Video: The Avett Brothers, Bombadil & The Low Anthem at Cat's Cradle

Photo by Allison Hussey

We've got one more post about the Avett Brothers to close out the year. I've said it before a number of times and I'll say it again, I love YouTube. I've put together a series of videos which hit the site over the last few days which covers most of the Avetts set from the Cat's Cradle Wednesday night. The videos below are in the order of set list, which you can see at our review HERE.

Also, below all the Avett videos, there are two videos of Bombadil, "Honeymoon" and a new song which the YouTube user has dubbed "Awkward." There is also two videos of The Low Anthem, "To the Ghosts Who Write History Books" and "Home I'll Never Be."

Also, for all you hardcore Avett fans who also happen to have Sirius XM satellite radio, the band's New Year's Eve concert tonight from Asheville will be broadcast on Sirius channel 18 or XM channel 45. So rock out with the band from wherever as you ring in the new year.

The Avett Brothers rock the Cradle for benefit show

Photo by Allison Hussey

Christmas came again for a few hundred Avett Brothers fans. Wednesday night's hottest ticket was undoubtedly The Avett Brothers, who quickly sold out Cat's Cradle for a last-minute show benefiting The Methodist Home for Children and the Carolina Farm Stewardship.

Ramseur Records announced the show around midnight on Monday, and tickets were gone within a half hour when they went on sale Tuesday morning. Several of those who weren't lucky enough to get tickets huddled outside of the venue before the show, hoping for a deal. Those who got in were treated to a perfect storm of a show — a fantastic way to warm up, enjoy some great music, and support good causes at the same time.

A round up of Triangle New Year's Eve shows

New Year's Eve is almost here and if you don't have plans already, we're here to let you know about the music-related happenings that will be going on in the Triangle on Friday night.

There's always the biggest event in the Triangle which is First Night in downtown Raleigh. Donna the Buffalo will ring in the new year at midnight and Holy Ghost Tent Revival and Mandolin Orange will also play earlier sets.

There's also Arrogance at the Cat's Cradle and The Moaners and Veelee at the Nightlight in Chapel Hill. Tons of other shows will be going on as well. Check out the list below, broken down by city.

Avett Brothers to play benefit at Cat's Cradle Wednesday night

The Avett Brothers have just announced what is sure to be an event of epic proportions. The group will play a benefit concert this Wednesday, Dec. 29, at Cat's Cradle with The Low Anthem and Bombadil.

Not only is this show a rarity in that you will likely not see the Avetts play such a small capacity club any time soon again, but because Durham's Bombadil has been on a live show hiatus since June 2009 due to tendonitis in Daniel Michalak's hand.

Future Islands announces two-night stand in Raleigh

Photo by Abram Sanders

Kings in downtown Raleigh is really digging booking bands for two-night stands right now. We told you a few weeks ago about Megafaun's two nights there on January 21 and 22 and American Aquarium will follow with shows on January 28 and 29.

Now former North Carolina band Future Islands who now call Baltimore home, will play two nights at Kings on March 3 and 4. Ed Schrader’s Music Beat will open both shows and tickets will be $10 in advance via etix. They should be on sale soon.

Future Islands' latest album In Evening Air landed at number fifteen on our 2010 readers' poll best albums list. Download the song "Walking Through That Door" from the album below.

Holiday mp3: The Love Language - "Gsus" (demo)

It's Christmas Eve, but it's certainly not too late for another holiday song, especially when it's a groovy little tune from The Love Language. According to a post on the band's blog, Stu and BJ Burton both wrote and recorded a full demo of the song "Gsus" on Wednesday and Thursday.

The rest of the band is not on the track, but there are some voicemail messages featuring their voices during the last half of the track. The last voice heard is the band's manager Geoffrey Sawyer.

Download the track below and have a groovy holiday.

Triangle Music's 2010 readers' poll results

After crunching the numbers, we now have the results of our 2010 Triangle Music readers' poll. Breakout British group Mumford & Sons grabbed the top spot with their debut album Sigh No More.

Wilco's big show at the Durham Performing Arts Center in March grabbed the top concert of the year nod, which you may remember, set a record at the venue for the fastest sellout ever, though there was a little controversy over that claim.

And this year, for the first time, we included songs in our readers' poll. Cee Lo Green's brilliantly offensive pop tune "Fuck You" was the top song (it also made each of our writer's lists). You can stream all ten of the top songs below or check out the iTunes mix including all of the songs HERE.

Sharon Van Etten rolls out some 2011 dates, coming to Raleigh

Photo by Kevin Norris

Phenomenal up-and-coming singer songwriter Sharon Van Etten, who released her sophomore album Epic in September, is gearing up for some new shows in 2011.

After touring Europe opening for The National in late February and early march, Van Etten will return to the states to play Kings Barcade in Raleigh on Friday, March 11. Ticket info and other details are not available yet, but we'll keep you posted.

[UPDATE: Tickets for the show are $8 in advance are available now via etix.]

Kevin's top albums, EPs, concerts & songs of 2010

Another year is almost over and like my cohorts, it's time to look back at the bounty of great music released.

Superchunk returned with quite possibly there best album ever, Arcade Fire defied expectations once again, the Ben Folds/Nick Hornby collaboration was well worth the long wait and locals The Love Language and Chatham County Line soared to new heights, both sonically and in songwriting.

I won't get into every album, EP, concert and song I've picked, but the common thread amongst them all is solid songwriting and melodies, which is what drives me, no matter the genre.

Video: Ben Folds performs "Gone" acapella with Street Corner Symphony

If you've never seen the singing competition show "The Sing-Off," you're missing out, because it's the only singing competition show on television worth watching. The show pits acapella groups against each other and most of them are quite good.

The big draw of the show is that Ben Folds is one of the three judges. Last night, the second season ended and a winner was crowned, but one of the highlights of the show was Ben Folds' stepping on stage to perform his song "Gone" with fellow Nashvillians and show contestants Street Corner Symphony. Folds got animated and hammed it up for the crowd since he was not kept stationary having to sit behind a piano.

Watch the performance below and if you're so inclined, you can watch all of season two of "The Sing-Off" on Hulu.

Justin's top albums, concerts & songs of 2010

At this time last year, I was anticipating the next year in music more than any other before. Broken Social Scene, The Hold Steady, The New Pornographers, Arcade Fire, and John Darnielle all released new music this year. These were the musicians the guided my journey from the classical music realm to college radio, but none of them had quite the impact on me today as they did then.

What (pleasantly) surprises me the about this list is that before 2010, I hadn’t heard many of these artists. I felt like every week I was discovering something I liked every week this year. That made this year’s list particularly difficult to compile and there are a ton of artists I would love to mention, but simply don’t have the space to.

Rocky Votolato & Matt Pond announce tour, coming to Carrboro

Folky pop singer songwriters Rocky Votolato and Matt Pond are teaming up in 2011 for a co-headlining solo tour. Both released new albums in 2010, True Devotion by Votolato and The Dark Leaves by Matt Pond PA.

The tour will bring the two to the Cat's Cradle in Carrboro on Saturday, March 12. Tickets are on sale now via etix for $10.

Stream the song "Red River" from True Devotion and check out the music video for "Remains" from The Dark Leaves below.

Allison's top albums, concerts & songs of 2010

I'll be honest, I didn't listen to a ton of new music this year. Nonetheless, 2010 still had some great releases that will stick around as favorites for a long time.

I could easily have picked one song from each of my favorite albums for my top songs, but I'll pick some off of my "honorable mentions" that didn't quite make it.

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Stay tuned as more best of 2010 lists will be hitting the blog each day this week. The readers' poll is open until Thursday, December 23 at noon (vote HERE if you haven't already).

The Mountain Goats, Veelee & Phil Cook bring tidings of comfort & joy to King's

Attracted by a combination of charity, cake, booze, and King’s Barcade’s best lineup since Hopscotch, people packed in to go Brome for the Holidays.

The show opened up with a rare performance by Phil Cook’s one man band, Phil Cook and his Feat. Cook, with guitar in hand and a kick drum at his feet, was calm and patient in his set. His smooth guitar playing combine with his humble demeanor made his music all the more comforting.

When explaining the backstory behind how he first feel in love with the French Christmas carol “Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella,” his excitement to share the music he loves most shone through.

Stuart McLamb offers up his favorite local songs of 2010

Stuart McLamb, the mastermind of The Love Language, has named his favorite songs from the Triangle music scene in 2010. Not only did he pick his favorites, he's made a mixtape available for everyone to download dubbed For Lokals or Street Hitz: Vol. 2.

The download is not individual songs, but the entire list as one 45-minute mp3. Among the songs is "Month of May," not the Arcade Fire song, but a song by Love Language bassist Justin Rodermond's project Beach Body.

There are also songs by The Dirty Little Heaters, Gross Ghost, Last Year's Men, Veelee, Shit Horse and more. Check out the full list of songs below along with the download link.

Merge lands on practically every 2010 best of list, other locals get nods

It's been a great year for local music in the Triangle and easily one of the biggest, if not the biggest, ever for Durham-based record label Merge Records.

We've rounded up some of the lists from bigger publications as well as some of our favorites and they all feature Merge artists. Not surprisingly, the name that appears on every one is Arcade Fire and their latest album The Suburbs. It's great to see Superchunk's amazing album Majesty Shredding on numerous lists and The Love Language's Libraries even snuck in at the bottom of Amazon's list.

A few non-Merge, local, or partially local, artists made the lists as well. Gayngs' debut album Relayted made NME's list and Carolina Chocolate Drops' Genuine Negro Jig made NPR's.

Stay tuned as well roll out our lists as well as our readers' poll results next week.

New music from Tift Merritt - "Novel" & "Nineteen"

They're not holiday songs, but in the spirit of giving, Tift Merritt is offering up a pair of outtakes from her latest album See You On the Moon. The songs are the slow and somber "Novel" and the rocking ditty "Nineteen." Download the songs below.

Tift Merritt will be performing two nights at the Reynolds Theater at Duke University on January 21 and 22, which is the debut collaboration between her and acclaimed pianist Simone Dinnerstein. The two will be performing songs by Patty Griffin, Brad Mehldau, Philip Lasser, Jenny Scheinman and more. Tickets are available HERE for $32 or $38.

Tennis announces 2011 tour dates, coming to Chapel Hill

Colorado duo Tennis (who tour as a trio) have had a lot of changes since the band was last in the Triangle playing a house show at The Layabout in August. They've signed to Fat possum Records and will release their debut album Cape Dory on January 18.

They will hit the road in support of the album in 2011to support the release and will stop at Local 506 in Chapel Hill on Monday March 7. La Sera and Holiday Shores will open the show. Tickets will be on sale via etix soon for $10.

[UPDATE: Tennis have canceled their show at Local 506 due to illness. La Sera and Holiday Shores will still play and tickets are now just $7. Refunds are available at the point of purchase for those who want them.]

The Rurual Alberta Advantage announces 2011 dates, coming to Chapel Hill

Canadian trio The Rural Alberta Advantage are gearing up to release their second full-length album titled Departed on March 1 via Saddle Creek Records. The band will follow the release with an east coast/midwest tour.

The band will stop at Local 506 in Chapel Hill on Monday, March 14. Tickets for the show are $9 in advance and available now via etix.

Download the song "Stamp" from the new album via the widget below.

Cadillac Sky announces 2011 tour dates, coming to Raleigh

Genre defying Texas string band Cadillac Sky are gearing up for a busy 2011, continuing their ongoing tour supporting their 2010 album Letters in the Deep (check out our review of the album HERE).

The tour will stop at the Pour House in downtown Raleigh on Monday, February 7. Tickets are available now HERE for just $6, or $8 on the day of the show.

The band will also be playing two days, April 29 and 30, at Merlefest in Wilkesboro along with a plethora of other talented groups. Check out more on Merlefest HERE. Check out the music video for the song "Hangman" from Letters in the Deep below.

New music from The Mountain Goats - "Tyler Lambert's Grave"

Photo by Steven Dewall

Songwriter John Darnielle just released a new album with his duo The Extra Lens in October, but is also prepping his first Merge Records release with The Mountain Goats in early 2011. The album titled All Eternals Deck will be released on March 29.

The album was recoded all over the place including four songs with John Congleton in North Carolina, one with Brandon Eggleston in Boston, four with Scott Solter in Brooklyn and four with Erik Rutan (former Morbid Angel guitarist and Hate Eternal frontman) in Florida.

Darnielle posted a download of an outtake from the album via Twitter on December 13 titled "Tyler Lambert's Grave." The song is a fantastic somber piano tune accompanied by a cello. Download the song below where you'll also find the full All Eternals Deck track list.

New music from Ryan Adams - "Destroyers" & "The Blue Canoe"

Ryan Adams unleashed his two-disc collection of out-takes from the Easy Tiger sessions today, December 14, titled III/IV. The album features 21 tracks from that era.

He's released two songs for free that are not on the new release, "Destroyers" and "The Blue Canoe." Download both of those tracks below.

Pre-order copies of the CD and vinyl versions of the new release sold out quickly from Adams' online store, but they are supposed to be re-stocked soon. The album is available on iTunes and other online retailers as well.

Vote Now in the 2010 Triangle Music Readers' Poll

[The poll is now closed. Thanks for voting. Check out the results HERE.]

It's once again time to let your voice be heard in our annual Readers' Poll!

We're adding a new category this year, so in addition to your favorite albums and concerts we also want to know your favorite songs from 2010. Submit your ballot by noon on Thursday, December 23 and we'll post the results later that day. You can take the poll embedded after the jump, or click HERE to open the poll in a new window.

Dex Romweber Duo announces a few dates, playing Durham & Raleigh

Photo by Camellia Morton

The baddest rockabilly duo around these parts, the Dex Romweber Duo, have a few southern shows scheduled for the rest of 2010 and early 2011, and if you never seen this pair of siblings rock, it's time you do (check out photos and a review of their 2009 show at Duke Gardens HERE).

They'll be playing Motorco Music Hall in Durham on Friday, December 17 with Dynamite Brothers and Venables. Tickets are just $7 in advance HERE.

Then they'll head to downtown Raleigh to play The Pour House on Saturday, January 15. They're playing with The Detroit Cobras, Charlie Louvin and the Smoking Guns and 1-10's.

Elephant 6 announces 2011 Holiday Surprise tour, coming to Raleigh

The Elephant 6 collective featuring a wide variety of seasoned, indie rock veterans, will revive their Holiday Surprise tour in 2011. They first took the show on the road in 2008, and will do it once again from February 24 to March 26, 2011.

The tour will feature Bill Cullen Hart, Bill Doss, Peter Erchick, John Fernandes, Julian Koster, Scott Spillane, Andrew Rieger, Laura Carter, Derek Almstead, Heather McIntosh, Bryan Poole, Theo Hilton, Robbie Cucchiaro and more. In addition to music, their will also be screenings of short films as well as games led by Julian Koster.

The last stop on the tour will be at Kings Barcade in Raleigh on Saturday, March 26. Tickets are on sale now via etix for $10.

Big Star's 'Third' comes to life at the Cat's Cradle

All photos by Kevin Norris

A truly magical event took place Thursday night at the Cat's Cradle. A large crowd gathered at the Carrboro club to see the world premiere performance of the fully orchestra classic album Third / Sister Lovers by Big Star.

With Chris Stamey at helm, a band consisting of Big Star's own Jody Stephens, R.E.M.'s Mike Mills, Mitch Easter, an Ari Picker conducted orchestra and guest vocalists galore, the show was not only a celebration of the amazing music of Big Star, but of the Triangle music scene.

Django Haskins of The Old Ceremony served as master of ceremonies and opened the show with the somber "Nature Boy." The full band came out and launched into the rocker "Kizza Me," and the show rocked on from there.

The Get Up Kids taking new album on tour, coming to Carrboro

The Kansas rockers of The Get Up Kids are prepping their first new full-length album in seven years titled There Are Rules. The album will be out January 25 and will be accompanied by a tour that will keep them busy through mid-March.

The tour will bring the band to the Cat's Cradle in Carrboro Sunday, February 27. Miniature Tigers and Brian Bonz will open the show. Tickets for the show will be $18 and go on sale Thursday, December 16 via etix.

[UPDATE: Miniature Tigers had to cancel their set opening for The Get Up Kids because of van troubles. Local pop rockers I Was Totally Destroying It will now open the show.]

Jukebox the Ghost get goofy at the Casbah

All photos by Kevin Norris

It was another chilly night in the Triangle Wednesday night, but for the small crowd that gathered at the Casbah in Durham, the night was warmed by the power pop sounds of Jukebox the Ghost.

The trio was in a goofy mood when they took the stage. Guitarist and singer Tommy Siegel noted right away that he hit his head on the speakers before coming on stage which may have caused him to forget the lyrics to "The Stars." The charming, nonsensical banter continued throughout the night and fit right in with the band's easygoing pop sound.

The band played songs from their latest sophomore album Everything Under the Sun, released earlier this year via Yep Roc Records, as well as songs from their previous record which really got a small group of hardcore fans incredibly excited.

Against Me! announces 2011 dates, coming to Carrboro

Photo by Autumn de Wilde

Alternative punk rockers Against Me! are gearing up for a busy 2011 out supporting their latest album White Crosses. In February, the band will hit the road opening for punk superstars Dropkick Murphys, but before that, they'll criss-cross the U.S. on their own.

The third date of the tour will be at the Cat's Cradle in Carrboro on Tuesday, January 18. Cheap Girls and Fences will open the show. Tickets go on sale on Friday, December 10 via etix for $12.

Check out the music video for "Teenage Anarchist" which shows a young guy getting chased and wailed on by police.

New music from Wye Oak - "Civilian"

Baltimore duo Wye Oak are getting ready to unleash their third full-length album on March 8, 2011 via Merge Records titled Civilian. The album is their first not fully produced and mixed by the band on their own. They brought in John Congleton (who has worked with The Polyphonic Spree, The Walkmen and St. Vincnet among others) to mix the album.

Download the somber, yet explosive title track from Civilian below where you'll also find the complete track list.

Wye Oak announced a tour a few weeks ago which will be stopping at Local 506 in Chapel Hill on Saturday, March 12. Lower Dens will open the show and tickets are available now via etix for $8.

Holiday mp3: Toad the Wet Sprocket - "It Doesn't Feel Like Christmas"

Here's another song for you to add to your holiday playlist if you're so inclined. It's from Glen Phillips and his pop rock comrades who call themselves Toad the Wet Sprocket. It's a melancholy little tune called "It Doesn't Feel Like Christmas." Click the link below to download the song.

Check out previous holiday mp3s we've posted by clicking HERE and stay tuned for more to come.

Toad the Wet Sprocket - "It Doesn't Feel Like Christmas" (mp3 link)

Megafaun set for two nights at Kings Barcade

Local unclassifiable trio Megafaun recently spent about two and a half weeks up in Wisconsin with local engineer extraordinaire BJ Burton laying down tracks for for 17 songs which will make up their next album.

If that's not exciting enough, they're now gearing up for a two-night stand in January in downtown Raleigh at Kings Barcade. The band will play January 21 and 22, a Friday and Saturday night at the club. Ticket info is not available yet, but we'll certainly keep you posted.

Punch Brothers announce 2011 dates, coming to Raleigh

The Punch Brothers seem to really love the Triangle. They were just here in November playing a packed, two encore show at the Cat's Cradle (check out photos and a review HERE), and they're already coming back.

The string quintet will play the Lincoln Theatre in Raleigh on Friday, February 18. Ticket info is not available yet, but we'll certainly keep you posted.

Tickets for the show will go on sale on Saturday, December 18 via etix for $20.

If you've never never seen Punch Brothers live, you don't want to miss it. The band will blow your socks off. Check out a video below of the band performing Radiohead's "2+2=5" for radio station WNRN in August.

Lonnie Walker plays some new songs for Daytrotter

So many of the best bands in the Triangle have stopped by Daytrotter now, I've lost count, but today, spastic rockers Lonnie Walker have joined the ranks.

The band performed two songs from their debut album These Times Old Times, "Compass Comforts" and "Grape Juice." They guys also performed two new songs "Love Turn," recently released on a split 7" with Future Islands, and "Teenage Poem."

Go HERE to download or stream the session.

[Thanks anonymous commenter.]

Wild Nothing announces tour with Abe Vigoda, coming to Greensboro

Spacey Viriginia rockers Wild Nothing will hit the road in 2011 with the Los Angeles band who goes by the name of 89-year-old actor Abe Vigoda. The month long trek won't hit the Triangle, but will be just down I-40 in the Triad.

The pair will play Guilford College in Greensboro on Wednesday, February 9. Details about the show are not available right now, but we'll keep you posted.

[UPDATE: The show will be FREE and is being put on by WQFS, Guildford College's student radio station. It's all ages and open to the public. The exact location is still TBA.]

Ted Leo announces solo tour, coming to Chapel Hill

Indie troubadour usually hits the road as a trio with his band The Pharmacists, but this winter, he'll be heading out on his own. While he usually plays the Cat's Cradle with his band, he'll be playing a much smaller venue on this tour.

Leo will rock Local 506 in Chapel Hill on Saturday, February 5. Tickets are on sale now via etix for $10.

So get ready to get up close and personal with the singer-songwriter. His latest album, The Brutalist Bricks, was released in March via Matador Records. Check out a video of a solo performance of the song "One Polaroid a Day" from his latest album below.

Album Review: Jesse Payne - Nesting

On his fourth album, Nesting, Jesse Payne sounds like he wants to cozy up to and spend a little one-on-one time with his listeners.

Nesting is full of warm and gentle rock often composed of several layers. Multiple vocal lines intertwine frequently and give the songs a rich sound.

The vocals are used in an instrumental fashion and blended into the mix thus the lyrics take a backseat. Half of them are difficult to decipher.

Holiday mp3s: Best Coast & Wavves, Crystal Antlers, Guster & more

Here's a boatload of free holiday songs bundled together in a digital album called The Christmas Gig. The music is from Target of all places and includes some groovy little tunes from Crystal Antlers, Guster, Coconut Records, a collaboration between Best Coast and Wavves and more. Check out the full track list below.

You may have heard clips of a few of these songs in Target's holiday commercials that are currently airing all over the place. Go HERE to download the album which is totally free. You don't even have to fork over your email address which is a bit surprising. Enjoy.

James and Ben Taylor announce 2011 dates, coming to Raleigh

One of North Carolina's most well-known exports, Mr. James Taylor, is preparing to the hit the road in 2011 with his son and songwriter Ben Taylor by his side.

Taylor has played much bigger venues in the Triangle in the past, but this time he'll be playing the just over 2,200 to 2,300 seat Memorial Auditorium in Raleigh. The show will be on Saturday, March 26. Tickets go on sale on Friday, December 10 at 10 a.m. via the venue box office or Ticketmaster for $77.40 to $98. A pre-sale begins on JamesTaylor.com on Monday, December 6 at 11 a.m.

He won't be playing this at the show in March, but 'tis the season, so stream the song "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" below which is from his 2006 holiday album James Taylor at Christmas.

Album Review: Fran Healy - Wreckorder

Fran Healy is the principle songwriter of the Scottish band Travis, so it's no surprise that the songs his debut solo album sound as though they could have easily been included on a new album from the band.

The difference is the lack of the supporting players in Travis, notably the shimmering guitars Andy Dunlop, which leaves the arrangements on Wreckorder sparser, warmer and very moody.

Healy pulled some famous friends in to contribute to the album. "Sing Me To Sleep" is a stunning duet with Neko Case. The truly big guns come out on "As It Comes," which features a groovy bass line by none other than Sir Paul McCartney.

Wye Oak announce 2011 tour, coming back to Chapel Hill

Photo by Matthew Yake

The Baltimore duo Wye Oak seem to really love the Triangle, because they seem to pop up every three or four months in Chapel Hill or Carrboro. After hitting the road as the opening act for The Decemberists in February, the band will head out off a headlining tour.

They'll play Local 506 in Chapel Hill on Saturday, March 12. Fellow Baltimore band Lower Dens will open the show. Tickets are available now via etix for $8.

Wye Oak's latest release is the EP My Neighbor / My Creator, released earlier this year. When the band opened for Lou Barlow at the Cat's Cradle, they played some new songs from their forthcoming album which will hopefully see the light of day sometime in 2011. Check out a review and photos from that show here.

Arcade Fire (and Merge) pick up three Grammy nominations

The 2011 Grammy nominees were announced on Wednesday night and it ended up being a good night for the Arcade Fire, and in turn, Merge Records.

Arcade Fire picked up their third consecutive nomination for Best Alternative Album for The Suburbs. They were nominated for the same award in 2005 and 2008 for Funeral and Neon Bible. This year, they'll be up against Band of Horses, The Black Keys, Broken Bells and Vampire Weekend.

The band picked up one of the big nominations this year as well. The Suburbs is nominated for Album of the Year up against pop chart mainstays Eminem, Lady Antebellum, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry.

December line-up of Local Band Local Beer at Tir Na Nog

It's the final month of Local Band Local Beer shows at Tir Na Nog in 2010, and things are going to get starting with a band.

On Thursday, December 2, Annuals and The Light Pines will play the free show at the downtown Raleigh club. Raleigh Denim will also be on hand, giving away a few pairs of their designer jeans. What more incentive do you need to go to a free show?

None of the other December Local Band Local Beer shows have been announced yet which is odd. Stay tuned, because we'll update this post once the rest of the schedule is available. We'll post notices of updates via our Twitter account.

Rooney announces tour with Eisley, coming to Carrboro

Good time, California pop band Rooney are gearing up for a run of dates in early 2011 to support their latest album Eureka and will be bringing the Texas family pop band Eisley along for the trip.

The tour will stop at the Cat's Cradle in Carrboro on Saturday, February 19. Tickets for the show go on sale on Friday, December 3 via etix for $15.

Eureka is Rooney's first album since parting ways Geffen Records. Check out the feel good, roller skating music video for the song "I Can't Get Enough" below. If you're allergic to sugary pop, you've been warned.

Win tickets to "Stroke It, Noel" Big Star tribute at Cat's Cradle

There's no doubt that next week's two-night tribute to Big Star at Cat's Cradle featuring members of R.E.M., Big Star, The Love Language, Lost in the Trees and the NC Symphony at Cat's Cradle will be epic, and we're excited to have two pairs of tickets Thursday night's show to give away.

To win, email trianglemusicblog at gmail dot com with "Big Star tickets" in the subject line no later than noon on Friday, Dec. 3. We will randomly draw two winners and notify them that afternoon. One entry per person. Please no duplicate entries with different email accounts.

The show, dubbed Stroke It, Noel, is a fully-orchestrated performance of Big Star's third album, Sister Lovers. For more information, visit bigstarthird.com.

The show will take place on Thursday, Dec. 9, and Friday, Dec. 10. Tickets to the show are $17 in advance via etix and $20 day of show.
[Buy Thursday tickets]
[Buy Friday tickets]

Steve Martin coming to Durham with Steep Canyon Rangers

One of the funniest guys around, who happens to be a hell of a banjo player, yes, Steve Martin, will be bringing his multitude of skills to the Triangle in March.

He'll perform at the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) on Saturday, May 21 with North Carolina bluegrass quintet Steep Canyon Rangers. Tickets for the show will go on sale on Friday, December 10 at 10 a.m. and will start at $42.

Martin and Steep Canyon Rangers have performed together quite a few times before, including television appearances on Letterman and The View. Check out their performance of "Jubilation Day" from The View below. Steve Martin's

The dB's added to Trekky's Christmas at the Cradle

Local jangle pop icons The dB's, featuring Chris Stamey and Peter Holsapple for those who don't know, have just been added to Trekky Records annual Christmas at the Cradle show. Stamey was already on the bill, but that has now evolved to include the band. So if you needed more incentive to go, this is it.

The event is on Thursday, December 16 at the Cat's Cradle and tickets are available now via etix for $8. Other performers include The Old Ceremony, Phil Cook and His Feat, Filthybird and more. Check out more previously announced details of the show here.

Check out photos of The dB's performing at the UNC early vote rally in 2008 here.

Rush extend Time Machine Tour into spring, coming to Greensboro

The frantic, sometimes otherworldly trio Rush are continuing their successful Time Machine tour into 2011 and will be making a stop in the Triad (which has been grabbing quite a few big shows lately).

The second stop on the new leg of the tour will be at the Greensboro Coliseum on Friday, April 1 (see UPDATE below). Tickets for the show will go on sale on Saturday, December 11 at 10 a.m. via the box office and Ticketmaster.

[UPDATE: The Greensboro show has been pushed back to Saturday, April 2 due to "unforeseen circumstances." All tickets will be honored for the new date, but refunds are available at the point of purchase for those who want one.]

Lissie announces winter tour, coming to Carrboro

Photo by Andrew Calder

Soulful songstress Lissie has is gearing up for a winter tour in support of her excellent debut album Catching a Tiger (check out a review here).

The tour will bring Lissie to the Cat's Cradle in Carrboro on Tuesday, February 1. Tickets will be $12 in advance and go on sale on Friday, December 3 via etix.

Check out a video of a phenomenal performance of the song "In Sleep" from Catching a Tiger below as well as Lissie's cover of "Bad Romance" that put's Lady Gaga's to bed.

Loretta Lynn announces 2011 tour, coming to Greensboro

Country legend Loretta Lynn will be playing occasional dates in 2011 and will be heading to the Triad in February.

She'll play the War Memorial Auditorium in Greensboro on Sunday, February 27. Tickets info is not available yet, but we'll keep you posted.

[UPDATE: Greensboro tickets will go on sale Friday, December 10 at 10 a.m. for $53.90 or $64.70 via the box office or Ticketmaster.]

She will also play Ovens Auditorium in Charlotte on Saturday, February 26. Tickets for that show will go on sale on Friday, December 10 at 10 a.m. for $53.45 to $64.75 via the box office or Ticketmaster.