Tift Merritt, Megafaun & Mandolin Orange to play free show in Carrboro

Three of the Triangle's favorite artists, Tift Merritt, Megafaun, and Mandolin Orange are teaming up for a free show this fall that will certainly be the talk of the town.

The three acts will play Carrboro Town Commons from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, September 21. Tickets are free with a voucher which you'll be able to get at the Cat's Cradle as well as other local businesses starting on Monday, August 6.

[UPDATE: Tickets are available for free starting on Monday, August 6 at CD Alley, Schoolkids Records, Jesse's Coffee & Bar and the Cat's Cradle. They will also be available via Etix.] 

The show is presented by Cat's Cradle and the Town of Carrboro.

Seven local acts to open downtown amphitheater with free show

Moving past the controversy surrounding the naming rights of the new downtown Raleigh amphitheater, today, the city announced the line-up for a big grand opening event at the venue. On Friday, June 4, there will be a free show featuring seven local artists.

Doors are at 5 p.m. with the music starting at 5:20 p.m. featuring Th’ Bullfrog Willard McGhee, The Small Ponds, Sleep Control, Old Avenue, Mosadi, I Was Totally Destroying It and a headlining set by local favorites The Connells. Check out the schedule with individual set times below.

Duke Coffeehouse hosting reopening bash

Ditch the crowds at the State Fair this Saturday and head over to Duke Coffeehouse for a free event with something for everyone.

Duke Coffeehouse is celebrating some renovations with a reopening bash this Saturday starting at 2 p.m. Head on out for some quality free entertainment, including t-shirt making with the Scrap Exchange, music from WXDU DJs from 3-5 p.m. and live music from Lost in the Trees, The Beast, Stella by Starlight, Down River and Panda Force from 2-7.

Check out the Coffeehouse schedule for more great shows throughout the season. Personally, I'm excited for The Explorers Club and The Never on Nov. 7.

James Taylor to span state for Obama

James Taylor's bringing it home — literally — to encourage North Carolina voters to go the polls for Barack Obama on November 4.

The crooner will swing through the state, from Asheville to Wilmington, in a series of free concerts next week, confirms the N&O's David Menconi.

Taylor will stop in Raleigh on Tuesday, Oct. 21, with whispers putting him at Moore Square around noon. We'll bring you details on exact times, locations and any ticket info as we get them, but Obama's NC home page is usually a good place to check for event tickets.

Confirmed! Superchunk and Arcade Fire to rally for Obama in Carrboro

Merge Records has confirmed that Arcade Fire and Superchunk will indeed play at a rally for Barack Obama on May 2 in Carrboro's town commons.

They will also play in Greensboro on May 1 in the Greensboro Coliseum parking lot.

Gates for both events open at 1 p.m. and the event will start at 2 p.m.

Tickets are required, as for all Obama events, but they're free.

Tickets will be available at various locations around the Triangle and the Triad. More information is available here.

See you at the show!

Lifehouse to play free show this weekend

While I am in no way a fan of the band I am about to mention, I feel it is my duty to inform people of free shows in the area, so here it goes.

Lifehouse will perform a half hour set at the lighting ceremony for NBC 17's Tree of Lights this Saturday, Nov. 17, at the Streets of Southpoint. The show will take place at 6:45 p.m. and the lighting will occur around 8:50. The tree is located in front of the movie theatre and Urban Outfitters.

You can even enter for a chance to meet Lifehouse by visitin the NBC 17 tree blog.

The lighting will be televised on NBC 17 from 7:30 to 9:30, but the concert will not be part of the broadcast.