Music

Six Street Pianos Coming To Raleigh For Artsplosure

Laura Candler — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:30:00 +0000

All the world’s a stage. Or, at least Downtown Raleigh will be for the next two weeks, as six pianos have been placed there outdoors for anyone to play. The decorated instruments are set up in public locations around the city as a part of Artsplosure, Raleigh’s annual visual and performing arts festival, and passersby of any skill level are encouraged to give them a go.

Local Musicians Honor Ry Cooder

Alex Granados and Frank Stasio — Fri, 03 May 2013 16:13:41 +0000

Ready For Some Summer Music Beneath The Stars? WUNC’s 2013 Outdoor Concert Guide

Laura Candler — Fri, 03 May 2013 14:18:06 +0000

Summer is fast approaching, and so is outdoor concert season. If you’re aching to spend warm nights in the company of friends listening to good music under the stars, you’re in luck. The options for outdoor music in the Triad are numerous. Several small towns host regular, free concerts and larger cities like Raleigh, Durham, and Greensboro have multiple outdoor music series showcasing everything from chamber music to R & B, and from hip hop to bluegrass.

North Carolinians Share Their Music In Senegal

Christina Blyde and Frank Stasio — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:01:49 +0000

Diali Cissokho, a Senegalese musician, moved to the United States several years ago hoping to meet like-minded musicians. He formed the band Kaira Ba with four North Carolina natives.

Doc Watson Remembered Fondly As MerleFest Continues Without Him

Laura Candler — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +0000

If you’re searching for the who’s who among bluegrass, Americana, folk, and traditional country musicians, MerleFest is a good place to start. The annual four-day festival kicks off today in Wilkesboro, just as it has every April for the past 25 years. Headlining artists include The Avett Brothers, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Jerry Douglas, Steep Canyon Rangers, Matraca Berg, and others. But this year for the first time, the festival will lack a performance from its founder, Doc Watson, who died May 29, 2012.

Four Concerts Scheduled In Expanded, Larger Back Porch Music Series In Durham

Keith Weston, David Brower and Freddy Jenkins — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 17:41:38 +0000

The Celtic powerhouse band Solas will kick off the 2013 Back Porch Music concert series in Durham. Bluegrass, local blues, and much more will be a part of the four Back Porch concerts scheduled between May and October.

North Carolina Central University Hosts Its 23rd Annual Jazz Festival

Nicole Campbell and Frank Stasio — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 14:55:12 +0000

North Carolina Central University became the first university in the state to offer a jazz degree in 1977. The university has since been a force on a state and national level in keeping the jazz scene alive.

The university is now throwing its 23rd annual Jazz Festival this week. Ira Wiggins, director of their jazz department, founded the festival in 1990 with hopes of creating a space for students to meet and learn from seasoned jazz musicians. This year the festival features jazz artists Carl Allen and Benny Golson. Benny Golson is a world-renowned saxophonist, composer, and producers. Ira Wiggins and Benny Golson join Host Frank Stasio to talk about the state of jazz education today, and give us a sneak peek of the festival.

Afro-Puerto Rican Music Group Brings Bomba And Plena To The Triangle

Nicole Campbell and Frank Stasio — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 14:47:30 +0000

When Juan Gutiérrez arrived in Harlem from Puerto Rico in the early 1970s, he had hopes of becoming a professional concert musician. But soon enough he started longing for a community that embraced and celebrated his roots.

Why Did You Pick Up The Bassoon?

Shawn Wen and Frank Stasio — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:54:30 +0000

The music critic and composer Cecil Gray once said: "The bassoon in the orchestra plays the same role as Gorgonzola among cheeses -- a figure for fun. Actually, the bassoon can be the most romantic and passionate of instruments, and Gorgonzola can be the finest of cheeses, but they must both be treated properly." Why would anyone pick up the bassoon?

Mount Moriah Release Sophomore Album

Christina Blyde and Frank Stasio — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 15:40:23 +0000

Mount Moriah is getting ready to continue their national tour for their critically-acclaimed album, "Miracle Temple." The band was signed by Merge Records and this is their first release under the new record label. "Miracle Temple" offers fans more of Heather McEntire's soulful vocals and lyrics but takes chances with a more intricate sound. Host Frank Stasio talks with founding members Heather McEntire and Jenks Miller about the band's incredible success.