Figure four is half of eight

(Lonnie Walker) Friday I headed over to Local 506 for the Great 8 showcase, which actually only showcased four of the bands. And since David Menconi always makes a point of including a diverse group in each Great 8, it was a fairly diverse -- though still pop-heavy -- show. Americana-rockers Lonnie Walker were playing when we got there, and I was immediately sorry we hadn't gotten there sooner. I've been hearing their name here and there, but so far hadn't checked them out. At least I don't think I've checked them out. For some reason I want to say I HAVE seen them before, but I just can't remember where and when. Regardless, I liked them quite a bit and will make an effort to check them out again, which shouldn't be difficult since they play in Raleigh fairly often. Next up were Violet Vector & the Lovely Lovelies, another band I hadn't seen, but at least I was familiar with their music. if there's any word that perfectly describes VV, it's perky. There's a trio of cute, smiling girls (plus two dudes), all wearing vintage '60s frocks, singing with child-like glee and playing sweet bubblegum pop. The crowd ate it up. But not everyone was impressed by Violet Vector(and I admit, a little of it goes a long way with me too): My companion hated every single thing about them, from the vocals to the flute to the drummer's Ringo-like head toss. "If I do go to Hell, this is what they'll be playing," she said, crossly. She was much more impressed by Double Negative, whose set was like chugging a bottle of rubbing alcohol after Violet Vector's cotton candy. Seriously, it was one of the weirder transitions I've ever seen. The crowd, including some suit-and-tie wearing dudes who had been getting down during VV, mostly retreated to the bar, leaving a core of about 15 really die-hard Double Negative fans at the front. Much to the band's credit, they put on a really blistering set anyway. The final band was Hammer No More the Fingers, who are going to be world famous pretty soon. I'm already getting pitches from publicists about them, which is pretty weird. It's always weird having someone from New York e-mail me to try and get me to write about a local band. They also put on a good show, but as of yet, I don't have permission to post their video. I'll do so as soon as I hear back from them. . 

(Violet Vector & the Lovely Lovelies) 

  . 

(Hammer No More the Fingers)

  . 

(Double Negative)

  . 

(Lonnie Walker)

A couple of non-Raleigh bands for a change

Hammer No More the Fingers from Mann's World on Vimeo.

The thing I love about Tir na nOg's Thursday Local Band Local Beer series (other than the free music and beer samples) is that it takes a bit of a risk and features bands from Chapel Hill and Durham. Thursday, I caught Durham's Hammer No More the Fingers (above), and Chapel Hill's I Was Totally Destroying It (below).

I Was Totally Destroying It from Mann's World on Vimeo.

Last night I went down to Slim's to see Sir Arthur & the Royal Knights and Rocket Cottage, but since it's a work weekend for me, I had to take off before the bands got started. I do have two late-breaking shows to tell you about for tonight.

1. Shake It Like a Caveman is playing tonight at Double Down, a club that's quickly becoming the only reason to go to Glenwood South.

2. Billy Warden & the Floating Children are reuniting this afternoon for the Goodbye Schoolkids bash over in Chapel Hill. Here are the details sent out earlier today by Cat's Cradle:

Hi Catlist... it's thecat here,
with some late breaking Cradle news!

Just wanted to let everyone know about an exciting addition to our
"So Long Schoolkids Records" show that's
taking place tomorrow, Saturday April 5th.

That will be a very special reunion performance
by Billy Warden And The Floating Children,
the band which actually played the very first
"in store" show at the last Schoolkids location
on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill!

------------------------------------------------

Here is the updated schedule for Saturday's FREE show
( donations are strongly encouraged, with all going to benefit the
Orange Co. Elementary Music Program) :


Doors open at 4:30

5:00-5:30 Billy Warden And the Floating Children
5:45-6:15 Hammer No More the Fingers
6:30-7:00 The Heist & the Accomplice
7:15-7:45 Wil Donegan & the Apologies
8:00-8:30 Michael Rank & Mark E. Smith ( from Snatches Of Pink)
8:45-9:15 North Elementary
9:30-10:00 Schooner
10:15-11:00 Watch second half of Final Four
game at the bar or on the screen.
11:00-11:30 Ben Davis & the Jetts
11:30-on: celebration and rehash of Tar Heel victory



In order to fit in all the acts that have stepped up to Rock one
last time for Schoolkids and for the Orange County Elementary
Music Program, AND give everyone who cares a chance to
watch the Final Four UNC-Kansas game, as you can see we have arranged
an elaborate schedule for the show, and an equally elaborate
video setup to project the game near our stage, as it happens!
We will also have the big screen TV on in the bar area.

EVERYONE who can should do their best to show up early for Billy
and the FLoating Children at 5 PM, this will be a performance not to be
missed!!

And bring an extra 10-spot to drop in the
donation basket, to help make sure kids in the local schools
keep their musical education coming.


ALSO don't forget tonight's show at Cat's Cradle with the
great Gary Louris from the Jayhawks, and opener Vetiver.

Thanks--
hope to see you all this weekend!

-thecat


Finally, it looks like there's a new music blog in the area. Audio Jacket has just started with a nice review of Thursday's Red Collar show.