WEDNESDAY, DEC. 15
HINDER When Hinder first appeared, there was a reputation that preceded them — one of sex, drugs and good ol’ fashioned rock ‘n’ roll. Now, a few years later, people say, “Hinder, didn’t they have a hit song once?” I’m not sure I’d classify them as one-hit wonders, since it’s more like, “I wonder what happened to Hinder?” They have a new album out, but still haven’t come close to the Guns ‘N’ Roses level they aspired to. With Saving Abel, My Darkest Days, Default. $25, Amos’ Southend, www.amossouthend.com (Jeff Hahne)
THURSDAY, DEC. 16
BART LATTIMORE & THE MILL HILL REVIVAL The Charlotte native, skater and rocker has played intimate shows all over town and treated audiences to his unique, modern grassroots music. Taking influences from his own life, splitting time between Charlotte and rural Cottonville, N.C., growing up, his part blues, country and rock songs give you a real sense of who he is. With Case Federal and The Agents and Buck Mountain Stranglers. $6-$8, The Milestone, www.themilestoneclub.com (Mike McCray)
FRIDAY, DEC. 17
OBELISK Formed in September of last year out of the since-beheaded Back From The Guillotine, Obelisk doesn’t necessarily sport a new name (While relatively badass, a Google search pulls up multiple bands with the same, Led Zeppelin Presence cover art 2001: A Space Odyssey-inspired band moniker.), but then again, the lads are mighty young. And while some members are still kicking it secondary school-style, some nice pieces are in place for future success. As with any similarly-aged artist, the key will be whether A) the members grow as individual people and B) whether or not this gets transmutated into the music, allowing what sounds competent now to sound unique at a later date. With A Hero A Fake, Deception of a Ghost, An Early Ending, Gore Gore Luchadores. $7, Tremont Music Hall, www.tremontmusichall.com (Timothy C. Davis)
NATALIE ROYAL Whether it’s her warm vocals backed by guitar or ukulele or lyrics about her world travels, Natalie Royal is making a musical mark, and she’s not even 21 yet. Her folksy, acoustic sets have a soul about them and maybe just pop enough for her to break through to an even wider audience before you know it. Remember the name. Check out local trio Solo Flight, also on the bill. $8, The Evening Muse. www.theeveningmuse.com (McCray)
GROWN UP AVENGER STUFF The CD release party is its own reason to venture out to this show. Add in a few other local bands and you’ve now found the “place to be.” Offering their own brands of rock with unique spins — find out why GUAS won CL’s Best Female Vocalist and why The Spiveys might win Best New Artist next year. There are some giveaways, but the talent should be enough to get you there. With Zoe Vette, The Spiveys and more. $8-$10, Amos’ Southend. www.amossouthend.com (Jeff Hahne)
LEFTY WILLIAMS A skilled guitarist, not a novelty act, Lefty Williams plays compelling licks and sings honest songs — he just so happens to only have one hand. Born without his right hand, Williams has played guitar since he was 4 and doesn’t shy away from the attention his unique situation creates. Over two decades, he’s perfected a playing style that works for him and amazes those who’ve seen it live. $10. Double Door Inn, www.doubledoorinn.com (McCray)
SUNDAY, DEC. 19
BAYOU BUTCH LUCAS Last time we checked in with Bayou Butch Lucas, he was out on tour with The Jonas Brothers. Now, the bluesy musician is making his rounds in the Queen City and this time — thank God — he’s without the screaming pre-teen accompaniment. Having toured with the likes of Al Green, Aretha Franklin and Jackie Wilson, Butch is obviously good enough to ride shot gun with the best of them. But the man lovingly dubbed as the Jo bro’s “step grandfather” is proving he’s got the goods to jam in the driver’s seat. Free, Villa Anotonio, Ballantyne, www.villaantonio.com (Debra Renee Seth)
TATSUYA NAKATANI Tatsuya Nakatani’s is to percussion what Jackson Pollock is to art. Strange; perhaps, haphazard; definitely, yet for some unknown reason, he’s infinitely intriguing. Forget using bows to strum a violin or cello, Nakatani has somehow found a way to slide, crash and blitz those suckers along the sides of cymbals and damn near anything else he can get his hands on to create music. His unusual methods have gotten him booked all over the world and now he’s giving the Queen City a taste of his international rhythm. With Great Architect. $5, Dialect Design, www.dialectdesign.com (Seth)
This article appears in Dec 14-20, 2010.
