Mitch Easter, LiLa, Bustello & more to play Music For Fences 2011

With August here, that means the annual Music For Fences benefit show is quickly approaching in Durham.

For those who don't know, the annual event in Durham's Central Park is a concert to benefit to Coalition to Unchain Dogs, which provides free fencing and spaying and neutering of dogs so they can run free as opposed to being tied up. Superchunk and the Mountain Goats headlined in 2009 and 2010.

This year's event will be on Saturday, August 27 and will feature headliner The Mitch Easter Sound as well as LiLa, Bustello, Billy Sugarfix's Carousel and Johnny Paul Johnson. Advance tickets are on sale now HERE for $12.

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.

Big Alex Chilton tribute show to happen at Cat's Cradle

The passing of songwriting icon Alex Chilton last month dealt a blow to a great number of musicians who were deeply influenced by his music. On Friday, May 28 at the Cat's Cradle, an impressive line-up of local musicians will gather to celebrate Chilton's music for a night dubbed "Thank You, Friend: A Tribute to Alex Chilton."

Among the performers are Greg and Ann Humphreys, Tom Maxwell (of Squirrel Nut Zippers), John Howie, Jr. Stu McLamb and Missy Thangs (of the Love Language), Mitch Easter and the Able Hands and many more. Check out the full list below.

Tickets info is not available yet, but we'll keep you posted (be sure to follow us on Twitter for updates).

Violet Vector & Mitch Easter rock Tir Na Nog

Despite the cold, rainy and downright miserable weather Thursday night, a good crowd turned to see Violet Vector and the Lovely Lovelies and Mitch Easter at Tir Na Nog. The Catch Fire was also scheduled to play, but they had to cancel. Karen Mann says the guitarist contracted H1N1. Yikes.

Unfortunately, I only caught the last few songs of Mitch Easter's set, but what I caught was sensational. It was just straight up jangly, loud rock and roll. Next time Easter is playing, I'll be early.

Photos: Ivan Howard, Superchunk, The dBs @ UNC early vote rally

Here's the last set of photos from Saturday's early vote rally for Barack Obama at UNC. Included here are photos of Ivan Howard and his NC choir featuring members of Bowerbirds and Megafaun, Superchunk and The dB's featuring Mitch Easter on bass.

[all photos by Kevin Norris]

Ivan Howard set list:
In the Backyard
Get Up Get Out
Boxcar
Life Like
Blue Bird
Nice Fox

Ivan Howard and friends


Superchunk set list:
1,000 Pounds
I Guess I Remembered It Wrong
Cursed Mirror
Detroit Has a Skyline
Throwing Things

Superchunk


The dB's set list (may be a little out of order):
Big Brown Eyes
Dear Valentine
Amplifier
Shapes of Things (The Yardbirds)
Send Me Something Real
V.O.T.E (Public Service Announcement)
That Time Is Gone
Clever
Neverland
Ask For Jill
Excitement

The dB's