Brian Mcgee at The Cave Wednesday 4-27

Pennsylvania native Brian McGee combines folk, rock, country, punk, and soul to form his own brand of Americana rock.  Influenced heavily by a wide variety of musical genres, McGee artfully weaves the hard story telling ability of Johnny Cash with layered instrumentation not dissimilar to Wilco and Ryan Adams and the Cardinals.  His ten year stay in Western North Carolina has clearly made an impression on his style, be it musical or lyrical.  McGee will be joined by Black Mountain, NC singer / songwriter Mary Ellen Bush of Menage at The Cave in Chapel hill this Wednesday night.

PRETTY LIGHTS TUESDAY 4-19 at RALEIGH AMPHITHEATER

Electronic musician Derek Smith combines beat samples from hard thumping infectious songs found anywhere in the history of music with buzzes and modulated sound waves of his own creation to make Pretty Lights come alive.  The show presents a sensory overload to the audience...and that is exactly what the audience wants.  Pink Floydesque lights will cover the crowd as the ground shakes and bodies move to familiar sounds laced with frenzied techno.  Don't forget to bring your glow sticks to The Raleigh Amphitheater tomorrow night! 

Full Frame Film Festival April 14-17 Downtown Durham

Full Frame offers exposure for documentary film makers from all over the world through a 4 day event which includes screenings, panel discussions, symposiums, and performances.  Students find an open forum in which they can speak candidly with established filmmakers gaining the knowledge necessary to be come successful film makers.

Jazz bassist, professor, Grammy nominee, and band leader John Brown and his orchestra  are featured in a highly anticipated documentary titled "One Night in Kernersville", directed by Rodrigo Dorfman.   The film documents the creation of  Setting Standards, the latest project from The John Brown Jazz Orchestra.  Catch the world premiere at The Carolina Theater Saturday April 16th 10:10 pm.

Tonight at Lincoln Theater Band Together NC presents Lonnie Walker, House of Fools, Filthy bird and Chris Hendricks Band

Come down to the Lincoln Theater in Raleigh tonight for a great cause and some great music.  Band Together NC is an institution  which raises funds and awareness for certain charities across the state.   Local favorites Lonnie Walker will perform along with House of Fools, Filthy Bird, and the Chris Hendricks Band.   Ten dollars to see music like this and help those in need?  It's a no brainer.

Ari Hest to play the Pour House April 14

Singer songwriter Ari Hest is set to perform at The Pour House in Raleigh Thursday April 14 in support of his latest studio effort - Sunset over Hope Street on Downtown/Mercer Street Records.  The prolific folk-rocker has made a name for himself as a true soldier in the world of DIY music.  Since his days at NYU and beyond, Hess has almost constantly been recording and releasing music, either on his own or under the guidance of producers and record companies.  Sunset Over Hope Street illuminates Hess's masterful control of his story telling ability along with his gift as a composer utilizing an array of instruments 

Interpol coming to Disco Rodeo May 4th

Interpol came on the scene in 1997 as a dark symbol of New York's gritty indie rock scene  pulling inspiration from goth bands such as Joy Division, The Sisters of Mercy and Bauhaus - save the ghoulishness.  Their debut album, Turn on the Bright Lights, contained a razor sharp collection of songs and was well received by the indie music crowd and beyond.  Paul Banks' throaty vocals and Carlos Dengler's thudding bass licks gave birth to an ominous sound belonging to Interpol alone.  Raleigh is fortunate to have such an authentic group perform.  Try and get tickets to the May 4th show at Disco Rodeo in Raleigh.