Durham History Hub and County Library Celebrate Soul, Funk and R&B Music

Durham's rich musical heritage will be on display Friday, August 15 from 6-8 PM at the Museum of Durham History's History Hub.

Soul Souvenirs: Durham’s Musical Memories of the 1960s and 1970s is a no-charge celebration of Durham’s rich heritage of soul, funk and R&B music and it is open to the public.

The celebration hosted by the Museum of Durham History and the Durham County Library will feature a little wine, a few munchies and some memorable music by Johnny White and the Elite Band. The legendary group performs from 6pm-6:30pm and from 7:30pm-8pm. Between sets is a panel discussion by three soul and funk musicians from the 70s: Charles Bailey (the Black Experience Band), Vernelle Mack (Positive Approach, The Essence of Truth) and Stanley Saunders (Duralcha, Family Sircle).

The visual and audio display at the Hub touches upon the origins, influences, politics, history, venues, businesses, media, music and musicians of the 1960s and 1970s in Durham. Those featured include Nick Allen, Johnny White, John Snells, the Black Experience Band, Blue Steam, the Communicators, Duralcha, the Modulations, NCCU, Risse, and more.

Sylvan Esso Makes NPR 25 Favorites

From musical roots in the blues to being home of one of indie rock's biggest labels, Durham is yet again piercing the national and international consciousness with a new act - Sylvan Esso.  The duo, proudly calling Durham home, is getting play around the world, and accolades to boot.

Today, National Public Radio named the band's eponymous release to NPR Music's 25 Favorite Albums of 2014 (So Far), and featured the band earlier in the year with a review, and a post which calls "Coffee," the song that has gotten so much play and attention, "one of the year's best." Listen to it and watch the video, part of which was shot in Durham, here.

There are always fresh and exciting experiences to have in Durham. Stay up to date on all of them with the Durham Event Calendar, and plan a trip to Durham online.

Band Finds Home In Durham, Makes It Big

Durham has long been known as a hotspot for music, serving as the home of Merge Records, Branford Marsalis, and Pastor Shirley Caeser, among others. It has now added another act to its list of nationally acclaimed musicians: Sylvan Esso.

Photo by D.L. Anderson/used with permission of Tell All Your Friends PR

The band, a duo consisting of Nick Sanborn and Amelia Meath, makes electronic pop that also, somehow, draws from Meath’s folk roots. It is a unique sound from two artists who’ve found a home in Durham.

The Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau interviewed Sanborn for a profile of the band’s budding career – check it out on DCVB’s website.

North Carolina Central University and Art of Cool Partner to Launch Jazz Festival

Art of Cool and North Carolina Central University’sjazz studies program are partnering in April 2014 to bring a world-class jazz festival to downtown Durham. The jazz presentations scheduled for the 24th Annual NCCU Jazz Festival will be presented during April 25-26, 2014 as part of the Art of Cool Music Festival. This is a departure from the last few years of the NCCU festival which is usually held solely on the campus of NCCU at B.N. Duke Auditorium.

This community-building partnership will raise awareness of the NCCU jazz studies program during the festival as student and faculty big bands and combos will perform at various festival venues as well as the headliners scheduled for the NCCU jazz festival will now be added to the AOC festival lineup.

Under the leadership of Dr. Ira Wiggins, NCCU initiated the NCCU Jazz Festival in 1990 to expose the campus and the Durham community to America’s first indigenous art form, jazz. This mission is now extended beyond the campus as the partnership is formed.

"The North Carolina Central University Jazz Studies Program is delighted to partner with the Art of The Cool Project as a part of the 1st Annual Art of The Cool Jazz Festival in conjunction with the 24th Annual NCCU Jazz Festival," says Dr. Ira Wiggins, Associate Professor, Director of Jazz Studies. Currently, AOC is running a Kickstarter campaign to raise additional funds for the 2014 festival.

The goal of the Kickstarter campaign is to raise at least $25,000 at our weekly events through August 5th. Kickstarter perk levels range from $5 as the minimum with a free music download to $1000 for a VIP experience and box seats at The Carolina Theatre during the 2014 festival. The 2014 Art of Cool Festival is sponsored by American Tobacco.

Dedicated to increasing the visibility of the local vibrant, varied and surprisingly under-appreciated jazz and live music scene, Art of Cool is a unique collaboration between the jazz and art communities to bring both creative mediums to supporters in an intimate concert setting. The live jazz performances showcase and stimulate the forward-focused creative thought that is occurring on the local jazz scene. AOC has additional goals of solidifying the Triangle as a metropolitan area with a world-class defined jazz culture by bringing a Jazz Festival to Durham, as well as recognizing the need to keep jazz as part of America’s fabric by cultivating the genre in future generations. With its second year in existence, expect many exciting things to come from Art of Cool.

Art of Cool is a creative philanthropic project spearheaded by Cicely Mitchell and trumpeter and educator, Albert Strong IV of Al Strong Music Productions.

Learn more about great events in Durham with the Durham Event Calendar.

American Tobacco Concert Series Moves Location

You can't complain about a free concert in Durham, but American Tobacco is ensuring that visitors will have an even better time at this year's concert series.

American Tobacco’s wildly popular summer music festival is moving to Diamond View Park -- the bigger, even grass-ier expanse between DPAC and DBAP -- allowing more people to enjoy even more attractions.

Now known as Center Stage (previously On the Lawn), the five-event series will feature marque, family-friendly opening and headline bands as well as food trucks, a bounce house, a beer tent and more time to enjoy the fun -- two to three hours.

The high level of quality associated with American Tobacco concerts is guaranteed by the same partnership that’s worked together for years -- the campus’ events team and WUNC-FM’s Back Porch Music.

Signing on as Center Stage’s sponsors are Miller Lite, Yuengling, Leinenkugel’s, Samuel Adams, Railhouse Brewery, North Carolina Mutual Co., Hanging Rock Pure Play, YMCA and DPAC.

Stretching from Friday, May 17 to Friday, October 4, the free series will highlight top flight opening and headlining acts performing from 6-9pm:

• Friday, May 17, 6-9pm - Celtic traditionalists, Solas.
• Friday, June 7, 6-9pm - Dance party with Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band w/ Ironing Board Sam
• Thursday, July 4, 5-8pm - A special collaboration with the Art of Cool featuring The Beast + Big Band as well as DJ, Apple Juice Kid.  
• Friday, September 20, 6-9pm - Yep Roc Showcase: Dave Alvin and the Guilty Ones with Aoife O’Donovan
• Friday, October 4, 6-9pm - Special double bluegrass bill: 3rd Time Out and Mipso 

In addition to music, Center Stage will feature more attractions than American Tobacco has yet seen, including a beer tent, food trucks, a kids’ bounce house and hula hoops, custom corn hole lanes, art and other vendors, plus tents devoted to Bull City Bucks, FOX 50 and WUNC.

“American Tobacco always seeks to raise the bar, and the move to Center Stage means we’ll have more room to deliver more of what has made our music series so popular,” says Michael Goodmon, vice president of real estate for Capitol Broadcasting Company, which owns ATC. “We are immensely grateful to the fans who’ve made our concerts such a success, and look forward to giving them an even bigger and better experience in 2013.”

For more information about events in Durham, visit the Durham Event Calendar.

A Cappella Superstars Straight No Chaser Coming to DPAC Nov 24

For those that like their drinks straight and their a capella with no chaser, DPAC has a treat in store.

A Cappella superstars Straight No Chaser will share their “influence” on their North American fall tour, making a stop at DPAC on November 24, 2013. Their new album, Under the Influence, features partnerships with some of pop’s all-time biggest stars from Stevie Wonder to Phil Collins and will drop on May 7.

Tickets go on sale Tuesday, April 30 at 4 p.m. Friends of DPAC members may place their orders on April 29. Joining Friends of DPAC is free, and you can register at online.

“We are extremely excited to be hosting Straight No Chaser after their brand new album that is being released in May,” says Rachel Gragg, Senior Director of Marketing for DPAC. “All this new music being performed at our venue is sure to make for a great night!”

Under the Influence sees the acclaimed a cappella group re-imagining a selection of their all time favorite songs alongside many of the superstar artists and undisputed music icons that made them famous.  Produced by Mark Kibble – a founding member of the legendary a cappella group Take 6 and one of Straight No Chaser’s primary influences – the album includes unprecedented collaborations with some of popular music’s best and brightest – including Phil Collins, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Dolly Parton, Rob Thomas, Seal, and Jason Mraz – as Straight No Chaser put their distinctive and inimitable spin on songs known and loved the world over.

Straight No Chaser is scheduled for a special appearance on Bravo’s “Watch What Happens Live” on the eve of their album release, Monday, May 6.   The following weekend, they will perform on the Mother’s Day installment of “Today: Weekend Edition” on Sunday, May 12.  To celebrate the album’s arrival on release day, Straight No Chaser will perform an exclusive set for fans and contest winners at the Southwest Airlines Porch at Bryant Park on Tuesday, May 7.  To conclude the release week, the group has scheduled a series of special release week concerts, kicking off May 9th at the State Theatre in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Complete details and ticket information for all SNC live events can be found on Youtube.

Under the Influence is heralded by the new single, “I Want You Back” featuring Sara Bareilles.  A companion video for the inventive take on the Jackson 5 classic – as well audio clips for an array of additional album tracks – are streaming now at the official Straight No Chaser YouTube channel.

The upcoming dates mark a milestone for Straight No Chaser as they feature the return of founding member Steve Morgan, who rejoins the group after the departure late last year of Ryan Ahlwardt.   Fans can meet the newest/oldest member of SNC at Straight No Chaser’s official YouTube channel.

For more great events in Durham, visit the Durham Event Calendar.

The Blue Note Grill Presents Sunday “Pignic” Music Series

There's a new time and location to listen to live music in Durham. The Blue Note Grill now features music on Sunday afternoons as part of their Sunday “Pignic” music series. There is no cover charge unless otherwise indicated.  The series will kick off Sunday, April 14 from 4-7 p.m. with the Tom Maxwell Trio with FJ Ventre and Clark Stern.

Tom Maxwell, former front man and songwriter for the Squirrel Nut Zippers, was author of their top-20 hit "Hell.”  Hits he wrote for the Squirrel Nut Zippers have appeared in dozens of movies and television shows, a Super Bowl commercial, and a Tony Award-winning Broadway soundtrack.  Tom's first solo album, "Samsara," was praised for its "blinding diversity." His new album, "Kingdom Come," was released last year.

Bassist FJ Ventre, from Carrboro, plays upright and electric bass with several Triangle area groups including The Swang Brothers, Jon Shain, The Stars Explode, Rebecca and The Hi-Tones and others.

Pianist Clark Stern has performed and/or recorded with many of the best artists in blues, including Billy Boy Arnold, Lurrie Bell, Nappy Brown, The Cab Calloway Orchestra, Sean Costello, Anson Funderburgh, Big Joe & The Dynaflows, Bob Margolin, Will McFarlane, Big Bill Morganfield, Danny Joe Reagan, and Junior Watson, at venues around the world, at major festivals, and on NPR's Prairie Home Companion.

Upcoming on the Sunday schedule: 
4/21 - Good Rocking Sam and the Fat Bastard Blues Band
4/28 - Cool John Ferguson
  5/5 - The Swang Brothers

Named INDY Best of the Triangle 2012 as Best Place for Blues and Jazz; Best Place for Country and Bluegrass; and finalist for Best Place for Music before 10PM, the family-owned Blue Note Grill in Durham combines nightly live music with a Southern-style menu that includes barbecue, ribs and burgers.  The Blue Note Grill opens M-F at 11am, Saturday and Sunday at 12pm. Check The Blue Note Grill website regularly for updates.

For more information on things to do in Durham, visit the Durham Event Calendar.

Gladys Knight and the O'Jays Coming to DPAC

Come to DPAC, Durham Performing Arts Center, to experience what happens when the "Midnight Train" and the "Love Train" meet for one incredible night of music.

Legendary performers Gladys Knight and The O’Jays will heat up the Cool Summer Nights at DPAC series when the Family Reunion Tour arrives on June 30. This show is presented in partnership with The DOME Group, Inc.

Tickets go on sale Friday, April 12 at 10am:
• Online at DPACnc.com
• DPAC Ticket Center: 919.680.2787, 123 Vivian Street, Durham, NC
• Ticketmaster.com / Ticketmaster Charge by phone at 800.745.3000

Friends of DPAC members may place their orders on April 10. Joining Friends of DPAC is free, and you can register here.

"The incomparable Gladys Knight sharing the DPAC stage with The O'Jays will make an unforgettable night for concert-goers," said Sulaiman Mausi of The DOME Group, Inc. "I truly believe that this show will be one for the books."

The great ones endure, and  Gladys Knight and The O'Jays have long been two of the greatest.  The labels of 'icon' and 'legend' are often overused, but no truer  words have been spoken about these two performers. Both are Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees, multiple Grammy® nominees and staunch humanitarians.

"Gladys Knight joins a growing list of legends who have starred on the stage at DPAC. With the addition of The O’Jays, this concert promises to be the ultimate R&B event of the summer. DPAC was built to present these intimate evenings with your favorite all-time artists. Escape from the heat, and enjoy a night of timeless music," said Emily McLoughlin, Marketing Director for DPAC.

Eight-time Grammy® winner Gladys Knight has enjoyed #1 hits in pop, R&B and Adult Contemporary including her mega-hits “Midnight Train to Georgia” and "Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)."  She has triumphed in film, television and live performance.  Following her successful run competing on Dancing With the Stars, Knight found herself again on stage with the currently syndicated sitcom, The First Family, where she plays the mother of President William Johnson. Coming fall 2013, Knight will lend her musical expertise to Centric’s original series Apollo Live.

The O'Jays--Eddie Levert, Sr., Walter Williams, Sr. and Eric Nolan Grant--have amassed 24 Top Ten smashes and 59 total charted songs and 50-plus years making such international hits as "Back Stabbers", "For The Love Of Money",  "Love Train", "I Love Music" and "Use Ta Be My Girl." The O'Jays, who last performed at DPAC on January 15, 2012, are light years away from easing up on the gas. Like fine wine, The O'Jays just get better with time.

For more information on where great things happen, click here.

Downtown Durham, Inc. Launches “Find Your Cool” Summer Concert Series At CCB Plaza on May 9

Durham fans won't need to search hard to find the cool in Durham this summer.

Downtown Durham Inc. will launch its free “Find Your Cool” Summer Concert Series at CCB Plaza, Thursday, May 9, 7 p.m.  From soul to salsa, African to Americana, “the plaza with the bronze bull” will be bustling with local bands, locally-brewed beer from Bull City Burger and Brewery and people of all ages, ready to start the weekend a day early.

Twenty years ago, when Downtown Durham Inc. was a young organization, formed to serve as a catalyst for downtown revitalization, an after-work concert series was one of its first projects to revive the city center.  Today, Durham is “America’s #1 Creative Class Metro” according to The Atlantic. “Downtown Durham is thriving with new restaurants, bakeries, shops and venues opening every month. I’m thrilled DDI is bringing back a regular music series, and honored, as a long-time Durham resident and fan, to be a part of it all” says Downtown Durham Inc. Special Events Coordinator and series organizer Tess Mangum Ocaña.

“Find Your Cool” Summer Concert Series

Thursday Nights, 7-8:30pm, CCB Plaza

Jo Gore & The Alternative (Soul) – May 9

Onyx Club Boys (Gypsy Jazz) – May 16

Sarah Shook & The Devil (Rockabilly) – May 23

Virgins Family Band (Pop) – May 30

The Pinkerton Raid (Pop/Americana) – June 6

Mel Melton & the Wicked Mojos (Blues) – June 13

Dark Water Rising (Rock) – June 20

Orquesta GarDel (Salsa) – June 27

Cyril Lance Collective Arkestra (Blues) - July 11

Jonathan Byrd (Americana) – July 18

Birds & Arrows (Alternafolk) – July 25

The Fair and the Four (Americana) – August 1

Khalat Africa featuring Diali Cissokho (West African) – August 8

The “Find Your Cool” Summer Concert Series is made possible in part by Downtown Durham, Inc., Friends of World Music, MHAworks Architecture, the City of Durham and Bull City Burger and Brewery. Concerts are at CCB plaza, 201 N. Corcoran Street, between the Marriott and SunTrust building, from May 9-August 8, with the exception of July 4.  Free on-street parking is available within the City Center District and paid parking is available at the Corcoran Street deck.

In case of rain, concerts will be moved indoors, right around the corner, at The Pinhook, 117 W Main Street.  For more information, ways to volunteer during the series, or information on tax-deductible sponsorship opportunities, contact Tess Mangum Ocaña, Special Events Coordinator, (919) 682-2800 or email.

Durham always has exciting things to do.  See them all on the Durham Event Calendar.

Registration Open for Battle of the Bands

Are you ready to rise up and rock? The 2013 Triangle Corporate Battle of the Bands is searching for the band whose rock rules supreme to benefit the East Durham Children's Initiative. The EDCI has a revolutionary approach to creating a pipeline of services to children, from cradle to college and career, to improve lives and communities. So get ready, because the rock is coming.

EARLY BIRD BAND ENTRY DEADLINE: May 15, 2013
THE BATTLE: September 21, 2013
RAIN DATE: September 22, 2013
Location: American Tobacco Campus - Durham

Durham advertising powerhouse McKinney produces this event.  The pick the best band, and the most creative.  The latter will be judged on things like mixing genres, unconventional ways of playing instruments, and even remixes of familiar songs.

Proceeds from the show will benefit the East Durham Children's Initiative. Founded in 2008, EDCI's goal is to change the expectations and outcome for youth in a 120-block area in East Durham. The nonprofit provides early childhood interventions, family support, after school and arts and summer programs.

There is a discount for early registration, so bands interested in participating can save a few dollars by registering early. Companies and organizations without bands can sponsor the event and get information about doing so on the event website.

Learn more about the music scene in Durham online.

The New York Times Spent 36 Hours in Durham

The New York Times regularly runs a piece in their travel section where they write about what a traveler can do with, well, 36 hours in a place.  On Sunday, January 20th, the world will see what they think can happen in Durham in 36 hours.  Heads up, it's a lot!

Like Durham, the article focuses a great deal on great food, music, the arts, and the open and welcoming culture of intellect.  In other words, the article captures Durham right down to the last nuance and lets it shine as the funky, authentic place that it is.

The story is on the paper's website, and will hit the stands on Sunday. There is an accompanying slideshow, as well.

Coverage like this is always appreciated.  Durham is also up for a major accolade from Southern Living Magazine.  Read more about that online and be sure to vote daily for Durham!

Music Scene Sounding Better in Durham, NC

Durham, NC is rapidly emerging as a hotbed of independent music.  With several venues open just in the last couple of years, there are many choices for acts of all kinds to show off in front of their fans.  But performance venues are only part of the picture.

With the addition of a a great support ecosystem, a place like Durham becomes a destination to not only perform, but to get instruments and to record, too.  With an announcement from SoundPure, Durham just took a huge leap forward toward that ecosystem being a reality.

SoundPure, an Independent, Durham-based professional audio business, recently announced the expansion of its guitar and drum retail storefront. “When we acquired Indoor Storm and all of their fantastic staff last year out of Raleigh, this meant one less music store for the Triangle.  We knew that a local retail operation would be in our future, so we purchased the building next door to our existing facility and started building this gorgeous guitar and drum space,” said Todd Atlas, president of Sound Pure.  “There's such a vibrant music community in the Triangle, and the only full service alternatives to musicians are big-box, international chain stores.  Unlike the big box stores, SoundPure represents products made by smaller, independent luthiers and artisans, which means better quality, and better value to our customers.”

In 1997, Todd Atlas started Sound Pure out of a dorm room at Duke University. Sound Pure has since developed an international reputation in the music equipment industry by representing boutique, small-production, and highly sought-after artisan brands of guitars, drums and audio equipment. The company has primarily served its market online, however, the retail expansion will allow SoundPure to better serve the Triangle’s music community. Sound Pure's retail location will be the newest addition to Durham’s the thriving Central Park District.  “Despite this economy, we believe in the neighborhood, we believe in the Triangle, and we believe musicians need a better place to shop locally,” said Atlas.

With the highest percentage of creative class jobs in the US, Durham is a place where the arts are held in exceptionally high regard. SoundPure is yet another business to help deliver on that promise.

Learn more about Durham and all it's creative outlets online.

Bull Durham Blues Festival Rain Date Announced

The Bull Durham Blues Festival (BDBF)is widely known as a must-see for blues aficionados.  In fact, it drew a NY-based travel writer who has visited 22 countries to Durham.  According to the article she wrote about her experience in Durham - she had a blast in part due to the BDBF.

As many know, the Saturday schedule of this years' show was disrupted by bad weather.  Well, if you were one of the hundreds of people kept away by the rain then read on.

The St. Joseph's Historic Foundation, Inc. is presenting the Blues Festival Redo on December 7, 2012 at 7 p.m.

And it's FREE.

"We're excited to be able to offer this free Blues Festival Redo or makeup performance to our loyal patrons and festival lovers who've come to count on us for a great Blues show," said Interim Director Janella Sellars. "We were so disappointed that the weather prevented three fantastic groups and performers from entertaining those who showed up for a good time, as well as those who couldn't make it out that Saturday due to the massive storm. But now is our chance to make it up to everyone, and let them know how much we appreciate their continued support."

Artists who were unable to go on stage due to the weather during the September festival are scheduled to perform at the December show. They are:

7:00 p.m. -- Bullfrog Willard McGhee
                  2011 Triangle Blues Society Blues Challenge winner (solo artist)
                  "McGhee is one of the great characters of modern-day
                  North Carolina Piedmont blues..." -- Dave Menconi, Our State Magazine

8:15 p.m. -- E-train and the Rusted Rails
                  The Rusted Rails ignite local audiences with a captivating mix of familiar and
                  original rock-a-billy, swing, and blues. They were voted best band by the
                  Triangle Blues Society in 2011 and the Cape Fear Blues Society in 2010.

9:30 p.m. -- Stanley Baird
                  Acclaimed jazz musician, composer and entertainer.  He's has shared the concert
                  stage with his mentor Donald Byrd, Najee, Alex Bugnon, Regina Belle,
                  Richard Elliot, Brian McKnight, Kirk Whalum, Kim Waters, The O'Jays,
                  and the late George Howard.

Doors open at 6 p.m. at the Hayti Heritage Center, and vendors will also be on hand. The Hayti Heritage Center is located at 804 Old Fayetteville Street, Durham, NC 27701.  Seating is limited, so get there early.  For more information about the performances, contact Janella Sellars at jsellars@hayti.org, or call 683-1709.

Cool Summer Nights at DPAC

To beat the heat of those sunny summer days, DPAC, Durham Performing Arts Center, is proud to present nine superstar events June through August that will feature something for everyone. Tickets are on sale now for the 2012 Cool Summer Nights Series, featuring Grammy® Award-winning artists, Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, and one-of-a kind talents.

The series will feature:

- An Intimate Night with R&B Superstar Anita Baker – June 17
- Summer’s Can’t Miss Bluegrass Show with Vince Gill – June 24
- Crosby, Stills and Nash in their First Ever Intimate Theater Setting – July 8
- Back by Popular Demand, Jackson Browne – July 22
- World’s Leading Guitar Showman, Ted Nugent – August 9
- Comedy’s Most Outrageous Night, Kathy Griffin – August 10
- A Country Legend, George Jones – August 18
- VH1’s 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock, Meat Loaf – August 19
- Summer’s Hottest Ticket, Duran Duran – August 21

“We are thrilled with the star talent and diverse events that will take the DPAC stage this summer as part of our Cool Summer Nights concert series,” said Emily Dahl, DPAC’s Marketing Director of Concerts and Comedy. “From R&B to bluegrass, hard rock to comedy, Cool Summer Nights at DPAC promise an escape from heat and humidity, offering an intimate evening indoors with your favorite artists. I hope you join us!”

Tickets sold separately for each event and are available through the following outlets:
•         On DPAC's website
•         DPAC Ticket Center: 919.680.2787, 123 Vivian Street, Durham, NC
•         Ticketmaster / Ticketmaster Charge by Phone at 800.982.2787
•         Ticketmaster outlets including Wal-Mart

'On the Lawn' Concert Series Expands in Durham

There are lots of ways to enjoy Durham, NC.  Music lovers have great options in the warmer months because Durham is home to several series of music events - one such is On the Lawn, a spring and summer entertainment series with music (and movies), new ways to dine and more.

Bull City BUCK$, an consumer loyalty app designed to help people explore and enjoy Durham (more below).  The loyalty/rewards program will feature a number of fun ways to scan QR codes and earn points to cash in at area hotspots. 

Jazz on the Lawn series is a new series debuting this year. Activities continue until October 5 with events including:

•    Back Porch Music on the Lawn, sponsored by WUNC-FM and now in its sixth year, will feature acts from the legendary Red Clay Ramblers to developing superstars The Old Ceremony
•    Movies on the Lawn, a series of music-themed documentaries selected by the Full Frame Film Festival
•    Other events including Pops for Pops on Father’s Day, three WNCU Jazz on the Lawn concerts sponsored by NCCU and a special performance by the American Dance Festival.

This year, chowing down ‘on the lawn’ is easier -- and tastier -- than ever with the opening of L’Uva to augment campus favorites Cuban Revolution, The District, Mellow Mushroom,  Saladelia Cafe, Tobacco Road and Tyler’s Taproom. 

“On the Lawn is the complete spring and summer get away, right here in your own backyard,” says Michael Goodmon, vice president of real estate for Capitol Broadcasting Company, which owns American Tobacco.  “As we begin construction on our new Diamond View III building, we look forward to serving even more neighbors and fans with great entertainment and opportunities to plug into this dynamic community.” 

On the Lawn’s schedule is as follows:
* Friday, May 4 - NCCU Jazz Ensemble
* Friday, May 11 - Music Makers Relief Foundation Blues Revue
* Friday, May 18 - Tony Rice Unit
* Friday, June 1 - Movies on the Lawn (tbd)
* Friday, June 15 - Adam Hurt
* Friday, June 22 - Lizzy Rose Band
* Sunday, June 17 - Pops for Pop
* Wednesday, July 4 - John Brown & the Groove Shop Band
* Friday, July 6 - Movies on the Lawn (tbd)
* Friday, July 13 - American Dance Festival
* Friday, July 27 - Justin Robinson and the Mary Annettes
* Friday, August 3 - Movies on the Lawn (tbd)
* Friday, August 10 - John Howie Jr and the Rosewood Bluffs
* Friday, August 17 - Bill & Libby Hicks
* Friday, August 24 - Old Ceremony
* Friday, August 31 - Charanga Carolina
* Friday, September 7 - The Red Clay Ramblers
* Friday, September 28 - Movies on the Lawn tbd)
* Friday, October 5 - Movies on the Lawn (tbd)

25th Annual Bull Durham Blues Festival Back Home at the DAP

The St. Joseph's Historic Foundation, Inc. in Durham is pleased to announce the 25th Annual Bull Durham Blues Festival will return to the Durham Athletic Park (DAP) on September 7 & 8, 2012.

After moves around the city to other locations, the festival's return to the DAP is exciting news, said Janella Sellars, Interim Executive Director. "It is time for the festival to come home.  Community members regularly share their wonderful experiences at the DAP, noting the good food, music, dancing through the night and the camaraderie they have come to look forward to every year at the Blues Festival.  Many have children who've grown up attending the festival at the DAP.  It's a family-friendly environment that the community has come to love and cherish as it is now interwoven into the fabric that is Durham," she said.

The festival has sought a permanent location since the renovation of the DAP in 2008-09, and in past years, has been held at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, Durham Performing Arts Center and Durham Central Park. Despite the numerous changes of locations, Sellars says the community has continued to support the festival with letters, emails, phone calls and news articles.  They want to see the festival strengthen and continue its status as one of the top Blues Festivals in the country, she said.

While this year's Blues Festival continues its tradition of harp blowing, guitar strumming, down home blues, it also promises something for the entire family, including a KidsZone with interactive entertainment for youngster, and a Marketplace where blues lovers can indulge in an eclectic mix of regional and international foods for the soul, arts and crafts by NC artists, and a variety of unique specialty items.

The artists' line-up will be announced in the coming weeks.  Special discounted Pre-Sale Tickets will be available June 1-30, with advance tickets going on sale July 1st. Blues lovers are invited to bring their blankets, but to help preserve the field, lawn chairs will not be allowed. The festival goers can enjoy the fun on the infield or in the grandstand, rain or shine!!  Gates open at 5 p.m. and show ends at 11 p.m.

The annual Bull Durham Blues Festival, produced by St. Joseph's Historic Foundation, Inc., has been successfully presented since 1988. It is nationally recognized as one of the premier blues festivals in the country and has been honored with the "Keeping the Blues Alive Award" by The Blues Foundation in Memphis, TN.  The festival has become one of North Carolina's largest celebrations of the blues, recognizing Durham's rich musical heritage as an important center of Carolina and Piedmont Blues. 

Jazz Pianist and A Cappella Group Headline NCCU Jazz Festival

The 22nd Annual NCCU Jazz Festival will take place in Durham from April 16 – 21 with performances by Grammy winners Take 6, pianist Cyrus Chestnut, the U.S. Air Force big band Airmen of Note, the UNC–Chapel Hill Faculty Jazz Group and Gary Smulyan, and the NCCU Jazz Combos, Vocal Jazz Ensemble and Faculty Jazz Group.

Cyrus Chestnut

The performers have all had rich and full careers which they will bring to bear during their shows at the festival.
Highlights of the festival will include a meet-the-artist session with Take 6 and Cyrus Chestnut on April 19 at the Beyu Caffé at 7 p.m., a free master class workshop on April 19 and 20 at noon in the Jazz Band Room, and a Vocal Jazz Summit at noon in the B.N. Duke Auditorium on April 20.

Under the leadership of Dr. Ira Wiggins, NCCU initiated the Jazz Festival in 1990 to expose the campus and the Durham community to America’s first indigenous art form, jazz. Tickets for the festival are $45 and include admission to all performances. To purchase tickets or for more information visit the festival's website.

See Also: Jazz Legend Was "Sentimental" About Durham

Picked Bits of History in Durham, NC

When Steve Martin (yes, the arrow-through-the-head, “wild and crazy guy” former SNL star, internationally-known comedian, actor and author) takes the stage at DPAC – Durham Performing Arts Center on June 3 with the Steep Canyon Rangers, he will play the banjo; it is an instrument he has mastered over decades of practice and play. 

 

But whatever does this have to do with history, you ask? A lot – sit tight.

Durham is home to many interesting collections.  There are deep and rich archives in the two university libraries here at Duke and NCCU, an amazing collection of early Americana at the Patterson’s Mill Country Store, the world’s largest collections of low brass instruments.

And banjos. 

Not just any banjos, either. Durham is home to the world’s largest privately held collection of Gibson flathead five-string Mastertone banjos made between 1930 and 1942. Seven of the approximately 140 known to exist in the world are here.  

Esoteric? Perhaps – but as the forbearer to which most current banjos owe their design, the collection is important.  In fact, owner Jim Mills considers himself a guardian of these instruments.  

As a professional musician, six time Grammy winner and six consecutive year recipient of the International Bluegrass Music Association Banjo Player of the year (the most ever), Mills is, very quietly, and international star in his own right who knows his stuff about banjos.  To the frustrated musicians reading this: he taught himself to play and for the 14 years he played with Ricky Skaggs many considered him one of the best in the world. His collection of awards certainly lends credit to that opinion. 

Mills operates a store and showroom here – almost a museum with its memorabilia and products for the serious banjo player.  Open by appointment only, aficionados will find parts, music, whole instruments, and lots of history…even an image of the aforementioned Mr. Martin who purchased one of his banjos from Mills.

Mills is, if nothing else, humble.  His business, career and collection of instruments are the result of continued hard work.  Only about 200 of the Gibson Mastertone banjos that Mills collects were ever made, and the collection is quite valuable.  According to Mills, “These are considered the Stradivari of banjos” as he referenced the most valuable and respected violins ever made.  He’d never admit it, but Mills and his banjo collection are a treasure equally valued here in Durham, where great things happen.

Recording in Durham Hits Tift Merritt's "Sweet Spot"

Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Tift Merritt's roots are planted firmly in the Triangle. While she now calls New York City home, Tift frequently returns to her native North Carolina on tour. Durham, however, is where she comes to record. Her last two studio albums, 2008's Another Country and 2010's See You On the Moon, were recorded at Durham's Overdub Lane Studios. Merritt recorded her newest single "Sweet Spot" in the days following her October 2011 show with alt-country band The Jayhawks at Durham's Carolina Theatre.

“Sweet Spot” will premiere Monday, Jan. 30th at 9pm EST on the CW’s Hart of Dixie's Valentine’s Day episode titled “Rise Again,” with Tift playing at the fictional small town of Blue Bell, Alabama’s annual Valentine’s dance. Monday, Jan. 30” at 9 p.m. EST.

“I had fun pretending to be Ingrid Bergman for a day on the film lot,” said Merritt. ”There was so much great movie history around. We also had a very good game of gin rummy going in my trailer between takes - I think I'm owed some money from that, come to think of it.”

Merritt is currently in the studio recording a new album with a cast of new and old friends including Tucker Martine (My Morning Jacket), Marc Ribot (Tom Waits), Eric Heywood (Son Volt), John Convertino (Calexico) and her longtime bass player and harmony singer Jay Brown. The new album will include a version of “Sweet Spot” recorded with the full band.

Merritt has built a unique and critically acclaimed body of work of sonic short stories and poignant performances, including albums Bramble Rose, the Grammy-nominated Tambourine, Another Country, and her latest release See You On The Moon.

Marsalis Honored with The North Carolina Award

Durham resident Branford Marsalis was honored last night with North Carolina's top civilian honor - The North Carolina Award.  The North Carolina Awards ceremony was held at the Museum of History in Raleigh.

Marsalis was honored for his volunteer work and for his accomplishments as a musician.  He is among the world's best known saxaphone players who shot to fame for his work on Sting's Dream of the Blue Turtles album and then went on to be the band leader on NBC's Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

Other recipients were sculptor Vollis Simpson, Charles Hamner Jr. and former U.S. Rep. Martin Lancaster for public service; Dr. Trudy Mackay for science; and Ron Rash for literature.

Marsalis' move to Durham was an effort to live in a genuine and real community - something he's said often.  He teaches at North Carolina Central University and occasionally performs with his students around town without billing - it's not entirely unheard of to be out listening to a live jazz performance and suddenly be watching a world-renowned star join in unannounced. Such instances usually create an instant sensation in local social media channels.  Most recently, such a performance occurred at Whiskey in Downtown Durham.