With American Idol storming the airwaves these days, there are no doubt people around the Charlotte area who are thinking, "I'm better than them!"
Well, get out and prove it. Fox and Hound is currently holding a karaoke contest called Fox Icon.
The winner gets a $2,000 recording studio time at Sound Choice Studios. Weekly qualifying runs until March 3.
Get all the details here.
JJ Grey and Mofro will perform at the Visulite Theatre on April 9. Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 on the day of the show.
The Deal: British pop/soul star returns with new album after personal tragedies.
The Good: There's something about pain that produces great things. Corinne somehow maintains her oft wispy, angelic tone when singing about much deeper topics. She shows a range that I can't remember hearing from her before and the accompanying production has songs building to levels that will surely bring down the house at a live show. Also some pop-py joints that are radio and romantic comedy ready, like "Paris Night, New York Mornings" will balance out the personal and introspective tunes that hit you right out of the gate.
The Bad: Some parts are pretty emotional, (understandably) be prepared. I also have to admit I don't always know what she's saying. Have to tune your ears for her whisper and accent.
The Verdict: If you're expecting the "old" Corinne Bailey Rae, that sings about putting her records on and the newness of love, this isn't that but it is a good album. Perfectly encapsulates her dealing with the sudden death of her husband and trying to move on from that as best she can. Not quite Sade but I feel like she's an album away from channeling that vibe.
INFO:
Virgin; Release date: Jan. 26, 2010
Calling all area Charlotte bar owners and live music operators in case you havent heard there appears to be a recession upon us. You may have noticed this in your establishments on some nights (see: Sunday Thursday). You may be wondering how to improve this situation, and actually make some money? I have the answer my friends:
Get a better-than-average, versatile cover band. Trust me. Its money in the bank. Guaranteed. Want proof?
Hong Kong is basically the New York City of Asia. There are roughly a bajillion bars with live music in that city (trust me, Ive been there and counted them myself). And you wanna know what type of band is playing in every single one of those bars 7 nights a week? Thats right the aforementioned cover band.
Imagine this if you will. Its Sunday night - the worst night of the week in terms of people out drinking (unless its Super Bowl Sunday). Your establishment is a quarter full (MAYBE). Wouldnt you love to have a packed house, rockin out, spendin wads of cash? That is exactly what the scene looks like in Hong Kong on any given night.
It never fails, as soon as one Bonnaroo ends, rumors start for who will play the next one. With an official announcement expected on Feb. 2, the rumor mill is flying off the handle as to who will perform at this year's 'Roo.
Dave Matthews Band just released its summer tour schedule, and there's a big gap between June 8 and June 15, leading to the obvious guess he'll be at Bonnaroo between June 10 and 14.
You can also guess a few based on bands that played two years ago bands rarely play two years in a row, with the exception of Ben Harper and Les Claypool who seem to be there all the time. So, judging by 2008, I'd throw in Vampire Weekend, The Dead Weather and The Avett Brothers. Going back to return performers from 2007, I'd love to see The Black Keys, The Flaming Lips, Regina Spektor...
I'm guessing one of the Marley's will be there... some form of The Dead - probably Further. John Butler Trio has a new album coming out, so that's a guess. As for rock bands, I'd be interested in seeing Alice in Chains, Them Crooked Vultures or perhaps a reunited Soundgarden or Faith No More. GWAR has apparently confirmed, though that seems like an odd fit.
Online rumors throw around Kings of Leon, Stevie Wonder, Jay-Z, The Rolling Stones and The Who.
Perhaps the Pavement reunion will also stop by. Corinne Baily Rae is heading out on tour. Mayer Hawthorne and Florence and the Machine have been getting a lot of press.
Sly and the Family Stone is playing Coachella - could they make it to Bonnaroo? I guess we'll have to wait until Tuesday to have a better idea.
Once again making his annual summer stop at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, it looks like Dave Matthews Band will stop by Charlotte on July 21. Amos Lee is supporting.
North Carolina's Little Brother, Phonte and Rapper Big Pooh, has been the de facto "face" of the state's music scene since its first release The Listening in 2003. The duo recently revealed details of their latest album, LeftBack, tentatively slated to drop in April.
The album was originally just going to be an EP but the group decided to put out a full album's worth of material for longtime fans. Also new to the Little Brother formula is a multimedia element that their fans haven't seen before.
Four music videos and a limited edition DVD will come with the first wave of the album.
The album will the group's last. (Hopefully that's just hip-hop for, "we're taking an extended break." Remember when Jay-Z retired in like '03?)
Read more about their announcement here. (via 2DopeBoyz)
Michael Bublé will perform at Time Warner Cable Arena on July 10. No word yet on ticket sales.