Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country
Founded 05-05-05
Aug 28, 2008 issue
Brewer’s Briefs
Story by David Brewer
I’ll preface this week’s column by acknowledging that yes, I have been known to possess the gift of gab and yes, I’m guilty of the very thing I’m to rant about. However, when it comes to being at bars full of strangers, I can be a bit antisocial.
I have discovered what I consider to be a universal truth: unless you’re a girl or a very good friend, guys in bands don’t want to talk to you at shows. Now fellas, don’t get angry. It’s nothing personal. Seriously.
It often seems that not a show goes by that some stranger (typically a guy) wants to take up your entire set break or corner you after the show for what seems like an eternity to chat about his friend’s uncle’s co-worker’s buddy who used to know a guy who can get me a gig at [insert name of fabulous venue here] or the band he used to be in back in the day.
I’ll admit that it took me a couple of years to get over the initial flattery of such offers and exciting conversation, but now I pretty much stop listening about 10 seconds into these too-good-to-be-true offers, overtaken with thoughts of simply going to the bathroom, getting a beer and breathing some fresh air before packing up or beginning the next set in whatever smoke-filled bar we happen to be in.
Yes, all these claims could help make the already strong case that I’m a total jerk, but that’s not the point. The point is this: if you’re a guy and you want to chat with the guys in the band, keep it brief, because no matter how interested the guy seems, he probably wishes you were a girl. And besides, if you have a legitimate gig offer, just send an email later, like, when you’re sober.
This Week…
-Fresh off their appearance at Music on the Mountain and a live turn on WNCW, Boone quintet Do It To Julia will kick off the fall season at Legends this Thursday, August 28. The band’s bubbly indie rock and infectious grooves will soon also be available on Do It To Julia’s debut CD from ASU’s Split Rail Records.
-Indie record store Green Eggs and Jam continues their live music offerings this Friday, August 29, with an in-store performance by Hickory grindcore act Hatemonger. I’m not enough of a metal aficionado to distinguish between the various “core” styles, but let’s just say that Hatemonger is plenty heavy and plenty intense.
-While this week’s rain was a welcome sight, the weather is shaping up to be just right for the annual New River Blues Festival in Ashe County. Featuring The King Bees and a stellar stable of hot blues and r&b acts from all over the Southeast, the NRBF is a relaxing way to catch an afternoon of great tunes by the New River for next to nothing.
Next Week…
-Didn’t make to London but you still want that live Zeppelin experience? Head to Legends on Thursday, September 4, and check out veteran tribute (cover) band Zoso as they channel Bonzo, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and Robert Plant and rock all your favorite Zeppelin classics.
-While Daniel Boone Days’ musical lineup is all about roots music, the Official DBD After Party at Murphy’s will be all about the funk. On Friday, September 5, Solos Unit side project Cookies & Cream will kick out a night full of funk and soul covers. On Saturday, September 6, jazzy Twin City hip-hop crew The Solos Unit will take the stage.
-The 2nd Annual High Country Bluegrass Festival will feature three of the genre’s biggest acts in Dailey & Vincent, The Infamous Stringdusters and Blue Highway. The event is slated for Saturday, September 6, at the High Country Fairgrounds. Other performers include the Surefire Bluegrass Band, Steve Lewis & Friends, The Cockman Family and Southern Accent.
On The Horizon…
-Any time The Kruger Brothers are in town, I feel a certain responsibility to inform the public. They are astonishing musicians that deserve all the press they get. On Friday, September 19, the Switzerland via Wilkesboro bluegrass boys will return to Boone for a show at Legends.
-On Saturday, October 4, Boone will be packed for ASU homecoming and Boone Saloon will be packed as alt. country stalwarts Possum Jenkins return to one of their favorite High Country haunts. The band recently recorded a live album and is also performing at the upcoming Rhythm & Roots Reunion in Bristol, Tenn./Va. with singer-songwriter Reagan Boggs.
-On Friday, October 24, ASU’s Performing Art Series will host an incredible night of roots music at Farthing Auditorium featuring Doc Watson, folklorist and multi-instrumentalist David Holt and old-time master and banjo player Riley Baugus.