Bluegrass Fest Spotlight: The Railsplitters

Arguably one of the greatest components of the International Bluegrass Music Association choosing North Carolina as the host of their Wide Open Bluegrass Festival, is the opportunity to discover new artists at the turn of every corner in downtown Raleigh. Last year was the second year Raleigh played host to the music event and the reception of the festival was clearly embraced as over 140,000 music fans filled the streets to listen to bluegrass music.  

 
For The Triangle Beat, one band that had us anticipating the return of the festival was The Railsplitters.  Originally from Colorado, The Railsplitters are a bluegrass band that encompass all of the elements of traditional bluegrass music with the modern flare of some of the biggest names in the music industry.  This was apparent at the 2014 Wide Open Bluegrass festival as the Hargett St. Stage became electrified by their performance.  From their hypnotic vocals, to their incredible skills at playing a variety of instruments, The Railsplitters are sure to catch the attention of any music lover exploring the festival.  

Most recently, the band has released their sophomore album titled, The Faster it Goes.  As you prepare for the upcoming days of IBMA Wide Open Bluegrass, check out a feature track off that album titled, "Tilt-a-Whirl."  Find out more about the band and purchase The Faster It Goes by checking out their website.



The Wide Open Bluegrass festival will provide two opportunities to catch this amazing act throughout the week.  Be sure to add one of the following sets to your weekly itinerary:

Wednesday, September 30 - 
12:00-1:00am @ Tir-Na-Nog

Saturday, October 3 - 
9:45-11:00pm @ Hargett St. Stage

For a complete listing of showtimes, bands, and to purchase tickets, visit the IBMA website.

Local Band Local Beer with Nuclear Honey

WKNC 88.1's Local Band Local Beer series continues this week at Tir Na Nog Irish Pub.  Join the celebration of local talent this Thursday at 9:30 with one of our favorites, Nuclear Honey.   To learn more about the band, take a look at our previously posted spotlight.  

Every child dreams of making bank by selling sugary lemonade in their front yard.  Some entice customers with freshly squeezed lemons, others with extra sugar; but for Gray Henderson, he lured in customers with the rhythmic beat of drums.

Fast forward to the present and Henderson has exchanged his drums for a guitar and the lemonade stand for one of the many music venues around the Triangle.  Henderson, along with Reaves Greer, and  Kenan Jernigan, have joined forces to make the southern rock and roots band, Nuclear Honey.

Prior to forming Nuclear Honey in 2011, Greer and Henderson played in two other local bands, Ascella Vega and Sign of the Rhino.  These collaborations started in high school and have all been a part of   their musical journey, leading them to their current sound.

Henderson and Greer released Tombstone Sessions as their acoustic debut EP.  The recording was done with Dave Bartholomew in the office of his family's tombstone engraving business, hence the title. They later decided to expand their sound and get plugged in, adding three new band members. With the help of the fundraiser Kickstarter.com, they recorded Nobody Panic, a 7-track album that was released in the summer of 2013.  The album provides the classic sounds of pure rock-n-roll with folk roots.

Album Cover Art:  Patrick Shanahan

2nd Annual NC Fresh Catch Raleigh

Get your summer started right this Saturday, June 7, at Raleigh's 2nd Annual Fresh Catch event in Moore Square.  This is a Caribbean-style seafood feast that combines local art, live music, craft beer, and delicious seafood. 

Plates Kitchen, Tir Na Nog, and other local restaurants will mesh with master chefs from the Outer Banks, Kingston, Jamaica, and commercial fisherman for an onsite cooking and eating extravaganza.  On the menu will be an OBX clambake, island style fish 'n chips, Jamaican peppered prawns, Jerk chicken, and more.  Bring your own seats and blankets for a family picnic experience.

No Caribbean celebration can be complete without music.  Sharing authentic Reggae is The Kata Band, followed by the country acoustic sounds of Rissi Palmer, Winston Salem's The Heritage, and local band, Urban Soil.  Hosting the event is the funk-rock and soul band, The Dye Wells.  DJ Pangean will keep the party going in between sets with music from the past and present. 

Bring your appetite and your dance moves to Raleigh's 2nd Annual Fresh Catch event this Saturday in Moore Square.  Tickets may be purchased here.