The Music Freak's Guide to NYE

Just like all big decisions in life, choosing where to ring in 2016 should be based on music.  Raleigh has plenty to offer this New Year's Eve, the tough part will be deciding which acts to see.  Check out our top picks for the most amazing start to 2016.

The Ritz

Thankfully, The Ritz and Live Nation have finally brought EDM to the Triangle.  Disco Donnie presents Brillz to ring in 2016.  We had the great fortune of catching Brillz in Charlotte last month and the show is nothing short of spectacular.  If you're looking for a hype night with electrifying beats, the place to be is The Ritz.  Brillz brings an energy to his performance that will undoubtedly surge through the crowd and will welcome 2016 in an unforgettable way.  The party starts at 8 at the very affordable cost of $20.

The Pour House

The Pour House has done an amazing job of creating a lineup to please all lovers of live music.  With The Love Language, Zack Mexico, Faults, and DJ Clickdat, it's pretty near impossible to not have a memorable night filled with singing, dancing, and great company.  This mixture of unique artists offers an evening of indie rock hits and psych pop beats.  Of course, it wouldn't be a New Year's Eve party without a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.  The music begins at 9, doors at 8.

Kings

Kings always knows how to throw together a fun lineup and New Year's Eve is no exception.  The highly creative and energetic TOW3RS will be joined by garage psych band WOOL and Heads on Sticks, creating the perfect recipe for shoulder-poppin' dance moves.  $12 at the door will also get you a champagne toast at midnight.  Doors open at 9 with music starting at 9:30.

 

Lincoln Theatre

Bring in 2016 with a great fusion of funk, rock, and pop with Big Something and Groove Fetish.  Named Best Rising Artist of 2014 by Live Music Daily, Big Something meshes guitar riffs, synths, and horns to provide a party with every song played.  Tickets are $25 and the fun begings at 9.

First Night Raleigh 2016

 
Artsplosure has assembled a great mixture of activities and music for people of all ages for this year's First Night.  The music acts include Johnny Folsom 4, Jonathan Byrd and Sea Gulls.  TOW3RS will also make an appearance at the Vintage Church at 9:30.  Bluegrass punksters Scythian will play both the early countdown from 6-7 and the classic acorn drop at midnight.  There's a lot happening at this event, so be sure to check out the complete schedule at the First Night website. 


Now all you need to worry about is who to kiss at midnight...choose wisely.  Happy start to 2016, folks!

Get "Out of this World" at First Night Raleigh 2015

First Night Raleigh 2015 is "Out of this World" with plenty of activities and performances to support that theme.  The city is providing entertainment for the whole family with animal exhibits, ballroom dancing, and of course, the first night ferris wheel.  The music lineup does not disappoint with local and tour favorites serenading the crowd through the night.

The Brooklyn based Augustines will share their indie alt-rock sounds with the Triangle on the main stage in City Plaza at 10:30.  They are known for their high-energy shows with strong audience interaction, so they are sure to please.
 
The Triangle's own The Love Language will grace the stage at the Contemporary Art Museum at 8.  The Love Language shares the genuinely emotional writing of Stuart McLamb with the support of an equally impressive group of rotating musicians. 

The Barefoot Movement, one of our faves from The Bluegrass Festival, will return for First Night.  Catch this down home bluegrass band gathered around one mic on the City Plaza Main Stage at 6:15 and again at 9 at the Church of the Good Shepard.  

There is an endless list of performances and activities to enjoy at this Artsplosure event, so be sure to check out the official First Night Raleigh 2015 website for a complete schedule. 

Photos courtesy of: firstnightraleigh.com

Wide Open Bluegrass Art Market Seeks Entries

 Application Deadline: July 14, 2014
 

Visual artists and fine crafters interested in displaying their wares at the Wide Open Bluegrass Festival Art Market have until July 14, 2014 to submit their artwork for consideration. Complete guidelines and criteria are availble on the Artsplosure website: artsplosure.org; applicants are required to complete the application process online via entrythingy: http://artsplosure.org/get-involved/payment/entry-thingy/

Artsplosure will present The Art Market as part of Wide Open Bluegrass, a major public festival component of the International Bluegrass Music Association’s World of Bluegrass. The event is presented in partnership with IBMA, the City of Raleigh, Greater Raleigh Convention & Visitors Bureau, and PineCone-The Piedmont Council of Traditional Music. It will be held Friday, October 3 through Saturday, October 4, 2014.

The WOB Art Market is an intimate showcase, designed to recognize North Carolina’s talented and enthusiastic arts community and feature unique artisans from across the United States. Local artists and crafters, and those who sell works that will appeal to a music-loving audience, are encouraged to submit an application. The World of Bluegrass event will attract over 6,000 national and international traditional music performers, presenters, and fans — in addition to over 75,000 local attendees anticipated for the two-day Wide Open Bluegrass festival.
 

IBMA’s World of Bluegrass event, an annual bluegrass music homecoming, consists of four parts: the IBMA Business Conference, September 30 – October 2; the 25th Annual International Bluegrass Music Awards, scheduled for Thursday evening, October 2; Wide Open Bluegrass, October 3-4 (which includes both free stages and ticketed festival performances) and the Bluegrass Ramble, an innovative series of showcases, taking place September 30 – October 2 in downtown Raleigh and at the Raleigh Convention Center.
 

IBMA – the International Bluegrass Music Association – is the professional trade organization for the global bluegrass music community. The organization’s six-year stay in Raleigh is the result of a partnership with The Greater Raleigh Convention & Visitors Bureau, PineCone—The Piedmont Council of Traditional Music, the City of Raleigh and a local organizing committee. 
 

Artsplosure is an independent nonprofit organization that has presented arts festivals in Raleigh since 1980.

*Information Courtesy of PineCone Press Release 

 

Artsplosure Celebrates 35 Years

The streets of Raleigh will be vibrant and full of life this weekend as Artsplosure celebrates 35 years of promoting the local arts.  The weekend brings a balance of national arts mixed with local talent, providing exposure to those who are underrepresented. 

The festival takes place this weekend, May 17 and 18 in Moore Square and Raleigh's City Market area.  Events for all ages will be provided such as:

•      The Art Market featuring over 170 arts and crafts vendors
•      Kidsplosure
•      Interactive Visual Arts installations 
•      Aerialists 
•      The Student Art Exhibit

An arts festival would not be complete without musical performances with coverage from every genre from Jazz to Alternative music.  Some artists featured are Tim Chaisson Trio, London Souls, Ryan LeBlanc, and Kim Wempe. Check out the Artsplosure website for a complete listing of artists and times. 

Celebrate the arts at this free event on Saturday from 11-10 and Sunday from 10-8.  Head over to the Artsplosure website for more details.