Wale & Ace Hood to play UNC's homecoming concert

UNC has hosted some big concerts to celebrate homecoming in recent years including J. Cole, The New Pornographers and Passion Pit, and this year won't be any different.

On Saturday, November 2 the school will host hip hop stars Wale and Ace Hood at Carmichael Auditorium. Ticket information is not available yet but general public tickets are usually made available after students have been given first crack at them. Once we have more information we'll let you know.

Check out the music video for Wale's latest single "Poor Decisions" featuring Rick Ross and Lupe Fiasco from the forthcoming compilation Self Made Vol. 3 below.

The Dirty Projectors playing Chapel Hill this fall

After coming to the Triangle earlier this year to play the Red Hat Amphitheater supporting The National, indie favorites The Dirty Projectors will be coming back our way for a headlining show this fall.

They'll play Memorial Hall on UNC's campus on Saturday, October 5. Future Islands will open the show. Ticket information has not been made available yet, but typically students get first crack at tickets before it's opened up to the pubic. We'll keep you posted once we know more.

[Tickets for UNC students will go on sale on Tuesday, September 5 for $15 HERE. Tickets for UNC faculty and staff will be $20 and $35 for the general public but an on-sale date has not been announced and are on sale now.]

History of Merge Records documented in the Southern Folklife Collection

UNC's Southern Folklife Collection (SFC) announced yesterday that a collection of recordings and documents from Merge Records is now available.

The collection includes around 4,200 items from 1987 to 2012 with 800 audio recordings ranging from test pressings to commercially-released CDs. It also includes one bootleg recording of Superchunk at the Whiskey A Go Go in Los Angeles from 1992.

This collection does more than document Merge's record releases; it also will provide insight into how the label has been run. Researchers will have access to financial records, Merge's correspondence with band and marketing materials. Specifics of what is included in the library can be found on the SFC's website.

The collection was donated by Merge co-founders Laura Ballance and Mac McCaughan in June and December 2012.

J. Cole set to play UNC homecoming

Fayetteville-bred hip hop artist J. Cole is slated to play UNC's homecoming celebration this year, a departure from indie pop shows featuring The New Pornographers and Passion Pit in recent years.

J. Cole will play UNC's Carmichael Auditorium on Sunday, November 4. Tickets are currently on sale via the Carolina Union Box office in person or by calling 919-942-1449. Tickets are $15 for students and $30 for the general public.

Check out Cole's latest video for "Sideline Story" below.

Big Star's 'Third' to get a third performance in Chapel Hill

Appropriately enough given that the album is titled Third, the Chris Stamey led tribute to Big Star's album Third/Sister Lovers will get a third performance in Chapel Hill.

This performance won't be the same as the previous two shows at the Cat's Cradle. This will be a more stripped down, acoustic performance, featuring Chris Stamey and members of Lost in Trees, Old Ceremony, Birds & Arrows, The dBs, NC Symphony, Mayflies USA and the Tomahawks as well as guest vocalists Brett Harris, Sidney Dixon and Greg Humphreys.

The show is on Tuesday, February 15 at the Historic Playmakers Theatre in on the UNC campus. Tickets are $15 for the public and $8 or $10 for students. They're available now HERE.

OutKast's Big Boi rocks UNC's Memorial Hall

UNC students who couldn't make it to Moogfest last fall got another chance at seeing one of its headliners this week when rap superstar Big Boi stopped by for a performance. CUAB, the committee responsible for booking on-campus events, had another hit on their hands with Wednesday night's show. While Memorial Hall's formal air made it seem like an odd choice of venue, the show delighted students looking for a great time on a weeknight.

Wichita native XV opened the show, playing to a small but very enthusiastic crowd. Few seemed to know who he was, but none of them cared. His songs were pretty refreshing in comparison to most of the Top 40 hip-hop out there, with samples ranging from The Pixies ("Hey") to dialogue from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory ("Willy Wonkavator"). By the time Big Boi hit the stage, the theater was packed.

Passion Pit joins Campus Consciousness tour, coming to Chapel Hill

Massachusetts electro-pop quintet Passion Pit have just announced that they're joining the Campus Consciousness tour in October. The tour is half concert and half environmental campaign with the goal of teaching students and others about environmental issues.

The tour will be making two North Carolina stops, one of which is at the Carmichael Auditorium at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill on Friday, Oct. 29. The show will also double as UNC's homecoming celebration.

Tickets for the show are available to students now for $10 or $15, depending on the seats, at the Carolina Union box office. Tickets for the public and UNC faculty and staff will be available on Tuesday, Oct. 5 at the box office and will be $25 for the public and $15 for faculty and staff.

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

Photos: I Was Totally Destroying It, Megafaun, Billy Bragg @ UNC early vote rally

Here's the second set of photos from Saturday's early vote rally for Barack Obama at UNC. Included here are photos of I Was Totally Destroying It, Megafaun and Billy Bragg. There are still more photos to be posted later.

[all photos by Kevin Norris]

I Was Totally Destroying It


Megafaun


Billy Bragg

Photos: Portastatic, Regina Hexaphone, Bowerbirds at UNC early vote rally

Here's the first set of photos from Saturday's early vote rally for Barack Obama at UNC. Included here are photos of Portastatic, Regina Hexaphone and Bowerbirds. More photos will be posted later.

Portastatic set list:
Mr. Tambourine Man (Bob Dylan)
Song For a Clock
Think For Yourself (The Beatles) ???
Bobby Jean (Bruce Springsteen)
Noisy Night

[all photos by Kevin Norris]

Portastatic


Regina Hexaphone


Bowerbirds

Billy Bragg gets political at Vote For Change event

"This is a public service announcement from the rest of the world," Billy Bragg said, opening his brief but extraordinary set at Saturday's NC Rocks for Change event. "Please don't send us another asshole."

Bragg played along with a who's who of great local acts, including Portastatic, Superchunk, the dB's, Megafaun, Ivan "Rosebud" Howard, Bowerbirds, Regina Hexaphone, Greg Humphries and I Was Totally Destroying It.

Though the day was filled with great music, it's the thoughts that Bragg shared that have stuck with me the most even days later. While his commentary was spattered with jokes, Bragg also spoke about what this election means not just for the United States but the rest of the world, remarking that there is a "world of possibility" if Obama wins tomorrow — but that's where the hard work begins, also warning that as president, there would likely come a time where Obama let even his biggest supporters down. "That is not the time to give up," Bragg said. "That's the time to get on their asses."

dBs, Superchunk, Ivan Howard and more to rally for Obama

Merge Records announced today that there will two shows in North Carolina before election day to rally support for Barack Obama. The first show is in Asheville at the Grey Eagle on October 28 and the second is in Chapel Hill at Graham Terrace at UNC on November 1.

The schedule for both shows is like a "who's who" of North Carolina bands including Tift Merritt, Superchunk, Bowerbirds, Ivan Howard (of The Rosebuds), The dBs, Megafaun and many more. Check out the full list below. It should be an awesome time.

The Chapel Hill show will mark the second time that Superchunk has rallied for Obama. The first time was during the primary with Arcade Fire. Check out the review and photos from that show.

Asheville tickets are available starting at 10AM on October 23 UNC-Asheville's Zeis Hall. You get a ticket when you early vote and they'll be given away until they're gone. The show at Grey Eagle starts at 8PM.

The Chapel Hill show is outside at Graham Terrace (adjacent to the Morehead Planetarium early voting site) and there are no tickets. The show at UNC will start at 9AM and run to 1PM.

Asheville, October 28 line-up:
The Reigning Sound
Tift Merritt
Chris Stamey (dBs)
Portastatic
Greg Humphreys (of Hobex)
Electric Owls (ex Comas)

Chapel Hill, November 1 line-up:
The dBs
Superchunk (acoustic)
Ivan Rosebud
Megafaun
I Was Totally Destroying It
Bowerbirds
Greg Humphreys
Regina Hexaphone
Portastatic

James Taylor stumps for Obama at UNC

I think I've been to enough campaign events for Barack Obama at this point that I can confidently say when they have an event, they do it right. Last night's James Taylor concert at UNC's Fetzer Field was no exception.

"It's really time for us to get back to work," Taylor told the crowd of several thousand. "I am proud to be among you as a member of your community in supporting Barack Obama."

Taylor urged everyone in attendance to take advantage of early voting across the Triangle to keep lines down on Nov. 4 so people don't get discouraged and go home without casting their ballot. He challenged everyone to find a friend and make them early vote. "Corral 'em. Put a gunny sack around their waist," he said.

If you've never seen James Taylor perform, and I hadn't, you really should go next time he's in town. Not just for his performing ("He sounds just like on his albums!," I heard one student incredulously remark as concertgoers climbed the bleachers after the show.) but also for the comedy act that goes along with his songs.

It's no surprise that as a talented songwriter, Taylor would be a great storyteller too, but the guy is funny! Introducing his song "Sweet Baby James," he told the crowd, "This is a song I wrote driving to North Carolina—in 1903. ... I was abroad for a year—that never sounds right."

He talked about his years with Carole King before singing "You've Got a Friend," saying, "We were sharing a stage, we shared a band — we shared a toothbrush," adding that he'll never forget the first time he heard the song, at the Troubadour in Los Angeles. "Of course I didn't realize I'd be singing it every night for the rest of my life," he said.

When a woman in the bleachers yelled out "I love you!," Taylor replied "I love you too! I think it helps us not to know each other."

Before singing the song "Mexico," he commented "This is a song that usually has a lot of musicians on it. So you'll have to fill them in with your brains."

Not to undermine the cause of the event — to promote support for Barack Obama and Joe Biden — Taylor spoke often about his belief that Obama would bring the change our country needs. He spoke about the late former Gov. Terry Sanford and the creation of RTP, reflecting that he sees the same spirit today in his home state's support of Obama for president. A victory for Obama in North Carolina would mark the first time our state's gone blue since Jimmy Carter in 1976.

Set List:
America, the Beautiful
Something In the Way She Moves
Sweet Baby James
You've Got a Friend
Go Obama
Happy Birthday (to an 8-year-old)
Suzanne
Wichita Lineman
(I'm A) Road Runner
Fire and Rain
Carolina In My Mind
---
Mexico
You Can Close Your Eyes
Go Obama



[photos by Kevin Norris]

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.

Ben Folds Five reunion tickets sure to go fast

UPDATE: Tickets sold out in less than 3 minutes.

Update #2: Read this notice about student tickets.

With people just not across the country but around the world hoping to congregate in Chapel Hill on Sept. 18 for the Ben Folds Five reunion show, it's becoming painfully obvious that even those of us in the area may not be so lucky as to snag some oh-so-coveted tickets to this show.

Here's what we're dealing with, just to lay out the facts:

* Memorial Hall at UNC-Chapel Hill has a capacity of 1,434. A total of 630 tickets will be held for students. For reference, Ben Folds on his own packed Memorial Auditorium in Raleigh a couple years ago, which has a capacity of 2,277.

* Tickets will go on sale Monday, Sept. 8 at 10am (NOT noon, like reported elsewhere) via THREE outlets: the Memorial Hall box office for students (where they don't allow camping, so don't even try, but apparently don't enforce that rule ), etix.com and myspace.com/fronttoback (though it's unclear if that will just loop you back to eTix.) Tickets are $22 for students (limit 2, one OneCard per ticket) and $40 for the rest of us.

* Scalping is not cool. Just saying. They money forked over to a scalper won't benefit Operation Smile, which is the show's official beneficiary.

* The good news: If something goes wrong and eTix locks us all out, they're located in Morrisville so we won't have to travel far to picket their offices.

* If all else fails, the show will be recorded and rebroadcast on Myspace.com in October.

And with that — good luck!

Ben Folds Five to reunite in Chapel Hill

After last week's tease, it's been reported that Ben Folds Five — Ben Folds, Robert Sledge and Darren Jesse — will reunite on Thursday, Sept. 18 for a show at UNC's Memorial Hall for the group's first public appearance in a decade.

As if that weren't enough, benfolds.com is reporting that the trio will play The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner in its entirety.

Darren Jesse's band Hotel Lights will open the show. Hotel Lights new album Firecracker People was just released a few weeks ago.

Tickets for the general public are $40 and will go on sale Monday, Sept. 8 at 10 a.m. via etix. The show will be presented by MySpace Music. UNC student tickets will go on sale at the same time for $22 at the Memorial Hall box office. Tickets will have a policy of one ticket per One Card, two One Cards per student.

As someone who never had the opportunity to see the trio during their heyday, I'd just like to say: HELL YES.