Saturday, December 3, 2011

Illbotz's well-made hip-hop - Tonight @ The Milestone

Posted By on Sat, Dec 3, 2011 at 5:09 PM

Illbotz’s songs may be driven by punch lines, but this Roanoke group’s rapping is no joke. Emcees Stevie D (sometimes seen wearing a DVD case on a necklace, Flava Flav style) and Big Perm trade comedic rhymes with Run DMC-style precision while addressing such nerd-happy topics as zombies and the Nintendo Powerglove. DJ Samson, who seems to back every rapper from the ’noke, holds his own nicely with a modernized approach to mid-’90s turntablism. It’s well-made hip-hop that doesn’t take itself too seriously, which is a nice balance.

$8-$10. The Milestone.

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Soon-to-be a crossover success Pradigy GT - Tonight @ The Saloon

Posted By on Sat, Dec 3, 2011 at 4:51 PM

This band is one of Charlotte’s lesser known gems, but all it takes is a listen or two to be totally sucked in. Fronted by Pradigy, who some may remember as a hip-hop producer and member of First in Flight, the band is a whole ‘nother creative lane that combines rock, rap and pop into something that’s primed for crossover success. Self-described as Hendrix and Kanye’s baby.

The Saloon. (McCray)

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Carolina Chocolate Drops keep it real - Tonight @ Neighborhood Theatre

Posted By on Sat, Dec 3, 2011 at 4:49 PM

A lineup change has modernized the old-time string music base of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, but they still hold true to the traditions they embody. The February 2011 departure of Justin Robinson has led to the addition of his replacement, Hubby Jenkins, in addition to beatboxer Adam Matta. While Matta can add beats when necessary, he also fills in the low end, using his voice to thump away at an imaginary bass.

— Hahne With Frazey Ford.

$20-$23. 8 p.m. Neighborhood Theatre.

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Friday, December 2, 2011

Shut the Fuck Up, Cake is in town and already sold out?! - Tonight @ Amos' Southend

Posted By on Fri, Dec 2, 2011 at 5:25 PM

Poster children for the short-comings of pigeon-holing, this act got lumped in with the alternative-rock movement based on the MTV ubiquity of the 1996 hit “Fashion Nugget” from the LP of the same name.

Still regularly treading the boards two decades after they started, the band’s output — including their latest, Showroom of Compassion — was more clever by half than any grunge act, their embrace of funk, soul, hip-hop and even country roots anything but Bush-like.

Album review for Showroom of Compassion:

They collected a devoted following even as their platinum sales plummeted, as evidenced by this sold-out show — scalper-time for the tardy, I’m afraid. Sold out.

Amos’ Southend.

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Josh Panda reunites with Eyes of the Elders - Tonight @ Neighborhood Theatre

Posted By on Fri, Dec 2, 2011 at 1:31 PM

A couple of years ago, Josh Panda was living in Charlotte and offering up some smooth background vocals for Eyes of the Elders. Fast-forward to present day, and Panda is making it on his own with his I-77 Band and folk-driven tunes about everything from love to Bojangles’ biscuits.

Safe assumption is Panda will join Eyes for a few tunes after getting things warmed up as the opener. Opening for Eyes of the Elders.

$10. Neighborhood Theatre.

Here's the Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/189975397745773/

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The Carolina Chocolate Drops — Dec. 3 @ Neighborhood Theatre

Posted By on Fri, Dec 2, 2011 at 12:08 PM

With a new lineup and ever-increasing national prominence, the Carolina Chocolate Drops' sound continues to evolve. But the Triangle-area band's mission remains the same — keeping the tradition of old-time black string music alive. Before you go see the Chocolate Drops at the Neighborhood Theatre this weekend, check out this 30-minute performance on Wisconsin Public TV.

Watch Carolina Chocolate Drops on PBS. See more from 30-MINUTE MUSIC HOUR.

$20-$23. The Neighborhood Theatre.

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Live Review: Evelynn Rose/Portlit Cove

Posted By on Fri, Dec 2, 2011 at 8:57 AM

Evelynn Rose/Portlit Cove
The Milestone
Nov. 30

Sometimes it doesn't matter how well a booking agent does their job. Shows get screwed up. Usually, it has to do with upper management not fully following through with confirmed requests or some kind of emergency. Regardless, it happens, and on this night, the sampler of grindcore we were supposed to have heard echoing throughout the Milestone was taken away from us. Thanks to slack management, the show was nearly canceled and full-time Milestone booking agent, Buck Boswell was at his wit's end with the frustration just as someone came to the rescue.

Headliners ERRA's management's snafu led to the great Evelynn Rose taking the place of the cancellations (after ERRA canceled, most of the bill dropped). So a night of grindcore turned into a night of poppy indie along with openers, who were now headliners, Portlit Cove.

The show didn't get started until a little later than planned because of the lack of bands on the bill. Evelynn Rose opened up with a set to a small audience that, for the majority, were not prepared for the quite different genre they were experiencing. They were a well-executed alternative battle - hardcore vs. indie vs. Creed. A long set took hold of the beginning of the night and they played around 12 songs to fill up the gaps that had been created by the negligence of those who canceled. Their overtly emotional ballads and catchy beats did manage to captivate a great portion of the venue and brought the majority in the room to see what they were hearing. For what they do, they do it well, and it was very kind of them to step in at the last minute to ensure the night wouldn't be a bust. It was evident they were simply enjoying themselves, playing their music.

Portlit Cove, the determined musicians that kept the night going by staying on the bill, brought us a little closer to what our expectations were for the night. Their experimental, melodic hardcore was fluid and worthy of the headlining performance that was laid in their lap. With their new vocalist, it was a new sound, but only subtly different from what the world has heard from these boys before. However, with TJ left solely to his guitar without the pressure of vocals as well, he tears it up with more confidence and focus. It was kind of confusing as to how he managed to shred while maintaining the vocals in the first place and although he held it down every show, one can't blame him for not wanting to continue this feat. It looked complicated as hell and now he exerts himself in new ways, along with the rest of the band.

Although the sensible, straightforward line-up turned into a strange hybrid bill, it was nice to see the determination in those who had put their heart into this night make sure it still went down. Both of the bands gave it their all to a tiny crowd that was stoked to be there regardless of the day's setbacks. It made one thing apparent: Charlotte has a large handful of those that love and nurture our scene with utter dedication. From Buck Boswell's devotion to proceed with something worthwhile despite shitty circumstances to Milestone owner Jonathan Hughes thanking the boys from Portlit Cove for not dropping off and their reply of, “We just want to play music,” there is a passion here that seldom exists elsewhere. Despite what was thrown at them at the last minute, they remained true, committed artists and the still enjoyable night was a testament to this fact.

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