Photos: Merge Records' Unbelievable Things art exhibit opens in Chapel Hill with Shark Quest

All photos by Kevin Norris

On Friday night an exhibit of artwork featured in Merge Records' releases over the label's 25 year history opened at the LIGHT Art+Design gallery in Chapel Hill. Local instrumental band Shark Quest was there to kick off the three week run.

Check out photos of Shark Quest's first set at the event on Friday as well as photos of small sampling of some the art on display below. Be sure to stop by the gallery to check out the exhibit before it ends. It will be on display through Saturday, August 9.

Merge Records to showcase album art with Chapel Hill exhibit

Continuing a big year of 25th anniversary festivities, Merge Records has announced a new exhibit showcasing original artwork featured on the label's many releases from the past 25 years dubbed Unbelievable Things: 25 Years of Art on Merge Records.

The exhibit will run from July 18 to August 9 at LIGHT Art + Design at 601 W. Rosemary Street in Chapel Hill, NC. It will feature art from albums by Superchunk, Lambchop, Arcade Fire, Spoon and more than 40 other bands.

An opening reception will be held on Friday, July 18 from 6 to 9 p.m. and will feature a performance by Shark Quest. It is a free event that is open to the public.

The Hopsoctch 2012 lineup is here with The Roots, Jesus & Mary Chain, Built To Spill & many more

One of the most anticipated annual local music announcements is the Hopscotch Music Festival lineup, and today is the day where we get to share it with you.

This year's lineup includes a whopping 175 acts. Influential rock bands The Jesus and Mary Chain and Built To Spill will play the City Plaza stage on Friday, September 7 and hip-hop superstars The Roots will headline on Saturday, September 8 with dance group Escort opening.

Other performers include Dan Deacon, The dB's, Deerhoof, Field Report, Hiss Golden Messenger, J. Roddy Walston & The Business, Lambchop, Liars, Mac McCaughan, Roman Candle, Samantha Crain, Shark Quest, Shovels & Rope, Thee Oh See, Versus, Wye Oak, Yo La Tengo and Zola Jesus. Check out the full lineup below.

Minus Sound Research hosting two-nights of music in Carrboro

The artist collective Minus Sound Research, started by local musicians Maria Albani and John Harrison, is celebrating their fifth anniversary this year and will be celebrating with a two-night concert in Carrboro.

The event will be held at the ArtsCenter. The line-up on Friday, Oct. 8 includes The Moaners, The Kingsbury Manx, Free Electric State and Birds & Arrows. The line-up on Saturday, Oct. 9 includes Americans in France, Shark Quest, North Elementary and Organos. Yes, you read correctly. The excellent Shark Quest will be making a rare live appearance.

Tickets for the event are available via etix. A two-night pass is just $13 or a single night ticket is $10.

Four local songwriters play 'Music on the Porch'

We've mentioned in recent Rosebuds posts that Ivan will be playing solo set at Love House on UNC's campus this Thursday and we now have more details on the show.

The event is called "Music on the Porch" and will feature four local songwriters including Ivan Howard of The Rosebuds, Sara Bell of Shark Quest and Regina Hexaphone, Michael Holland of the late Jennyanykind and Reid Johnson of Schooner. Each songwriter will play some songs and discuss how growing up in North Carolina has affected their music.

The event will take place this Thursday, September 25 from 4 to 6 PM. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. The Love House is at 410 East Franklin Street, at the corner of Battle and Franklin.

So don't miss these songwriters discussing their craft and growing up in North Carolina. It should be a fun and informative two hours.