Thursday, June 03, 2010

This week's cool shows: Raleigh Amphitheatre opens!


Sorry, but I am not going to call that thing the Bud Light Amphitheatre, just like I've never called Walnut Creek anything but that. I do admit to using RBC Center. Not sure why that one doesn't offend me. Anyway, we can all rejoice that the Backstreet Boys will NOT go down in history as the first band to headline the new downtown venue, which opens this Friday with a big, gala concert. That honor will go to Raleigh's own Connells (above), who, as true local legends, probably deserve this honor more than anyone. Small Ponds and I Was Totally Destroying It are also among the bands listed for this show. Get the full line-up at New Raleigh, and read Grayson's article about why the Triangle still doesn't have a decent amphitheatre.

Since this show is happening on a First Friday, I can guarantee that downtown Raleigh will be a madhouse. If you are up for braving the crowds afterward, be sure to catch Red Collar and the Loners at Tir na Nog. Blag'ard and The Last Tallboy are at Slim's. If you prefer metal, Here Lies ... is right around the block at the Berkeley Cafe, and for bluegrass there's Swift Creek Revival and Old Habits at The Pour House. Seriously, you've really got no excuse not to see some great live music in Raleigh this Friday night.

Also this week: The Misbehaved Fest with Beloved Binge, Scientific Superstar and more is at Pinhook on Saturday; the Michael Gardner Benefit for Parkinson's Disease with Nantucket, PKM and Sidewinder at at the Lincoln on Sunday; and Lonnie Walker and Mount Moriah play an early show (6:30 p.m.) at Duke Gardens next Wednesday, June 9.

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