All-star lineup to bring Big Star's 'Third' back to the Cradle

Photo by Kevin Norris

Back in 2010 Chris Stamey set out on an ambitious mission to bring Big Star's experimental and incredibly influential album Third to life at the Cat's Cradle with an all-star band and an orchestra. Those lucky enough to witness the shows at the Cradle or the few that happened elsewhere were treated to a truly special evening of music (see a review and photos of the debut night at the Cat's Cradle HERE).

Those who missed out will have another chance next month with an added bonus. This time, Stamey and friends will also perform Big Star's first album, #1 Record, in its entirety. The event is part of the Southern Folklife Festival, which celebrates 25 years of the Southern Folklife Collection at UNC.

Veteran North Carolina bands team up for two-day cancer patient benefit

This August in Carrboro, ten North Carolina bands will team up for a special two-day festival at the Cat's Cradle dubbed Be Loud! The event will benefit the Be Loud! Sophie Foundation that supports adolescent and young cancer patients and their families at UNC Hospital.

The event will take place on August 8 and 9. The August 8 lineup will feature The Pressure Boys, The Connells and the Dex Romweber Duo. The August 9 show will feature The Pressure Boys, Let's Active and A Number of Things. There will also be a daytime festival on August 9 featuring Tom Maxwell, Cheryl Parker's 116th Dream, Sacrificial Poets, Cosmic Punk and Community Chorus. They daytime event will feature multiple stages and food trucks.

The Connells, The Love Language, Marcy Playground & more to play tornado benefit

This morning, Raleigh mayor Charles Meeker announced a big concert to benefit the victims of the tornadoes that hit the Triangle in April called Rise Up Raleigh. The concert will happen on Friday, June 3 at the Raleigh Amphitheater and will feature headliners The Connells, The Love Language and Marcy Playground.

Also on the bill is The Small Ponds, Kooley High, Young Cardinals, Aunt Martha, Motor Skills and Red Sonja Band. The show is free and no tickets are required. Donations are being accepted through via the United Way and will be given to Salvation Army of Wake County, Centro International de Raleigh, the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle and the Helping Hand Mission.

The music will start at 5 p.m. and keep rolling until 11 p.m. Check out the stage schedule below.

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.

Connells, Violet Vector, Huguenots play Planet Earth Celebration

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh are gearing up for a big party to precede Earth Day dubbed Planet Earth Celebration. The event will take place on April 18 and will feature some great local bands. The Connells, Violet Vector and the Lovely Lovelies, The Huguenots and Razpa are all scheduled to play. The event is free and will take place Bicentennial Plaza in downtown Raleigh.

There will be events throughout the day for all ages. Check out more information on the event at planetearthcelebration.com.