Category: Blog
Hopscotch Day 2!!!
First off, last night was great. I got to catch the tail end of Phil Cook’s set, most of Young Magic, Deerhoof, and Thee Oh Sees. They all were pretty interesting, and Thee Oh Sees absolutely killed.
Back to the matter at hand…tonight!
As with yesterdays post, here’s some bands that I think would be really cool for you all to see:
ALL THE CITY PLAZA SHOWS: You’ve got Nick Zammuto from the Books, Built to Spill and fucking Jesus & Mary Chain. This one’s a no-brainer.
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Zack Mexico at CAM: I’ve heard rumors that there’s going to be a synthesizer crucifixion…don’t you wanna see that?! Also, I was bit apprehensive about what the sound was going to be like at CAM, but last night showed me that was unwarranted.
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Odonis Odonis at Lincoln: The only context I know this band in is a split they did with Lotus Plaza (Lockett Pundt of Deerhoof), but that split is amazing so, I’m going to this one.
-or-
Hiss Golden Messenger at Fletcher: I got to see their release show for their most recent album in Chapel Hill earlier this year…and if they bring just a portion of what they brought to that, it’s gonna be great. It doesn’t hurt that the sound at Fletcher is probably the best among all Hopscotch venues this year.
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Yo La Tengo at Memorial Auditorium: I haven’t had a chance to see Yo La Tengo before, but I’m sure it’s going to be stellar. Hope they play something from Summer Sun, cause it’s one of the only albums that’s ever made me cry on multiple occasions.
-or-
Zola Jesus at Lincoln: I’ve seen Zola Jesus about three times, and every single one she has amped up some aspect of her live show. I’m excited to see what she brings to Hopscotch.
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Ital at Five Star: Crazy psych beat-maker from DC, affiliated with the fantastic LA collective Not Not Fun. While I’ve not been in the mood to see electronic stuff this weekend, for whatever reason, I’m making an exception here.
-or-
Dan Deacon at Pour House: With the recent America, Dan Deacon is sure to bring it…if you’re of legal drinking age. Unfortunately
Have fun and stay safe,
John
A dozen years after their last worldwide tour, the original members of Ben Folds Five are back on the road for a major tour that includes a Sept. 11 stop at Cary’s Koka Booth Ampitheatre. AC Entertainment has provided us with tickets to share with our loyal listeners and all you have to do is listen for the DJ’s prompt and call in at 919-515-2400 or 860-0881.
The new Ben Folds Five album “The Sound Of The Life Of The Mind,” goes on sale a week after the Cary show, on Tuesday, Sept. 18.
Ben Folds Five press photo
It’s Hopscotch Day One!
And you should go see some bands. If you want someone to pick those for you, here it is:
Phil Cook & His Feat at Fletcher Opera Theatre: Phil Cook is awesome. He plays in a band you’ve probably heard called Megafaun. He played in a band with Justin Vernon before he started his Bon Iver project (read: DeYarmond Edison). I’ve seen him do a granular synthesis set opening for the Field. This show is gonna be awesome because it’s your chance to see his great folk work in a theatre setting. Hell yeah.
-or-
Feltbattery at the Hive: If you’re looking for some interesting local noise compositions, you couldn’t go wrong with this set.
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Deerhoof at Memorial Auditorium: Memorial Auditorium has really nice sound, and it’ll be a great chance to catch the intricacies of Deerhoof’s dense compositional framework.
-or-
Matthew E. White at Fletcher Opera Theatre: White’s debut album just recently came out, and it’s already blowing up. Plus, if you check out that Phil Cook set and are really enjoying the vibes at Fletcher, this one shouldn’t be too far removed. I think the plan is to get a bunch of talented musicians to work out the compositions to their fullest potential in a live setting. This could be stellar.
-or-
Guardian Angel at White Collar Crime: Psych metal, heavy on the psych. If that sounds like a “hell yes”, then this one’s a no-brainer.
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Thee Oh Sees: I saw Thee Oh Sees earlier this summer, and I’m skipping on other bands that I’d be totally stoked to see that I haven’t (Julia Holter, Delicate Steve, Liars*). That doesn’t matter though, because IT’S THEE OH SEES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks, hope this helps,
John
*I have seen Liars before, but it was a really long time ago. Just added them in there for the purposes of letting you know they’re playing tonight too.
WKNC HOPSCOTCH DAY PARTAYY!
WKNC AND WUAG HAVE JOINED FORCES TO BRING YOU A SHOW YOU WILL NOT SLEEP THROUGH! Come hang out with us Thursday, September 5th 12pm at White Collar Crime on W. Davie St. to enjoy some kick-ass local music and beer!!! See y’all realllllll soon.
CASUAL CURIOUS – Greensboro (1:00pm)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIIPNAN28_c
DASH – Wilmington/Raleigh (2:00pm)
[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/40988687[/vimeo]
THE BIG PICTURE – Raleigh (3:00pm)
TRIOSCAPES – Greensboro (4:00pm)
Hopping Around at Hopscotch
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
Today marked the beginning of the Democratic National Convention, the Democratic Party’s response to the Republican National Convention, held last week in Tampa, Florida. This, of course, is an American tradition that dates back to the early 19th century. The political convention allowed for the nation’s delegates to hammer our agreements on who would next run for president on behalf of a given party. The process was often contentious, uncertain, and confusing. Today, the nomination process lacks the wheeling and dealing of bygone conventions. Or rather, as a cynic might choose to believe, much of the wheeling and dealing is done long before the convention ever begins. What is left is a political convention that rarely contains upsets. A convention that is scripted down to the minute, spewing out endless pandering easily converted into a cable news sound bite.
There are those who believe this system is archaic, expensive, and outdated. Those that believe the conventions have outlived their purpose, that the conventions are little more than expensive excuses for politicians to celebrate themselves. And to be frank, there is a fair amount of pomp and circumstance to be found at these conventions. But there is another side, another purpose besides stroking the egos of politicians. The conventions are no longer important in deciding a party’s candidate. They do, however, allow the parties to present themselves to the American people, to put their best foot forward and to showcase the best and brightest each party has to offer. It is through these conventions fresh faces are introduced to the American public. Barack Obama first came to prominence this way in 2004. This year it is congressional candidate Mia Love and San Antonio mayor Julian Castro. And while the names change, the message does not; these are tomorrow’s political superstars.
But perhaps even more important than a wide-eyed politician’s five minutes in the spotlight is the opportunity for Americans to discuss what matters to them. This, of course, does not take place anywhere near the convention floor. The conventions are much too scripted to allow that to happen. But walking the streets of Charlotte, I spoke with fervent supporters of Barack Obama. I spoke with those who felt disenchanted with the president. I spoke with those who felt the entire Democratic Party was a joke. I spoke with immigration activists, Occupy Wall Street protestors, and pro-life activists. And all of these people could be found within four blocks of the Charlotte Convention Center. It doesn’t matter which party is celebrating itself inside the convention. Outside, supporters and detractors alike are deciding for themselves who will be the next president. And that’s why we need these political conventions.
Jake Langlois in Charlotte, North Carolina
Did you catch the show tonight?
Hey guys,
Did you all catch EOT tonight? If not, don’t worry, because this week’s and last week’s show have been podcasted. This week had a great segment about the Democratic National Convention and Food Trucks on campus. Along with campaign ad fallacies, with a great segment about Local Arts.
Thanks,
EOT
Jake describes his experience from the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte.
The (mis-)informative nature of campaign ads.
Interview with Jennifer Gilmore and Kevin Howen from University Dining about new food truck program at N.C. State.
WKNC’s Guide to Hopscotch
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