Every night around the Q.C., there are numerous concerts at venues of all sizes. While we can’t make it to all of them, neither can you, and surely there are a handful of amazing shows that we miss on a regular basis. We checked in with local venue owners and booking agents, promoters and fans to ask what their picks are for the one show that stood out above all others. In all likelihood, the shows weren’t sold out, adding to the case that “you shoulda been there!”
India.Arie; May 6, 2009; Amos’ Southend
It was her first performance here in seven years. It was a sold-out show and she left everything on stage. Also, it was the introduction to Laura Izibor, who opened for her. The show itself was very moving and the vibe was great with people from different backgrounds. Definitely, a must-see in a small, intimate setting.
— Mike Kitchen, The Sol Kitchen
Hinder and Theory of a Deadman; Feb. 24, 2009; Amos’ Southend
It was the best show of the year because: 1) Two great rock bands on one bill. When Hinder played, it seemed like everyone knew and sang all the words to every song. 2) The place was sold out. 3) Everyone involved with the show made bank that night.
— John Ellison, owner, Amos’ Southend
Jeff Coffin Mu’Tet; Nov. 11, 2009; The Double Door Inn
This show, for me personally, was a big deal on a few levels. For one, I saw Mu’Tet just over three years ago. He played to an empty and very large room. It made me think, “Someone should really try to put the right bands in the right rooms and then make sure they were promoted correctly.” So, the next day, Carolina Live Music Society was born and three years later I am up to my eyeballs in the industry. Reason number two — Felix Pastorius [Jaco’s son] plays bass in this band. To have him in the house is just a touch of why I play bass. Jeff Coffin, however — three-time Grammy winner with Bela Fleck & the Flecktones and now a member of Dave Matthews Band. Let’s just say, how often do you really get to have musicians of this level in a 200-seat room to sit back and just enjoy listening to? Bobby Lee Rodgers on guitar, Jeff Sipe on drums, Bill Fanning on trumpet! I actually lost money on this show, but let’s face it, who would not have wanted to see this, and I am anxious to have it back for sure.
— Micah Davidson, booking agent at the Double Door Inn and president of the Carolina Live Music Society
Kinobe; May 2, 2009; The Evening Muse
I would say as far as acts from last year, that “You should have been there” fit was Kinobe. They were this great act from Uganda that absolutely blew everyone away. So musical and fluid. Even through the language barriers, it was an awesome show. The whole room had such an amazing energy, it was electric.
— Joe Kuhlman, co-owner, The Evening Muse
Joshua James Band; Oct. 31, 2009; The Evening Muse
Having seen Joshua James enamor the Evening Muse crowd twice before, I was a little leery of how he and the band would be received this Halloween night in full Wizard of Oz costumes. There was no need to worry as Joshua’s passionate delivery of those dark, powerful songs captivated everyone in the room and kept their attention until the very end.
— Laurie Koster, music fan, producer of Charlotte Music Newsletter
Roger Daltrey; Nov. 22, 2009; The Fillmore
This show was a very rare opportunity to get to know The Who’s front man on a personal level. Roger spent the night conversing with the audience, telling stories and playing songs that helped mold him as a musician and person. It was a very special evening.
— Grant Lyman; booking agent with Live Nation
Soulive; Oct. 31, 2009; Neighborhood Theatre
Folks should have come because it was a bad-ass way to funk out Halloween. Their second set was completely Beatles covers funked out as Soulive does. The band performed as their original trio, which enabled each musician the space to explore as they so desired. The best light show of the year was Ghostland Observatory on Dec. 12 and Bassnectar on Oct. 10 was the best DJ show.
— Zach McNabb, co-owner, The Neighborhood Theatre
T-Model Ford; July 5, 2009; Snug Harbor
Fat Possum Records recording artist and blues legend T-Model Ford and his backing band mesmerized the entire room into a Mississippi juke-joint. Ladies were taking turns dancing onstage by T-Model, and everyone in the crowd was moving! At close to 90 years of age, T-Model Ford is an American music treasure, and should not be missed if he comes our way again.
— Daylon Brumfield, co-owner, Snug Harbor
Narrows w/ Trap Them, Meth Mountain, Monarchist; Nov. 17, 2009; Tremont Music Hall
Narrows and Trap Them blew all 68 customers’ minds. Both bands displayed a fresh approach to hardcore music and reminded all of the staff here what is so wonderful about that particular genre of music. Local openers Meth Mountain and Monarchist are two to look out for as well.
— Lisa Barr, club manager, Tremont Music Hall
This article appears in Dec 29, 2009 – Jan 4, 2010.
