day parties, go to the after parties (they exist I’m sure…), see as many artists as possible. You don’t wanna miss anything because Hopscotch is the best event of the year.
Don’t Miss: Thee Oh Sees at CAM. gonna be amazing.
Lovely Lucia says:
1. Take tons of pictures!
2. Use your map wisely by circling all your 1st 2nd and 3rd choices in case of full venues so you know where to go next! Go see something unexpected!
3. Take advantage of the free public transportation: the R-Line!
Shorty Shorts says:
1. Don’t be afraid to get comfortable at one venue. I know you want to go to 5 different shows at 5 different places, but pick the best spot, grab a beer, and hang out.
2. If you ARE running… and you get to the venue and the line is around the corner, don’t be afraid to look for alternative doors. Efficiency rate, minimal. But it can super payoff.
3. Value your rest – sit down outside, at a bar….downtown.
Don’t miss: Lollipops and The Love Language day party
DJ Smitty says:
1. HAVE A PLAN. There’s no way you can make every show. Prioritize. Be ahead of the game and make sure you don’t end up stuck in the back of the line/venue.
2. Buy some local beer and support some local economy. Don’t just drink the cheap stuff.
3. Bathe. There will be plenty of smelly, sweaty people. You may just end up packed into a venue right next to one. Don’t let that person be you.
Don’t Miss: J Kutchma and the 5 Fifths
Big Fat Sac says:
1. Eat breakfast. I cannot stress this enough. Even if you overdid it the night before, have a granola bar, smoothie, a bowl of Boo Berry, whatever you can get down. Gotta fuel that dancing machine!
2. Stressing over conflicting shows you want to see? I usually go see the out-of-towners, and make a note to catch the local guys next time they play out. This way you are compelled to go out and see MORE music after Hopscotch is over.
3. Be even more polite, courteous and welcoming, than you usually are. This festival is attracting attendees from far-away places, and you will shape their impressions of Raleigh and how dope it is.
Kligz says:
1. Plan on not sleeping much, so pack the 5 hour energy drinks and Red Bull (preferably mixed with vodka). Between day parties and club shows going late, you won’t want to miss a second!
2. See a band you’ve never heard of. It’s usually mind blowing. For example, during Hopscotch 2010 I saw this lady called Sharon Van Etten. Now she is one of my top girl crushes and favorite musicians.
3. See local bands! There are so many to choose from and they all rule. Also, branch out and see bands in different genres. Balance your hard girl rock (Screaming Females) with some rap (Killer Mike) and some hazy dream-pop (Boy Friend).
Don’t Miss: Zola Jesus
DJ Bex says:
1. Make sure you’re around when the promo guys and gals are handing out free loot– apparently there’s lots of it.
2. Bring cash for small buys– t shirts, lighters, rickshaw rides.
3. Wear pants or shorts with pockets so you can stash all the loot.
Don’t Miss: Delicate Steve
July 11, Hopscotch Music Festival released its entire schedule featuring over 15 venues and 175 bands in downtown Raleigh. In light of the announcement, Adam Kincaid, host of the Local Beat, and Michael Jones sat down to discuss the schedule, band conflicts, festival expectations, and their general excitement at what the festival has to offer this year. To view the entire lineup check out it out here.
This coming Thursday sees the arrival of the annual Thanksgiving holiday here in America. Like everyone else, I’ll be eating turkey among family. I’ll also be thinking about what I was thankful for this year, and perhaps the thing that pops up the most is live music. I’ve seen plenty of it this year, mostly great, and one of the highlights was the second annual MoogFest in Asheville, North Carolina.
Friday, October 28
Atlas Sound
My first stop at this year’s MoogFest was at The Orange Peel to catch Atlas Sound. With Deerhunter, Bradford Cox tends to mix sprawling psych-rock landscapes with gorgeous melodies. His solo project, Atlas Sound, follows a similar sound, but whereas Deerhunter can get very loud and very rocking, Atlas Sound songs tend to be quieter, more fragile affairs, usually absent of electric guitars. Sitting on a stool in the middle of the stage, Cox played and sang delicate melodies that he would then loop over one another. Songs would build from vocals and guitar to a great wall of sound. This was the third time I had seen Atlas Sound, and while I enjoy Cox’s solo performances, I’ve seen what he’s capable of with a band backing him (Atlanta band The Selmanaires backed him at one of those prior shows). While he certainly does a fine job on his own, the songs just sound better when he brings a band along. After catching a few songs, I decided to move along and head over to the Asheville Civic Center.
Tangerine Dream
I must make a confession: prior to MoogFest, I had not listened to one second of Tangerine Dream’s music. So when I first walked into the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium half-way through the band’s set, I was pleased to hear psychedelic, ambient soundscapes coming from the speakers. This went on for a couple songs. Then things just got….. weird. The music quickly devolved into cheesy, Mannheim-Steamroller-like synth-schlock. Guitarist Bernhard Beibl and saxophonist would play solos that sounded straight out of a 1970’s porn flick. While it was interesting to watch leader Edgar Froese experiment with all manner of Moog synthesizers, plus the fact that he looked like some sort of urban witchdoctor with his hat, scarf, glasses, and long white hair, I ultimately walked away disappointed, knowing what the band was capable of.
Moby
TV On The Radio
Brian Eno’s Illustrated Talk
Crystal Castles
Amon Tobin
77 Million Paintings
Active Child
M83
Neon Indian
Passion Pit
Ghostland Observatory
Gold Panda
Extra photos:
Last year was my first Bonnaroo, and I knew as I left the arch still dazed by Explosions in the Sky’s performance that I would return for the 2012 installment. And it didn’t disappoint.
Being a little more well-versed this year in what to bring (water water water water water..and glowsticks) we packed up the car and headed on the 9-hour drive to Tennessee.
DJ Kligz made some killer flower crowns for everyone:
Thursday, Centeroo opened before any bands started, so we explored the not-as-music-related activities:
Once the music got going, we checked out Rubblebucket at the Solar Stage. If you’re a triangle native, you may be familiar with them from Shakori Hills or when they opened for Tin Can Sailor at The Pour House. Funky and dancey, they put on one of the most fun shows all weekend. Word around the farm was Feist went to oneof their performances during the weekend too.
Next, I pretty much stayed at The Other Tent: The Cave Singers, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., White Denim and Phantogram. The crowd was absolutely massive for all of these – we luckily had a spot on the right side up against the fence for most of this though. Sing-a-longs and long jam sessions kept the crowd happy.
Friday was packed with some of my favorite performances of the weekend.
At the Kooks, we ran into DJ Bex in front of Which Stage. They were as fun as you’d expect them to be and covered old songs as well as tunes from their most recent album, “Junk of the Heart (2011).”
I hopped over to That Tent to see Ben Howard – easily one of the best feeling concerts of the weekend. I realize I put Tune-yards on the back burner for this (still caught the last 30 minutes of their set, which included “Gangsta,” “Bizness,” and “My Country”), and I don’t regret it one bit. If you haven’t listened to Ben Howard, you should. The crowd was mesmerized and the band’s instrumentation was beautiful. Ben, I love you.
Two Door Cinema Club, who played at This Tent (these names aren’t confusing at all, right?), had a crowd so large that is was backed up to the Mushroom fountain – where paint-covered patrons cool off and attempt to get faux-showers. We went to see Laura Marling instead, who is as beautiful as you’d expect with effortless and smooth playing. After our ice-filled bandanas melted, we claimed some space at What Stage for The Avett Brothers. Their opening song was “Will You Return” which I couldn’t have been happier about. They play both slow and fast hits throughout their performance, as well as covered two Doc Watson songs. As NC natives, there’s no doubt he was a big influence on them.
As with any music festival, you should always check out the bands a little off the beaten path – hit the smaller stages and tents. Jukebox the Ghost followed The Avett’s performance at the Destination Escape Tent. The band’s energy was contagious. They not only played songs off their June release “Safe Travels,” but also did a super fun cover of “I Will Love You Forever.”
And there was no way I couldn’t reminisce about middle school and stop to dance when Ludacris played classics like “Roll Out,” “Move B*tch,” and “Stand Up.” Apparently there was also a life-size Justin Beiber cardboard cutout floating around the crowd, too. Foster the People had an equally large crowd, backed up to the point you could hardly see, despite the single big screen on the side of the stage. They had a cool set up though, with lights, neat backdrops – oh, and at least a two-story inflatable ghost monster thing that came out during “Pumped Up Kicks.” There was a mad rush to What Stage in preparation for Radiohead’s 10PM performance. They had puppet lights set up, which were moveable LED panels that changed position with each song. This was an iconic performance, and after Thom Yorke dedicated “Supercollider” to Jack White with a cryptic message, we can only wonder what’s next for them.
Saturday Agenda: Charles Bradley and His Extraordinaires, The Temper Trap, Punch Brothers, SBTRKT, Mogwai, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Alice Cooper, Superjam (?estlove with D’Angelo), Skrillex
We waited in line for the pit for The Temper Trap, giving us a front and center view of the show. Not to mention watching Charles Bradley was a great start to the day with his feel-good soulful tunes. Seeing The Temper Trap without colorful lights was a little odd to me, but they still did the water-filled drum solos they’re known for. Drawing a lot of the songs from their self-titled June release, they still hit on most of the favorites from their previous album “Conditions (2009)” (“Drum Song,” “Science of Fear,” “Down River,” “Sweet Disposition”).
Punch Brothers were somehow dressed in suits. While they looked classy, I can’t fathom how they weren’t dying. The heat was as bad as last year by any means and I believe stayed under 90 the whole weekend, but I still think anyone wearing long sleeves was a little insane. Seeing them perform, regardless, made me respect them a lot more. I’m fairly sure Chris Tile (mandolin, vocals) can rock harder and play faster than most speed-metal guitarists.
Switching from bluegrass to electronic, we moved over to SBTRKT, the London-based DJ. Usually I’m not a fan of seeing electronic music live for the musicianship – I expect them to press a few buttons and dance around with a hint of emceeing. This was different. Moving all around the stage with his collaborator Sampha, they really made it something to watch to. There was even a drum set for a song or two.
Their final song came and Kligz and I pushed our way to the front as fast as we could. If you know me, you know I love post rock, and if you love post rock, you love Mogwai. Around since 1997 (“Mogwai Young Team”), they’ve made their heavy mark on the genre. And being from Scotland, they don’t frequent the US very much. Needless to say, I was ecstatic. The only thing that broke my hypnotic trance during their stellar performance was a band of Teletubbies that danced to the front of the crowd, hugged everyone, and left. Hashtag Bonnaroo.
Just when I thought my mind had recovered from their show, Red Hot Chili Peppers started. As a side note, I should say RHCP were one of the bands that my parents and I all enjoyed, so it was one of the go-to’s growing up. I’ve probably listened to “Californication (1999)” more than any other rock album and Flea has been my favorite bassist since I knew what one was. This show is partially why I’m just now regaining my voice.
I promised my mom I’d see Alice Cooper. It was cool, and everything you’d expect at an Alice Cooper show – eyeliner, studded jackets, raised drumset, cocky pacing around stage. He’s still got it.
I don’t have pictures of either of these, but the Superjam and Skrillex finished the night. The Superjam was killer, Roots drummer ?uestlove led the jam, with originals and covers ranging to Zeppelin. This was prematurely interrupted as soon as Skrillex turned on his computer, radiating bass from the What Stage to the Mushroom Fountain in front of This Tent. It was a weird place to be, the intersection of two polar opposite types of music. We gave in and went over. In a raised platform, Skrillex was illuminated by a huge LED screen behind him and it rained glowsticks everytime the beat dropped.
As soon as we got back to our camp, it started raining – very atypical for Bonnaroo. The rain continued until the next day, misting on and off for Sunday.
I found a band I hadn’t heard of on Sunday – Sister Sparrow and The Dirty Birds. Brooklyn-based with nine members, their sound is a blend of rock, ska, blues and soul. We saw Fruit Bats (lovely, as always) and Grouplove (it was too crowded to see them, which took away a lot of the splendor of their performace), and I wish I would have seen The Black Lips. While en route to other concerts, they sounded like a lot of fun. We endured what we could of Mac Miller (sorry if you like him – not my cup of tea at all.. but he had a big backwards neon hat-wearing crowd that was really into it) to get a good spot for Ben Fold Five. This was their second show after reuniting as a whole band. They were all smiling from ear to ear, and Ben snapped some pictures of the crowd. Between songs were some silly stories and comments about their weekend. They played so hard Ben broke a string – on a piano. When does that happen?
The last show I saw of the weekend was The Shins, who followed BFF. Besides being surrounded by hardcore fans, we also spotted some celebs, like McLovin’ and other artists from the weekend. Beach balls flew around, everyone danced, and somehow the webstream made it look like it was sunny outside. Maybe that’s just another effect The Shins have.
All in all, amazing weekend.
See you next time, roo.
I’m sure I’m not alone in saying that last night I was anxiously watching Twitter for teasers and refreshing Hopscotch’s homepage until midnight, when Hopscotch 2012’s lineup was released. I read out loud the 175 bands to my roommates with the occasional (and frequent) yelps of joy. Headliners this year include The Roots, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Built to Spill (one of my personal favorite bands), Yo La Tengo, Liars, Sunn O))), and Zola Jesus. Some others that I’m excited about are Thee Oh Sees, Wye Oak, Deerhoof, The Mountain Goats, Versus, Exitmusix, Ducktails, Samantha Crain, Hubble, Midtown Dickens, Gross Ghost, Heads on Sticks, Jane Jane Pollock, Shark Quest, Airstrip – the list goes on.
They’ve added a few more venues in downtown Raleigh for the third year of the music festival, taking place Sept. 6-8. Festival goers will bounce around Raleigh City Plaza, Berkeley Cafe, Contemporary Art Museum (CAM), Deep South the Bar, Five Star, Fletcher Opera Theater, The Hive, Kings, Lincoln Theatre, The Long View Center, Memorial Auditorium, The Pour House, Slim’s, Tir na nOg, and White Collar Crime. I suggest knowing shortcuts to venues ahead of time, so here’s a map to help.
VIP, weekend, day and city plaza tickets are still available. See you at #hopscotch2012!
Photo recaps of last year’s festival: Day One, Day Two, Day Three
Although the full lineup has yet to be revealed, the fine folks at Hopscotch Music Festival have announced two artists that will play in September. Danny Brown, coming off of the successful release of his 2011 album XXX was announced to play the festival March 29.
Two days earlier Sunn O))) were put on the bill. This will mark the first show for the doom metal rockers in North America since 2010. They will play Saturday, Sept. 8, in the Memorial Auditorium, showing how one of the festival’s latest venues will be put to work.
The full lineup will be announced April 18.
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!
On Oct. 28, Moogfest 2011 will officially begin in beautiful Asheville, N.C. The festival, now in its second year, brings together artists from across the electronic and experimental music spectrum to celebrate the legacy of synth pioneer and music technology visionary Bob Moog. From musical legends such as Suicide, Tangerine Dream, and Terry Riley to up-and-comers CANT, Oneohtrix Point Never, and araabMUZIK to Amon Tobin’s elaborate and visually stunning ISAM show, the three-day festival truly provides something for every ear. In the days leading up to, during, and after the festival check back regularly to the WKNC Blog for various Road To Moog features, including interviews with artists playing the festival and reviews and photos from the festival.
“Shakori Hills Community Arts Center’s mission is to provide an environment for community building through arts and education.”
The weather could not have been better for a four day weekend of communal music and dance at the Shakori Hills Grassroots festival. A diverse group of people gathered together all with one goal: to climb festival mountain. Festival mountain has many trail heads that all lead to the top. Some may choose to go the dancing route, and find themselves encountering the “whitest dance” around town: clogging. That’s right, ladies and gentleman, a clogging workshop was led by The Green Grass Cloggers on Sunday morning at the festival. Shuffle steps, Indians, and chugs were some of the many individual dances taught. Along with the clogging workshop, a zydeco dance workshop, as well as, a country two-step workshop were put on at the festival.
Another primary trailhead was the wonderful trail of music. From Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings to Bela Fleck and the Flecktones to Locos Por Juana; the festival provided a very eclectic group of music that was sure to soothe even the savage beast. Dancing, singing along, hula hooping, and going into hippie freak-outs were some of the many activities that went on during the outdoor concerts.
After climbing through the mountain for some time, a festival-goer may find themselves a bit famished. You would be in luck, because the festival offered some finger-licking, slap-your-mama meals that were affordable and satiable. One meal to highlight was “The Veggie Thing”. This was a piece of art in itself. A sandwich served on a white flour tortilla filled to the top with a variety of veggies and sauces, that was sure to leave your belly full, and your mind happy. Thirsty? Hand squeezed lemonade and frozen cherry limeade were some of the many drinks served at the festival. The sweet, tart lemonade was shaken not stirred and served in Mason jars. This drink option was sure to quench a festival goers thirst in the warm, afternoon sun.
When people think about festivals, they often think art, music, dance, and culture. What is not often thought about is the function of the festival. Is this an event that is just for pleasure and entertainment, or does it get deeper than that, and provide some sort of escape from reality? While camping in middle earth (the name of our camp site), it occurred to me that the sense of community was very shire-like. Everyone getting along, enjoying ales and sing-alongs, lending a hand whenever a neighbor was in need…we were in hobbit world! I even think I saw Gandalf several times, or maybe that was just a hippie…not sure. Regardless of what your background was, the festival did provide an escape from everyday life—which was nice. If nothing else, the festival gave one a relaxing environment to be a part of something big. It’s not everyday that you get to climb festival mountain…
With the festival closing, a feeling of reality crept back, and we began to descend off festival mountain. Thankfully the mountain will open back up next spring for another four-day escape. Hopefully we can use the philosophy of the Shakori Hills festival in our everyday life. Meaning, I hope we can strive to be hobbit-like, regularly. Let’s build communities through arts and education, y’all!
Peace, Love and Swirl!
– Andrew, “The Cosmic Cowboy”