Category: Festival Coverage

Previews, reviews and coverage from music festivals like Hopscotch and Moogfest

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Festival Coverage

Best Places to Keep the Night Going at Hopscotch

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It’s official, Hopscotch is upon us, and 2016’s lineup is so lit that you’ll be talking about it until next festival season. However, most of the venues wrap up at around 12:30am, which leaves you with about an hour-and-a-half of prime party time in the Oak City. There are plenty of places to keep the party poppin’, but check out these spots to make sure that you really end the night right.

Level Up Kitchen & Barcadium

126 S. Salisbury St.

Prices: $$$

Yes, there is another bigger barcade in Raleigh at Boxcar, but everyone from the age of 21 to 35 knows about it and goes to it. Therefore it’s always packed, and sometimes isn’t even fun. Enter, Level Up Kitchen & Barcadium which is right off Fayetteville Street, in prime bar hopping territory. They’ve got all the classic standup arcade games from your childhood, and seldom do you have to do battle with drunken frat boys to play. On top of that, they have a bangin’ menu and a great selection of craft beers. Boxcar has a crappy food cart outside, with chicken shwarma that tastes like dysentery, not what you need after a night of raging to dope music. Need a lil break from games? Downstairs from Level Up is a taco bar by the same owners, that serves up fresh and delicious creations folded into tortillas, and one of the best damned margaritas in the Triangle.

Fox’s Liquor Bar

237 S. Wilmington St.

Prices: $$$$

This place is all class, and is the perfect spot to just unwind at the end of the night. If you’ve had enough of the screaming crowds of Hopscotch, and want to duck into a spot for a nice quiet drink, Fox’s is your unparalleled destination. This is one of Ashley Christensen’s creations, so you know the drink list is on point. They specialize in craft cocktails made by real and competent bartenders. Your wait time for a drink will be a little longer than your average meat market bar, but what you get at the end of the wait is a real treat. If you’re a Long Island Ice Tea enthusiast, you won’t get this place, so don’t bother; but if you can appreciate a perfect Woodford Manhattan with burnt orange, stirred and served up, this is where you need to be.

Ruby Deluxe

414 Fayetteville St.

Prices: $$

Ruby Deluxe is great if you’re looking for a cool dive bar. There’s a rumor that it’s a gay bar (which it’s not), so it keeps the obnoxious frat boys at their end of Fayetteville St. at Capital City Tavern. If Hopscotch got you feeling like you need to dance the rest of the night away, hit up this spot. The DJs who work here are prime, and are some of Raleigh’s most respected, including DJ Luxe Posh, WKNC alum DJ Sami Automatic, and Kooley High’s DJ Ill Digitz. Drinks are inexpensive as well. Cheap drinks? Good music? Nuff said.

****Bonus Brunch Spot****

Beasley’s Chicken & Honey

237 S. Wilmignton St.

Prices: $$$

More like Chicken & Money. Bruh…. This place kills. That girl Ashley Christensen goes in on this place! They serve brunch on Saturday and Sunday, and if Hopscotch mornings have you feeling like a mere mortal in the face of alcohol’s side effects, Beasley’s will get you back to flexing like Yeezus on some “I Am a God,” sh**! It should be mandatory to order their chicken & waffles, and their pimento mac & cheese seriously makes you want to smack someone it’s so good. Wash it down with an old school glass bottle RC Cola or Nehi orange soda, or even a mimosa, and get back out there to tackle Hopscotch.

–DJ Iron Mic

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Festival Coverage

Gender Neutral Restrooms at Hopsctoch

Thankfully, despite NC’s HB2, many Raleigh businesses and buildings are offering gender neutral restrooms. This is especially useful to know where to find these throughout downtown during Hopscotch. Everyone should be comfortable at Hopscotch!!!

The Raleigh Convention Center has four gender neutral restrooms. This is where Wristband City is located, as well as Flatstock and Recordscotch

Several venues will be offering gender neutral restrooms, and this list is not all inclusive but include:

Red Hat Amphitheater

Deep South

Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts (Fletcher Opera Theater)

*Pour House Music Hall stated they do not have designated gender neutral restrooms, however patrons are welcome to use whichever restroom they feel comfortable using. 

Several restaurants and bars in downtown also offer gender neutral restrooms, however to use them you of course have to be eating there. They are:

Beasley’s Chicken + Honey

Bridge Club

Chuck’s

Death & Taxes

Fox Liquor Bar

Joule

Pool’s

*This isn’t by all means a full list, just the businesses that were willing to answer their phones or emails. I will try to post an updated article after Hopscotch Night 1 with other venues I’ll visit.

-Double Duchess

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Festival Coverage

HOPSCOTCH 2016: DJ Schedules + More

Hopscotch Music Festival starts tomorrow, September 8 and will continue through until September 10. Some of our DJs took the initiative and designed their (ideal or realistic) schedule of performers they want to see. With so many artists packed into three days, we figured a sample of our schedules would come in handy with building your own!

PLUS, local Ross Grady put together this neat Google Calendar of every Hopscotch performance to help you sort out your schedule in a perhaps more efficient way. Check it out here!

Whatsherface
“Blue are my second choices–so many conflicts!”

DJ sPaRr0vV

Double Duchess

DJ Iron Mic

The Fuzz

angel by shaggy
“My scanner/printer sucks! but please see Inga Copeland at Neptune’s!”

Cruise One

Case Sensitive

wolfware
“Sorry it’s so badly done.” (It’s okay, wolfware)

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Festival Coverage

The Hopscotch Variety Post

Y’all, it’s almost here and I haven’t even highlighted my schedule yet! I’m not really sure what I’m doing with my life, but it’s definitely not in the right place if I haven’t highlighted my schedule. Well on the bright side, I know the main artists I’m most excited for, Vince Staples and Young Thug, who both conveniently just released excellent pieces of music. Vince Staples with his EP Prima Donna, which also came with a nice accompanying video and then Young Thug released an album or mixtape (not really sure) entitled JEFFREY. This album may or may not feature the artwork of the year with Young Thug dressed in a very beautiful ensemble, take a peek below. 

Both of these artists are sure to bring an immense amount of energy to their respective stage, with Vince Staples taking the City Plaza stage 7 PM Saturday, before local favorite’s Sylvan Esso, sure to make a double feature of a great time. Then Young Thug will bring his eccentric personality and outlandish, but delectably catchy music to Raleigh Memorial Auditorium Friday night at 10:30. Both of these artists play Raleigh very rarely and are a definite must see as when else will you be able to say you saw Young Thug at a venue typically reserved for plays or Vince Staples light up Fayetteville Street. 

Possible Things to Look Out for at Hopscotch

Music festivals are often times of great joy, and even surprise appearances and announcements, such as Chance the Rapper appearing everywhere at Bonnaroo or Travis Scott announcing the release of his new merch collection featuring toilet paper, socks, and much more the other day at Made in America. While these are some of the hugest festivals in the world, Hopscotch has not gone without its fair share of press. Just look a few years back at that one infamous performance from a folk musician. 

Hopefully this year brings us some amazing moments from the many artists playing. If I was a betting man, which I’m not, I would definitely put my money on a surprise appearance from Andre 3000. He is a short trip up from Atlanta and has quite a few connections to the artists playing, mainly Erykah Badu and Vince Staples.Andre 3000 is featured on Erykah Badu’s recent song “Hello” and the two also have a child together. In addition to this, Andre 3000′s verse from OutKast song “ATLiens” is sampled on Vince Staple’s standout track “War Ready” from his recent EP, Prima Donna. While this is unlikely, it could be possible that Andre 3000 makes an appearance with someone who looks up to him, Vince Staples, or with his friend Erykah Badu. I’ll be crossing my fingers we get to hear Andre 3000′s out of this world flow at least once! 

Taking the City Plaza Stage Friday night, Anderson Paak and the Free Nationals will bring us their smooth R&B/hip-hop crossover before Beach House takes the stage. Rumor has it, Domo Genesis is a member of the Free Nationals, so look forward to a collab performance for their excellent song “Dapper” off of Domo Genesis’ recent album Genesis. There’s also a slight chance the singer/rapper, Paak, could renew his slight beef with fellow XXL Class of 2016 Freshmen Lil Yachty. The two recently exchanged a few words via Twitter over Lil Yachty’s comments in regards to not listening to Biggie or 2Pac. While I’m not a big fan of hip-hop beef, it would be pretty crazy if Anderson Paak released a diss track to the world on Hopscotch’s stage. 

Whatever may happen this Hopscotch weekend, we’ll be there to cover it and report first before Pitchfork gets the scoop! So happy Hopscotchin’ everyone and see some great bands! 

-wolfware 

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Festival Coverage

We’re having a day party!

Join WKNC and our friends at @wxyc, Wolftrax Music Group and Team Clermont for a Hopscotch Music Festival Day Party!

Come out to Legends this Friday during Hopscotch weekend to see a variety of amazing local artists! Doors open at noon, with music starting around 12:30 p.m.

Set times are approximate and are subject to change:

12:30 p.m. – XTALS
1:10 p.m. – Pie Face Girls
1:40 p.m. – no smoking
2:40 p.m. – P.A.T. Junior w/ Oak City Slums

AGES 16+ // FREE ADMISSION // BAR OPEN TO THOSE 21+

RSVP to our Facebook event page!

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Festival Coverage

When you want to Hopscotch efficiently

  1. First order of business: pick up your goddamn wristband from Wristband City.

  2. Have some semblance of a plan! Figure out where the venues are in relation to each other and which bands, old and new, you want to catch. Luckily for you, there’s Hopscotch app where you can select the artists you’re dying to see, and the calendar feature organizes your selections in order by date and time. Additionally, you can read artist bios and listen to a few of their tracks, and – SCORE – you can sync it to your Google Calendar! Personally, I’m a fan of printing the schedule and circling my “must see” artists in red ink. Your less efficient third option is just wingin’ it.

  3. Don’t waste your own time!  Whether it’s the music or the crowd or the venue that you’re not vibing with, remember that you can leave. Don’t expect the next song to be better. If you don’t like a set after two songs, do yourself a favor and dip. Test your luck at the next closest venue, because the weekend is too short and there are too many artists for you to not enjoy yourself every minute.

  4. Wear comfortable shoes! Minimize the time you spend walking (briskly) between venues and maximize your Hopscotch utility by wearing sneakers. Imagine this: It’s Friday, September 9th. You’re old-school moshing to “American Girls and French Kisses” at the CAM. It’s 10:50 PM, and Young Thug is taking the stage at Memorial Auditorium at 11. Unless you have a time-turner you are not going to be able to see both sets in their entirety. I’m not telling you how to live your life – but if you bust out a light jog down S Martin Street you’ll miss less of Beach Slang and see more of Young Thug, so consider the opportunity costs. Are you making this trek in flip flops? No, you’re wearing close-toed kicks like a responsible adult. If looking cute is a priority… good luck with that, I guess. And yes, this is your mother speaking.

  1. Catch some Pokemon. Obligatory. DON’T run into people on the street, ignore your friends, or strain your neck. DO set up a lure if you’re at the Pour House staking out prime real estate for Rainbow Kitten Surprise. You will hatch so many eggs and see so much of wild and wonderful Raleighwood.

More info on Wristband City

Hopscotch Schedule (.pdf)

–Case Sensitive

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Festival Coverage

Most Anticipated Acts of Hopscotch (Underrepresented Genders Edition)

Hopscotch is next week, and since I’m a rookie, I just printed out a schedule to start planning. Actually, maybe that’s the opposite of a rookie move. Either way, Hopscotch has a great, diverse lineup, and you’re sure to find many artists you enjoy over the three days. Here are some must-see acts whose frontpeople belong to underrepresented genders.

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Sylvan Esso, who every local should want to see, if only to feel proud to be from the home state of such a well-known indie act. Also, I’m excited for the possibility that they’ll play their catchiest song, “Coffee,” and to hear the new songs the duo has announced, when they headline on Saturday.

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Pie Face Girls have become pretty well-known locally for their powerful sound and lyrics, and for their unconstrained stage presence. They play fun-sounding punk that brings out typically unspoken parts of the female experience.

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Erykah Badu is kind of a legend, and I feel bad only having heard about her this year. Her latest release, a mixtape, is really intriguing; it’s like a scavenger hunt to find the sources of portions of the songs. WKNC released an artist profile about Badu if you’d like to learn more. She’s headlining Red Hat Amphitheater on Friday, so it’s sure to be an awesome show.

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Diet Cig has so much energy, and you’ll likely be tired just watching Alex Luciano’s animated dancing and high kicks (and that’s not even getting to the music.) Diet Cig played at King’s in March, and it was gravity-defying and rockin’. To get a sneak peek of their Hopscotch performance, check out their WKNC Lounge set.

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Dai Burger’s music is outside of my usual comfort zone, but somehow I still like it. Maybe it’s something about her goofy website, her clever and catchy rap verses, or the fact that she’s named herself “Burger,” but she seems to balance sharing her talent with getting listeners to have fun.

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Wume brings live rhythmic experimentation to Hopscotch. It’s tough to find contemporary instrumental acts that aren’t purely electronic, and Wume does a great job making complex but approachable music.

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Bad Friends’ sound is a lot heavier than I usually listen to, but what are music festivals for if not exploration? Their demo songs are good, and they’re local, which makes me like them already.

You can find all Hopscotch set times and locations here. 

-The Fuzz

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Festival Coverage

Venue Breakdown

The Contemporary Art Museum (CAM):
The CAM is a unique Hopscotch experience—one that should not be missed. Centrally located in the warehouse district of downtown Raleigh, this beacon of art and culture seldom offers full-scale musical performances. The gallery offers plenty of room to exhibit musicians and artwork alike, allowing you to vibe with artists such as JunglePussy, Kelela, Mr. Carmack, and more.

Kings Raleigh:
Built by local musicians in 1999, King’s (as it is affectionally known), immediately brought fresh acts to the Oak City music scene. Having established itself as a must-see local musical venue, Kings offers a peculiar, intimate space for artists—and patrons—to have an unforgettable concert experience. For our 21+ crowd, the bar is stocked with artfully crafted cocktails.

Lincoln Theatre:
Having established itself as a right of passage for local musicians whilst earning an affable reputation with successful touring musicians, Lincoln Theatre is among the “must see” venues offered during Hopscotch. This impressive venue is cozy enough to fill the room with a palpable energy—yet big enough to get your dance on. DJ Spinn The Era Footwork Crew, Big Freedia, and All Dogs are some of the artists that will be providing the vibes throughout the weekend. Don’t play yourself.

Memorial Auditorium:
Opened in 1932 Memorial Auditorium is the “local crown jewel” of Raleigh’s performing arts, hosting legends such as Sinatra, Ray Charles, and Prince to name a few. This is a rare opportunity to experience artists such as Young Thug, Andrew Bird, and Television in such a place. The venue is elegant, filled with chandeliers and smells of rich mahogany, (Ron Burgundy would love this place). However, you can’t drink inside and it’s stadium seating so not a lot of room to get your dance on. But, it will provide you a concert experience you’ll never forget.

Away Msg at Hopscotch 2015

Neptune’s:
Straight up, if you like to dance this is the place for you. Small, hot, and in the basement of King’s it’s reminiscent of the most lit dance party you’ve ever been to and probably ever attend. Walking down into Neptune’s is almost surreal, once halfway down you hear the bass knocking and definitely feel the energy. It’s something special you have to see four yourself. Artists such as Blursome, SwizzyMack, Body Kit, and others will be there performing and I highly recommend to not miss it. Also, for the 21+ check out their exceptional cocktails.

Slim’s:
This dive bar is synonymous with the underground music scene of Raleigh. Notoriously known as the city’s oldest rock bar and hangout for the diverse characters around town, Slim’s is definitely a spot worth checking out. They have great and inexpensive drinks and a cool ambiance. For the 21+ highly recommending the Cheerwine shot to drink something, a real southerner would know. This venue gives fans an intimate setting to experience artists such as A Giant Dog, Pink Flag, and others during Hopscotch.

Red Hat Amphitheater:
One of the newest additions to Raleigh’s music venues, the Red Hat Amphitheater provides a beautiful outdoor space. Artists and patrons alike are overshadowed by the colorful reflections of the Cree shimmer wall giving this venue a special touch unique to Raleigh. It is one of the most spacious venues downtown featuring a well-groomed lawn and lots of amenities. Erykah Badu and Gary Clark Jr’s show will be a performance for the ages. You’re not going to want to miss it.

Oneohtrix Point Never at The Pour House Music Hall

The Pour House Music Hall:
An intimate venue where you feel the artist’s and crowds vibes that create an energy that you won’t forget. Outfitted with a balcony and bar stacked with the best local beer if you’re thirsty. The Snails, Occultist, Sneaks, and others will be performing throughout Hopscotch weekend so I’ll see you there.

Deep South:
This venue is legendary in the local music scene, not a day goes by without live music erupting from Deep South. Providing diverse genres it is a hub for music lovers around. Winning lots of awards annually and a stones throw away from the Red Hat Amphitheater it is a place deserving of attention. Artists such as Diet Cig, Al Riggs, and others will be gracing the stage there.

Nash Hall:
This is a new venue for Hopscotch and Raleigh. On the corner of E Morgan St. and S Blount St. it was known formally as Nash Motors and now acts as a stunning new venue. Described as a more intimate CAM, this will be a new experience and something definitely worth checking out. Tom Carter, 75 Dollar Bill and Julien Baker are a few artists performing during Hopscotch.

–Cruise One

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Festival Coverage

21-? A Guide to Hopscotch for the Underage

While we can all agree music should be for all ages to enjoy, some venues for Hopscotch are 21+ unfortunately. Historically Slim’s and Neptune’s were 21+, but I’ve got some great news to share with you!

If you look at the Hopsctoch website, it still says that Neptune’s is a 21+ venue, however if you go to Neptune’s event page, they are ALL AGES for Hopscotch!!!! Kudos to Neptune’s for opening up their venue to all ages to enjoy. 

Please be mindful that Slim’s unfortunately is still 21+ and are very strict about this policy. I attempted last year to get in to see Bully, and even explaining I was covering Hopscotch for WKNC did nothing for me. You don’t want to be a sad kid like me listening to Bully from right outside Slim’s, so I would suggest avoiding the venue. If you feel really strongly about a band though, always give it a try. I know many people have gotten in by some not-so-legal means, but I don’t in any way condone that!

There may be some venues where the bouncers just haven’t been informed of the age policy. Be adamant that you should be allowed into the venue if you’re the appropriate age. I experienced a bouncer at Tir Na Nog last year that thought the venue was 21+ even though it was 18+, and had to argue with him for quite a while before he finally let me in. Just don’t give up! They might be older and intimidating, but if you know you’re right, stand your ground.

Along with being young at Hopscotch, no matter who you are or what age, be mindful of safety in downtown Raleigh at night. Please don’t travel alone, in dark areas, or with people who don’t seem safe. Last year I thought I could go off on my own, and wound up being followed by some not so savory characters. Just be aware. I don’t condone underage drinking at Hopscotch either, but if it happens, be safe about that too. Don’t overdo yourself, make sure someone is your designated driver, and never go off alone. If you’re belligerent, you will get stopped by the Police! Just remember that your safety is important, but so is the safety of other people enjoying Hopscotch.

Have a happy time Hopscotching!

-Double Duchess

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Festival Coverage

Hopscotch Local Artist Newcomers

Your guide to local artists who will be featured at Hopscotch for the first time!

Tuskha: Chill and catchy R&B influenced pop solo project by Phil Moore of Bower Birds

Listen here:  https://tuskha.bandcamp.com/

Where at Hopscotch: Saturday, 5:50pm @ City Plaza

Konvoi: Asheville, NC post-punk

Listen here: https://konvoinc.bandcamp.com/

Where at Hopscotch: Saturday, 11:30pm @ Slim’s

Pie Face Girls: Raleigh activist punk band that will make you move

Listen here: https://piefacegirlsband.bandcamp.com/releases

For fans of: Bikini Kill, Babes in Toyland

Where at Hopscotch: Thursday, 11:00pm @ Kings

Sarah Shook and the Disarmers: Fierce Country out of Pittsboro

Listen: http://sarahshookthedisarmers.bandcamp.com

For fans of: Mount Moriah

Where at Hopscotch: Friday, 10:30pm @ Slim’s

S.E. Ward: Emotion packed, indie folk solo project

Listen here: http://seward.bandcamp.com

For fans of: Sharon van Etten

Where at Hopscotch: Friday, 9:00pm @ Nash Hall

Al Riggs: Chapel Hill folk rock

Listen here: http://alriggs.bandcamp.com

For fans of: Kurt Vile

Where at Hopscotch: Friday, 9:00pm @ Deep South Bar

No One Mind: Dark Psych rock featuring members of Birds of Avalon, Lilac Shadows, Grogh, and more. 

New 7″ “Born Again” b/w “Baron Gain” here: http://www.noonemind.com/blog/2016/7/18

For fans of: Birds of Avalon, Black Mountain

Where at Hopscotch: Friday, 11:00pm @ Deep South Bar

Rainbow Kitten surprise: Soulful and groovy Indy-pop out of Boone

Listen here: https://rainbowkittensurprise.bandcamp.com/

For fans of: Twin Shadow

Where at Hopscotch: Saturday, 11:30pm @ The Pour House

Crete: Raleigh punk

For fans of: No Love

Where at Hopscotch: Saturday, 9:30pm @ Slim’s

Lacy Jags: Chapel Hill garage rock/ psych rock

Listen here: https://lacyjagsnc.bandcamp.com/releases

For fans of: Unknown Mortal Orchestra

Where at Hopscotch: Thursday, 10:00pm @ Kings

Oak City Slums: Raleigh Hip-hop influenced electronic

Listen here: https://soundcloud.com/oakcityslums

Where at Hopscotch: Saturday, 9:30pm @ CAM

Hotline: Raleigh 80’s influenced Indy-pop

Listen here: https://soundcloud.com/hotline4you

Where at Hopscotch: Saturday, 9:30pm @ The Pour House

The Wyrms: Garage punk from Carrboro

Listen here: https://thewyrms.bandcamp.com/releases

For fans of: together PANGEA

Where at Hopscotch: Friday, 9:30pm @ CAM

Weird Pennies (of Raleigh): Raleigh-based (hence the band name) indie pop

Listen here: https://weirdpenniesofraleigh.bandcamp.com/

Where at Hopscotch: Saturday, 9:00pm @ Deep South Bar

Zensofly: Hip hop out of Raleigh

Listen here: https://soundcloud.com/zensofly

Where at Hopscotch: Thursday, 9:30pm @ Kings

Jodi: Rap out of Raleigh

Listen here: https://soundcloud.com/youthfulrecords/freestyle-yungxanhoe-remix-jodi

Where at Hopscotch: Friday, 9:00pm @ Kings

Necrocosm: Death metal from Raleigh

Listen here: http://necrocosm666.bandcamp.com/

For fans of: Morbid Angel

Where at Hopscotch: Saturday, 10:00pm @ Kings

The Charming Youngsters: Raleigh/Durham shoegaze/ indy noise-pop

Listen here: http://thecharmingyoungsters.com/

For fans of: Eternal Summers

Where at Hopscotch: Friday, 9:30 @ Slim’s Downtown

Treee City: Durham electronic

Listen here: https://soundcloud.com/treee-city

Where at Hopscotch: Thursday, 10:30pm @ Neptunes

Bad Friends: Durham heavy queer punk

Listen here: https://badfriendsnc.bandcamp.com/

For fans of: Circle Takes the Square

Where at Hopscotch: Saturday, 8:30pm @ Lincoln Theater

Other Local acts: Sylvan Esso, Wye Oak, The Dead Tongues, Kooley High, Grogh, Blursome, Dynamite Brothers. Not new to the festival but definitely worth checking out. 

–DJ Whatsherface