Lonnie Walker, Mount Moriah rock Duke Gardens

The Music in the Gardens series at Duke seems to have the blessing of Mother Nature this year. Last night, there was another fair chance of storms headed our way, but they never materialized, leaving Lonnie Walker and Mount Moriah free to play sets in downright comfortable weather.

Mount Moriah got things started with a fantastic set of alt-country-tinged tunes. The beautiful melodies and lush music filled the gardens with great sounds. The band will release a new album with a release show at The Pinhook in Durham on July 31 and said that they're already in the process of working on another album. You want to see this band. Trust me.

The Love Language to open for Phoenix in Cary, Charlotte

Talk about last minute. The Phoenix show tomorrow night (June 11) in Cary at Booth Amphitheatre has been without an opener, until now. Local hot shots The Love Language will open the show as well as the show in Charlotte the following night (June 12) at the Uptown Amphitheatre (now dubbed Road Runner Mobile Amphitheatre, yeesh).

When the Cary show was first announced February, Twin Door Cinema Club were slated to open the show, but their name quickly disappeared. I think you're getting a great deal with The Love Language though.

Stream The Love Language's new album Libraries here.

Laura Veirs, The Watson Twins announce tour, coming to Chapel Hill

Singer songwriter Laura Veirs is gearing up for a new round of North American dates in the fall supporting her latest album July Flame, released in January. She'll bring along her band The Hall of Flames as well as The Watson Twins and Led To Sea to open each show.

The tour will stop at Local 506 in Chapel Hill on Saturday, September 18. Tickets for the show are on sale now for $10 via etix.

Download the song "Wide-Eyed, Legless" from July Flame below and watch a video of The Watson Twins performing the song "Devil In You" from their latest album Talking to You, Talking to Me.

Billy Bragg announces fall tour, coming to Carrboro

Amazing songwriter and activist Billy Bragg seems to be gearing up to hit the road in North America this fall and is coming our way. A few dates have surfaced, one of which is at the Cat's Cradle in Carrboro on Saturday, September 18. Tickets for the show go on sale on Friday, June 11 via etix for $25. Darren Hanlon is slated to open the show.

Bragg was last in the Triangle to play the Page Auditorium in Durham on November 1, 2008 and stopped by the Vote For Change event in Chapel Hill earlier in the day for a short set. Check out photos from that event here and a review here.

Check out Billy Bragg's North American tour schedule below.

Lou Barlow releases new EP, tours with Wye Oak

Singer songwriter Lou Barlow has announced the release of a new 8-song EP with The Missingmen titled = Sentridoh III. The EP is described as "almost live" and features reworked versions of songs from Barlow's last few solo releases as well as a few new songs.

The EP is digital only, at least for now, and is available via the usual places. Download the song "Losercore" from the EP below.

On top of the new EP, Barlow has just announced a new batch of tour dates in August and September that will pair him with fellow Merge Records artist Wye Oak. The pair will play the Cat's Cradle on Thursday, August 19. Tickets for the show are on sale now via etix for $12.