Videos of Red Collar and IWTDI

Saturday was only the second time I've seen Red Collar. And like the first time I saw them, I was amazed by their energy. And I do mean ENERGY. Anthemic, fist-pumping, "we're going to rise ABOVE" energy. The crowd at Tir na Nog ate it up. I halfway expected them to march out the door and start protesting something. I don't know what they'd protest, but it doesn't really matter. Oh, and I'm listening to 'Pilgrim' right now, thanks to music.mync.com. (IWTDI) I Was Totally Destroying It were one of the opening bands, and as always, I am stunned that they aren't the biggest band in the entire world.

This week's cool shows: Rollergirls afterparty at Tir na Nog!

(Red Collar) Lots of great shows this week, including Man Will Destroy Himself Friday at Slim's, Tooth, The Curtains of Night, Grappling Hook, The Claw at Duke Coffeehouse (also Friday) and Bugfest with The Rosebuds (who play at 4:30 p.m.) at the N.C. Museum of Natural Science on Saturday. But the can't-miss show of the weekend is the Carolina Rollergirls after party with Red Collar, I Was Totally Destroying It,The Demon Beat and Pink Flag. The after party is part of the Wicked Wheels of the East roller derby eastern regional championships, which pits the Carolina team against some of the best skaters in the nation.

A couple of updates

First, if you (like moi) missed the xxMerge fest, you can see live performances from the fest at converse.com. Superchunk's "Crossed Wires" is the first in the video series.

Secondly, if you (again, like moi) have been disappointed in the Downtown Live pickins, take this survey and let the Downtown Live folks know who you want to have them book for next year. There are some really good choices on the list including Silversun Pickups. And I'm not ashamed to admit I'd go see The Nuge. There are also a whole lot of bands on here that I have NO CLUE who they are. Halestorm? Cavo? No clue. And I think I know a good bit about music. Unless you want to see one of these bands booked next year, go ahead and take the survey.

Avetts to release video series

Avett Brothers fans have a special treat coming Tuesday. According to a release:

You all have been asking about the video footage from our Bojangles North Carolina show...
and we are now ready to roll it out, in a very special way.

We have for you 13 video pieces, each dedicated to a song off our new album, which we will be giving to you one chapter at a time.

Check our website for all the details, including information on Tuesday's premiere of Chapter 1!


Why is this suddenly making me think of "Trapped in the Closet"?

Quick updates!

Had a blast in Montreal, and even managed to see a little bit of the Pop Montreal Festival, though honestly I spent most of my time eating delicious food and sightseeing. I got video of Montreal's Jain Vain & the Dark Matter, who I liked quite a bit. I love how the Montreal hipsters are sitting politely and eating ice cream.



On the local news front, I just published an interview with my old pal Snüzz, an amazing musician who is dealing with lymphoma. His friends are holding a benefit for him (he's uninsured) on Monday at Local 506. There are also details about a benefit for Raleigh musician Tom Cushman. Both of these are going to be great events.