Behind the Scene With Tracey Stones

Stay Inspired

There are a lot of dreams and visions that came with writing this blog. The greatest dream born, was the one that came with the desire to build a stronger music community. Behind the scenes, this operation comes together in the sanctity of my bedroom and for me, that is perfect because it comes from the intimacy of my wounded soul! Writing is a personal exercise that warrants a lot of alone time. Something I thrive in.

Music is so important to our survival because life is full of hardships and trauma. Personally, I use music to escape the pains of my existence. I close my eyes and feel the rhythms that connect me to the universe and my Father in heaven. I know I am not alone in this, which is why I am motivated to bring people together for music. Getting lost in music’s vibrations replenishes the mind and reminds us that life is much greater than the negative impositions we face from day to day and more about sharing the positive results that come from those impositions.

Healing In Focus

Having started this blog after the end of a marriage, I became entrenched in this thought of a community, with the hopes of feeling more connected to one. Part of this happened because I came out of a situation of alienation from the world. From that situation, I was left with a wanting. A wanting to belong to something instead of someone. I wanted to use all of my talents and past experiences to bring music to light in my area. And I didn’t want anyone to stop me. Instead of getting lost in another lonely relationship, I ended up here, cultivating a more connected music community.

Life and Living It

Our experiences in this life are what guide us. Having been through a lot of trauma I naturally became an advocate. I have been an advocate for the hurt and suffering victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. My best work in life, however, comes in being an advocate for musicians on the local level. I have known this to be my calling since I was 17 and I started pursuing it passionately when I was 25 years old. Music is essential to our existence and I am on a mission to keep people connected to it!

Write A Blog and Dream

Writing this blog came with a great many learning curves and plenty of frustration too. However, from those educationally trying times, came my dreams of developing something better for others to use.

If all goes well, freelancers like myself will have a user-friendly program to create and share content, while music appreciators will be able to download an app on their phone that connects them to the scene in their state. Should those efforts be successful, we will help put freelancers like me to work, while keeping people connected to the things they love. This will also keep the local music scene lively and thriving. Once that mission is complete and cash flow is no longer an issue, I would love to build a foundation funded by that success.

Profit Before Non-Profit Please!

Having just completed a year of sitting on the board for the Down East Folk Arts Society, I know about non-profits and how they work. As for DEFAS, they do good work and warrant the grants they seek for bringing and promoting the shows they bring to our area. They have a mission similar to mine, which made it a good fit. Over the years, I have also been involved with quite a few Blues societies in several states. There again, good work, for local and regional blues artists.

I am also fully aware and understand that my work as a writer, serves also as a non-profit service to this community that I support. However, that was never my intention. No lie, my sights are still set on being very profitable and changing the world. I am a hard worker, who will be looking to someday attain the fruits of my labor.  I am not interested in setting myself up as a charity to get started.

It is frustrating to me that life has come down to a GoFundMe, thanks in part to living my dreams! Nonetheless, I believe in my plans enough to still foresee having so much profit that there needs to be a foundation in place for the run-off. Something I can invest in regularly while encouraging growth for years to come through music development. Did I mention, DREAM BIG!

For The Love Of Family And Music

This non-profit foundation will focus its efforts on some very personal goals. First and foremost, it’s my want and my wish to bring an orchestra program to the North Carolina public schools. I would start with Craven County while keeping all of NC in the scope.

My reason for this is personal. I was in the process of rearing my son in Louisiana during the middle school years when he signed up to be a part of the school orchestra. He loved learning the violin. When we moved back to the area, there was no orchestra here. The band director handed my son a triangle and stuck him in the back next to the big drum. For obvious reasons, I did not become a band mom. And I never let go of wanting to change the system, even if it is by bringing music choices to our children.

Motivation Moved From Family to Friendship

About a year into writing the blog, another major motivation inspired more nonprofit dreams and missions. That is when Big Jim took ill and could not make it out to the store to buy some booze. When shock set in from alcohol withdrawal Big Jim found himself a ride to better health and a life of sobriety and the blues.

Fact is, Big Jim was sick from pneumonia, which had him incapacitated. But interestingly enough, it was alcohol which held him down the most. When he couldn’t get his hands on any, it literally took him down. To survive the withdrawals he was placed in a coma and put in ICU. This man is one of my best friends. I was scared we would lose him in this battle and it stirred a movement in me like no other. He is the inspiration behind the Foundation, funding the recovery expenses for local musicians.

Never Say Die

For those that were not here back then, I had a call to action when Big Jim grew ill.  I made a lot of promises that meant something, as I was saying them to my sick friend before God’s ears. And even though Jim is slim now, and sober for nearly two years, I still want to start a foundation to raise the money needed for musicians to get treatment, should they make the healthy choice of clean and sober living.

That is a much needed and worthy goal as this business creates a lot of dependencies that other job opportunities don’t. As there is no other job that I can think of where you walk in, set up and have drinks handed to you as you work. There is no shortage of people wanting to get the band high either. It makes me a little heartsick. All of this leads to awesome troubles for many entertainers. Given that, I feel it is important to have a safety net for this industry.

Then A Hurricane Came and I thought of Ways to use Music to Heal the World

The next big upset that inspired me more was Hurricane Florence. Since her visit last September, my mind and life have been completely altered. That is true for most in my area. Though I can’t move a mountain or tear down a building I can dream…and today I still say we need to tear down Trent Court, in its entirety and build a parking garage where the Days Inn used to stand. Build an amphitheater in town, something that can withstand the weather. Then use a percentage of those profits to build better housing in a safer location. We can help the poor and heal the hurt by bringing an awesome music venue to this city. And yes I do know there is a plan to build an amphitheater on the outskirt of this town, but, it seems to make more sense to put it in town. Who do I talk to about this dream?  Who can help me propose it?

Tracey Stones Productions Bringing Concerts to Communities

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One of the ideas that came from my work as a videographer, was this idea that we can bring music to the people. I get a lot of messages. Some messages came from recovering alcoholics who would share their tales with me. In short, they enjoy my work because they miss the music. Pair that with my sober friends making music on the scene, and there came this idea of bringing music out of the bars into our neighborhoods.

This is the kind of work that I am most excited about. We have so many small communities in my area that would thrive with a mini-concert series. But this is work that needs community partnerships interested in doing business with me as an advertising vessel. I serve as a legitimate advertising write-off for any company interested in putting their banners up behind my stages.

These types of community activities promote friends and neighbors coming together in a healthy environment for the sake of afternoon fun and music. I was hopeful that partners in the community would see this good work and support it, but thus far I am still the only advertising banner being featured at these shows.

Sponsors would serve as banner advertisers and would be promoted as such. Their banners would drape the stage setting and be featured in all live feeds on social media. The cost to sponsor a show is $500. This allows me to offer fair pay to the band and promote the shows within the communities. I still have several shows remaining and would love to alleviate the request for donations from a community harshly impacted by the Hurricane.

Up Next for TSP at RSP

For our next show in Fairfield Harbour, we will delight in the Americana folk and gospel-infused music of Caffeinated Soul Boogie. A New Bern based father/daughter band backed up by a couple of rhythm makers on bass and guitar. We gather in Red Sail Park for these shows and the residents are all invited to pack a snack and bring a drink. I hustle people for a $10 donation to pay the bands, but I would rather partner with community businesses to make this dream the best it can be. On Sunday, July 28th, the inspiration of the movement, Big Jim Kohler returns for his second performance. The series concludes in September, so there is still an opportunity to be a part of greatness.

Be the change you want to see

If you would like to partner with me in bringing these shows to your community,  please do not hesitate to contact me. Same is true for any business looking for a unique advertising vessel. I am happy to incorporate partnerships with my social media sites and this blog page as part of the package. Those advertising dollars, in turn, help to build healthy, fair paying stages in neighborhoods looking to incorporate live and local music.

This helps to expand the local music market and brings more people together in an area they know and love with the people they live near. Nothing is more beautiful than that vision.

So for those that have been wondering what is up with the blogger, now you know. I am taking a break, but clearly, no one has seen the last of this girl!

To Advertise or Become A Sponsor Call

318-789-6929

Looking for Music In New Bern Tonight

I write a weekly column for NewBernNow.com for all of the fun happening in and around town. It publishes each Thursday and you can check it out by clicking the NBN link.

Have a great week and take time to enjoy the dance!

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I accept many forms of payment!

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All donors are added to the Thank you Page.

I set out on a musical adventure in March 2015 with grand hopes of changing the world with my words and my works. This all came to happened nearly two years after my life was turned inside out.

In April 2013 I walked into my house, through the garage side door to find that my husband of six years, five and a half unhappy, was hiding an arsenal of weapons right under my nose. I thought we had four shotguns. Four months prior to learning about the stockpile of 21 weapons that included AK 47s and AR-15s, we had received, a letter of denial in the mail. It was actually addressed to him, but we read it together,  via Skype like all the other mail. It was a rejection from my husband’s life insurance company, saying they denied his request to double my insurance to half a million, due to a recent illness. ( I had pneumonia and blood clots in my lungs!)

When I found the safe full of guns, after I caught wind of the request, a few things became clear. My opinion or life was not valued, my husband was delusional, and I was getting a divorce. On April 12, 2013, I had no idea how that was going to happen, given my situation of living with a controlling man. But let me tell you how I think it came to be…

Pray For Better Days

At this time, six years ago,  I was randomly touring Europe with this mad man I had married and felt alienated from and unsafe with. Along the way, from Amsterdam to Rome, over the course of 15 days, we toured 27 cities and we visited many churches along the way, including St. Peter’s Cathedral.

I am not Catholic but I am a huge fan of St. Anthony, so when I came upon his shrine in Kutz, Germany, I got down on my knees and prayed for his help in finding ME again. I did this for two weeks at every St. Anthony Shrine I found. Two days after my return from that long emotionally charged and unhappy trip, where we would even witness our Pope Francis conducting Mass, I had a house fire. It was small and under control in no time and little damage was done. It cost me $1000 for a new stove and before it was even installed, I hit the jackpot.

My ex-husband was a wealthy man. When I departed my marriage my husband was working in Saudi Arabia making a cool quarter million a year. The more money he made, the more out of control he became. It took some planning to remove myself from that situation, but on Valentine’s Day 2014 I filed for divorce and started to move away from our home on February 10. I left the marriage accepting $25,000, my truck and a trailer as an exit deal and I ran like hell.

In July 2013 after I had a small house fire, I felt as though life was at the lowest point. But after the smoke cleared, there remained hope in the ashes. That is when I met Robert Walker and the plan of rebuilding began. I never told Robert when we started out, that I was going to use him to get away from my marriage, but I knew exactly what was happening in my life. He was my escape plan. Robert came to my home to clean it after my fire and needed a better opportunity. I knew I could pay him more for work that had fewer health risks. It was not a bad deal for him either.

Create Your Best Days

From August thru December, Robert and I communicated about building a business and working together. Our first day of the new adventure was December 1, 2013, and we cleaned up messes that some people would never consider. We dabbled in estate cleaning and sales, we hosted regular appointments (15-20 each week on average) cleaning homes and businesses.

 Behind the scenes, I have been a writer my entire life. Journaling and crafting short stories are my favorite ways to pass my downtime. It is something that started in my rebellious childhood. Each time I was grounded and sent to my room, I turned on the radio and picked up a pen. I wrote poems and short stories throughout my childhood. By my teenage years, music held my full attention and writing about it has been a thing for me since.

In working with Robert, we developed the best relationship I have ever known. This man stood by me throughout the emotional roller-coaster of divorce and watched me fight my demons over people in the truck daily. He calmed me down when I acted out and got upset and did irrational things. He told me we had plenty of time to get to know each other and was the first person who slowed me down enough to think things through. He reminded me to find myself and that I still did not know who I was going to be.

He inspired me to follow my dreams and those dreams led us both here. Robert has been reading each blog and removing commas and editing since June 2016. Whether he knew it or not, Robert was single-handedly rebuilding my life by just being in it! He gave me the inspiration to dream and follow my heart. That made my heart settle on him as I set out on my own adventure.

Follow Your Heart

Not interested much in relationships after my last marriage and track record, I became comfortable in building my relationship with a community. I have remained devoted and dedicated to the mission of connecting people to music and I have been successful in my work when it comes to people knowing where to go to find live music.

For most of the time that this blog has existed, I funded it by way of my cleaning business. Most people do not recognize how hard I worked to make all of this happen. I understood and knew what I was doing. I was working on building my retirement plan from the cleaning business, that enlisted the talents and passions of my youth.

Work Hard and Harder

Through most of that time of supporting this blog with cleaning, I was working with Robert. Things shifted and changed with time because as the weeks rolled by, the blog’s popularity grew and as it did, it demanded more of my time. Quite frankly this excited me. I was making appearances on radio shows all over the state, people were making a big deal out of me, because of the work I was doing for music makers. In short, shame on me, I was living my dreams for a hot minute!

I was fooled enough, by this time last year, getting ready to walk into another Summer music season and I wanted to embrace it fully. Robert accepted a job where 40 hours was a promise and I continued cleaning by day with the hope of selling the business we built and investing it here. I had a business that was easily worth $50K at a hot sale. And that would have been enough to get my dreams rolling.

Learn Lessons

As last Summer progressed, there was little hope that my old self-serving friend would amount to being worth any investment, I was onto a new plan. I ran into someone I had partnered with in business throughout the years, at Barn Bash. Mark Berry and I were getting ready to talk and we spoke briefly about the middle of the week. Well by Tuesday of that week,  September 11, 2018, I was leaving town for NJ under evacuation, in a rush and without my wallet. We would not return until September 22. It was one of the longest 11 days stretches of my life. It was true hell watching my home town on TV as it suffered through Florence. Hearing reports of the homes lost and knowing the people that lived there leaves you powerless when you are 500 miles away.

 I wanted to jump into action from NJ and felt stranded and frustrated at every turn. When I came home, I was paralyzed by the destruction. I could not believe it and I definitely did not want to work. I wanted to help anybody and everyone I could. So I turned on my phone, jumped in my truck and put all three of us to work. I delivered buckets and meals for days. I went live and shared info, and begged everyone for help. I was so displaced by the damage it took a long time to get past it all.

The Fall Between the Cracks

In the end, I lost no personal goods, my house and my family are very lucky. I lost my businesses. And with having no good credit, given the divorce and single motherhood life, I decided to accept that I have no worth to this world. I got to thinking that was true when the SBA agent said: “You have nothing positive to work with, call us back if you turn something around.” I have not had any desire to even address that!

As I did get back to a new normal, I went back to work with the work that remained. Only this time alone and for the moment in time, that was perfect. Then it was back to music also after another month. It remained like that for six weeks until I got sick with the Flu and gave away all but one cleaning account. So in short Flo and the Flu kicked my a$$ in 2018.

To be honest, as I walked into 2019 in reflection, I looked at Florence as a message from our Father above. I built that business with Robert and after turning my back on that plan I certainly did not deserve any return on investment. Knowing my relationship with Robert, I know it is an act of God that he showed up here and maybe I should have honored him more. He is a good man. He put up with a lot from me. I always knew I was a handful! He only learned it with time and handled me well. Given that, I was already longing and lost before the middle of September, yet behind the scenes that man remained.

New Day New Opportunity

For me, it has been quite a year in the whole dream development arena of life!! I am grateful that I chose Robert and music to help me grow and heal. Today I can say I love Robert even more than I ever can remember loving any man! He does not provide for me by giving me money and expecting me to be someone I am not. Instead, he shows up every day to help me find my own way.

Never wanting to change me, always wanting to be helpful and always tolerant and patient with my tornado of a personality! This man who served our country as a Marine years ago is my hero today and for the last 6 years! Given that, it is my wish to return to the goals that helped me reclaim my life after a psychotic marriage. Cleaning houses may not be glamorous work but we are skilled deep cleaners, we earned good money and now he is available again for work and I want nothing more than to employ him.

Last time I upstarted the cleaning business on 10K and I know that I can do it again with the right equipment, insurances, and advertising.  As much as I have loved being your music lady, accolades and praise do not pay the bills. I am stepping away from trying to impress people with my music plans and working my way back to earning a good living so that I can afford to blog for you again! To help me do that please visit my Go Fund Me Page today! Thank you for your support and for reading!

https://www.gofundme.com/f/9464c-back-to-business

I have nothing to hide. I live my life out loud. I stay true to my word and I always hope that people will act better tomorrow, including my hormonal self. Fact is, last May I made decisions to upset the apple cart and follow my dreams. After 5 years of planning and working with Robert Walker, I decided to be a B L O G G E R!

This man, he walked into my life and stayed by my side for years and years. He showed up for work on time every day and was usually always waiting for me to get it together. So patiently, he stood by me during an emotional separation and even crazier divorce, where I decided to upstart my business, so to change my life.

As I healed, I did so in trying to help others, as that is my nature. In 2013 I returned to the board of directors for Promise Place and by 2014, I was the Chair for the board…that proved too overwhelming for me and I still Thank God for the day I returned to the board and saw now Maj. David McFadyen sitting at the table. He would step up and Chair the board after I stepped down and away from my work at Promise Place. I still remain as a volunteer, and as for David, he will be replaced in his role as Board President next month. I still celebrate his work in our community in helping Promise Place do their best work for our community members in need of their service.

During those days you could find Breeze and I feeding the homeless and learning how to be better advocates for children who might be suffering from sexual violence. His motorcycle club sat with Carolyn Wynne and me one Sunday afternoon to become Guardians of Light thru the Darkness to Light platform.

After being an advocate for sexual abuse survivors proved too emotional to this survivor, I started advocating for my truest passion, music and music makers. Instead of getting into one bad relationship after another, I hung out with the sidekick whom I love dearly and we cleaned up all over Craven County together. At night when I got bored, I would text Robert endlessly and go look for live music. This is how two men born on the same day handed me the Keys to the Highway. Jim Kohler and Breeze are the men I thank most for bringing me back to music.

Without Big Jim and his blues and his ultra-supportive wife Kathleen Kohler, I might have stayed locked away from this world and all its people. Instead, they brought me back to thinking about my life and I ran after it without any thought. This couple spent hours upon hours with me in my new life, and they are a part of my foundation! This is why I rally for and champion them in their own time of need. Let’s not forget we nearly lost the big guy!

Meanwhile, days roll by and things progressed and as things took off for the blog, I turned to Robert and asked if he would be my editor. I need eyes to oversee me always! He has been reading every blog before you most weeks for nearly three years. Instead of telling me to stop what I was doing, and pay attention to business, he went and found a job he thought would be a stepping stone to another opportunity. We all know how that can work out sometimes.

Last May, he took another job offer and worked things through with me until the end of June last year. I was told by a friend that she would work with me and buy my business. A week after Robert’s departure my friend told me she would need two weeks a year off to do another job. Three weeks after that I learned she would need six weeks off a year. (Sorry no one can run a business like that.) Instead of being forthright she accepted $15 an hour, doing $8.00 an hour quality work. I  was going broke before the hurricane, take my word on that!

We all learn our lessons with friends, don’t we? That is not what this story is about, nor is she to blame for my desire to follow my dreams. Though that zing still stings to some degree. Nonetheless, after not firing her (my own bad decision)  three weeks in, we made it through the Summer and that is when God hearing my struggles said, “Hey, you, about this idea of selling your business, here let me take care of that for you. I see you need a new plan!” Florence changed lives and plans swiftly with her watery force!

Since then it’s been pretty rough around here! The only thing I want to do is heal people and the best way I heal is with music. So I stopped cleaning and dreamed bigger after getting sick in December. I took a job and gave my cleaning accounts away to a “competitor.” I had hoped that my community would back those dreams and that work. The job that I took is helping Wendy Card and New Bern Now.  I remain committed to all of that work as well as my own product! I still have big dreams and major developments underway and it is well worth the time and effort I put forth.

I might have learned that I have more work to do to prove my worth in that regard. Trust me, I am not giving up on me and our music makers. We have a lot of work to do! After sometime after a while, I decided to return to cleaning and under a new business model. This model has me back to working with my editor and favorite one, three to four days a week doing one time, detailed cleaning jobs. This is our niche. We do good work together! We have rhythm and we can make a house shine with a good day of honest hard work! He is a former Marine who served our country for 8 years.

Robert showed up on my front porch when he was working for another company. I tend to believe that July 11, 2013, was a pivotal day in both of our lives. He was there to clean my house after a fire. He ended up staying and helped me rebuild my life from the ashes. He has been teaching me new ways to clean stuff for six years gone by. He is my best friend and favorite one! It has been a very long year without him and I am glad that, together, we have a plan to get things right in both of our lives again.

Now that we have a plan I am asking for the help I need to get our apple cart upright and rolling again so that we both can get back to getting some rest at night! Thank you!

GoFundMe Getting Back In Business

And when we get to the part of my truck needing tires, this is what I mean!

On The Scene With Tracey Stones

We Rocked Our Midweek Blues Away at City Stage

Starting things off with a look at last week, we begin at the mid-week point whereupon at City Stage we find  Big Jim Kohler and his band sharing some blues with good friends and talented players. Those that joined the fun last week included the regular rock riffs of Jayke Steel who is not pictured above but, who is, the leader of his own modern country band and as it turns out he is available to play in your bar and every Monday and Wednesday as best I can tell. Feel free to find him on Facebook and hire him today!

Making the night fun and most enjoyable was the incredible voice of Kathy Kohler and helping fill in the sounds was Jonathon Peck with his six-string and Phillip Alcock who joined in on bass. Adding a new and talented blues twists to the night was Derrick Moore for a nice change. Moore keeps busy with Caffeinated Soul Boogie, an Americana pop band based here in New Bern.

For those looking to check them out, they will be rocking their grooves at one of my favorite places in Oriental next Friday night, at The New Village Brewery & Taproom. Music for that starts at 6:30 pm. On Sunday the 30th of June Frank and Lili Bacon will host and celebrate their Second Anniversary with Big Jim Kohler Blues Band. Music for that event kicks off at 2 pm.

 If you are interested in breaking up your mid-week blues, be sure to join us at The City Stage. The fun happens every Wednesday from 7-9 pm.

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On Thursday We Rode To Durham to Jam Some More

Last Thursday Big Jim and I rode to Durham and along the way, we picked up Phillip Alcock to join us on the journey. We stopped by the House in Durham to join in the weekly fun they have at Woolly’s Big Blues Jam. This fun event takes place every Thursday and it kicks off at 6:30 pm and rocks in rotation until 10 pm.

We will do this again soon as we are planning a show in the triangle area happening next month at Raleigh’s prime music venue The Pour House Music Hall. On the bill for Sunday, July 21, 2019, will be Woolly & The Wingnutz Blues Revue, Big Ron Hunter with Appaloosa Redd and Big Jim Kohler Blues Band. For tickets to this show in advance,  check out the event on Facebook by clicking this link:

Tickets for Big Jim at The Pour House

Getting back to The House, last week, there is always a strong showing of talent at the jam. Last week was no exception. It was top notch talent throughout the night. All blues players are welcome to be a part of the fun, just come out and sign up to be included in the rotation of jammers. Besides serving up the cool blues music, The House also serves up great food too. Come hungry and stay late to dance your blues away!

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Friday Came Courtesy of Mary Shine On The Scene

Mary Shine offered the assist and covered the scene last Friday night for NCMZ.LIVE.

Jan Michael Field Band Rocked New Bern

Mary Shine headed to Blackbeards Triple Play to check in with the Jan Michael Fields Band. They were rocking the deck and keeping the crowd happy with their wide variety of popular hits. This band offers everything from Motown to popular rock classics. Some of the highlights include Journey and even the fun sounds of KC and The Sunshine Band.

The South Carolina based band will be heading back to NC to rock Heroes Sports, Oyster Bar and Grill in Goldsboro, NC this Saturday night. Music rocks from 10 pm until closing. If you have yet to see them, be sure to wear your dancing shoes and party hats, because you are about to have you some rock and roll fun!

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Saturday Night Delights

Nicholas William Bailey at Sara’s Big Apple

It is always a pleasure to check in with our next spotlight artist. Nicholas Bailey is a talented stringer who has explored some depths of songwriting that few from New Bern have done. He has written movie scores, he has lent his talents to television shows and also stays busy with his own band.

I met Bailey a few months ago at Captain Ratty’s here in New Bern and was inspired to ask him to come to Sara’s Big Apple soon after hearing his beautiful playing. He plays the most soothing sounds with six strings and it is a mastery he offers song into song for full sets. It is awesome and offered with pure grace. I absolutely love the beauty and uniqueness of his dinner show offerings. Someday soon I hope to hear his band Nick & The Babes

To learn more check out his biography on Wikipedia by clicking here:

Nicholas William Bailey

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Ryan Cain Plays BrÛtopia

Ryan Cain is the country crooner that keeps busy playing shows from the coastal resort towns to New Bern and beyond. He has a strong voice for country music and shares lots of popular and familiar songs. Sometimes you can catch him jamming with sweet and talented friends other times he flies solo. Last week I caught his at BrÜtopia on his own and grooving for his crowd.

If you love country music be sure to catch this man soon. He will be rocking Atlantic Beach this Thursday at Idle Hour Biergarten with music playing 6:30-9 pm and on Friday you can catch him at The Barnacle live at 6 pm. To keep up to speed with this up and coming talent like his Facebook music page by clicking this link:

Ryan Cain Music 

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Carolina Ale House Celebrates 20 Years Serving Jacksonville with Music by Dean Daughety and the Troublemakers

When it was time for leaving town, Mary Shine and I made our way to Jacksonville Saturday night to check out Dean Daughety and The Troublemakers. This band is based in Lenoir County and they were busy rocking the crowd that gathered at the Jacksonville location for Carolina Ale House, who was celebrating 20 years in business there.

These Troublemakers are a fun band that took some time in selecting their great set list. They are all talented players in their own right and together they sure make beautiful music. From country grooves to pop rock and funk, they offer a great variety of songs and enjoy interacting with their audience. Anthony Dean Daughety is the front man in this effort and causing all of the trouble behind him are guitarists Matthew Hart and Scott Carlisle. On bass is Greg Howard and sitting behind the kit on drums is James Stroud.

To check out the band on Facebook, find them at Dean Daughety and the Troublemakers. Give their page a like and check out a show soon. Next week the boys will be closer to home and rocking The Red Room on Saturday, June 29, 2019. Music starts at 10 pm and there is a $5.00 music charge payable at the door.

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Meanwhile, over In Swansboro, It Was The Will and Tony Show

From Jacksonville, we hit the highway and headed for the coast. Along the way, we stopped in Swansboro where we found The Will and Tony show offering the fans that gathered at The Boro Restaurant & Bar. That was a fun show to find on a Saturday night. They offer a fun show of popular song offerings.

This duo never disappoints and they play in a couple of different rotations. The full band project is Big Drink Music Company and the duo is as mentioned, The Will and Tony Show. They lean toward fun and popular hits of many genres from the ’60s and ’70s. Will Baker offers lead vocals and guitar works while Tony Johnston offers the percussion and backbeats.

For New Bern residents, the popular duo will be performing on Saturday, June 29, 2019, at Sara’s Big Apple. Music plays from 6-8 pm and the dinner is always delicious! Fans and friends of the band looking for them along the coast, you can catch them this Saturday at The Trading Post: Southern Food and Spirits. Music starts at 8 pm.

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Morehead City Brings Big Rock, and Rock n Roll

Mike Edwards and The One Reunite at Southern Salt

As you might expect, I love finding new bands to talk about and that finally came at our next to last stop, last Saturday night. After leaving Swansboro, we rolled down 24 East and made our way into Morehead City where Big Rock was underway and the rock n roll was to be had.

My first stop there was Southern Salt Seafood Company, where I got to enjoy the rocking sounds of some Mike Edwards Music. He reunited with a couple of cool cats he used to play with back in the day. Billed as Mike Edwards and The One a trio of the five players reunited on Saturday night, after a 30-year hiatus. And these guys rocked the waterfront town straight into the next day! Edwards is a legendary player to our local NC scene and has swapped chops with a lot of bands over the years.

Should there be the talk of more gigs with The One, I will be sure to keep you posted here but for anyone looking to check in with Edwards, he had a music page on Facebook that you can find at

Mike Edwards Music 

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We Closed Out Saturday Night Ridin’ The BiPolar Express

After we arrived in Morehead City, Mary Shine, headed straight for the crazy train and hopped on board with The BiPolar Express who was picking up new passengers at Off The Hook last Saturday evening. This rocking trio out of New Bern offers all of the classic hair bands beats from the ’80s and ’90s era of rock classics. They play everything from the AC/ DC to the Beasty Boys, Poison Bon Jovi, Motley Cru and so much more.

This trio of rockers offers a fun show of quality rock songs played right. They have a great production set up complete with a sound man. For anyone out there looking to book a fun rock band for a party or for a good time in your venue, reach out them on Facebook. For friends and fans of the band looking to get rocked right mark your calendars for Saturday, June 22 when they bring it to the E-Club Emerald Isle. Music and fun start at 10 pm.

Be sure to like their page and follow them on Facebook today by clicking this link:

The BiPolar Express

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Live Music Options In the Days Ahead

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Tuesday TemptationS

It is Honky Tonk Tuesday at The Brown Pelican each week. Country pickers and players are welcome to come jam between 7 pm and closing. All are welcome to participate or just relax and listen!

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For music fans in James City, please note that Tommy Duzan Sr is hosting a weekly open mic session at The Garage each Tuesday evening, Players are welcome to be a part of the grooves from 7-10 pm.

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North Carolina Symphony Performance at Tryon Palace

Tonight the North Carolina Symphony will perform an annual free concert on the lawn of The Tryon Palace. All are welcome to attend. Bring a snack but leave the alcohol at home. Music starts at 7:30 pm

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Crystal Coast Option

Each Tuesday Tiffany Elaine is hosting an open mic event near the beach. Tonight she will be hosting the weekly offering at the KBar which is at Brandywine Bay Golf Club located in Morehead City. This venue is open to the public and is offering live entertainment every other Tuesday and on some Saturday nights. They serve beer and wine and offer a full menu of great food.  Pack up the gear and stop out tonight. All are welcome from 7-10 pm

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Salt Bar in Emerald Isle offers Dueling Pianos on Tonight starting at 8 pm. Featuring the mad playing skills of Mike Huffman and Dave Haywood, this duo of ivy ticklers stand ready for your requests.

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Wednesday’s Weakness

Blues Is Back at City Stage

We get back to the blues on Wednesday when Big Jim Kohler hosts another fun night of swapping blues chops with other players. Live music starts at 7 pm on stage at City Stage New Bern and the fun goes to 9 pm. All are welcome to jam with the blues master or just come to listen and dance along!

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Open Mic at Carolina Wine Mixer

Open Mic Night at The Carolina Wine Mixer with Tiffany Elaine starts this week and will take place each Wednesday night. The fun starts at 7 pm, all are welcome to come out and join the fun with family and friends.

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Those Mischevious Girls are on tap this Wednesday at Kings in Raleigh. Music starts at 8 pm. It is requested that you offer a $5.00 donation for the band

Beer & Banjos

This Wednesday for Beer and Banjos it is Sugar On Fire for your entertainment. Sugar On Fire started in February 2018 on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The band members came together through their involvement in the Carolina Bluegrass Band, the ensemble under the university’s Bluegrass Initiative, and their love of acoustic music led them to form their own group. Drawing on their bluegrass and old-time influences, as well as their interests in other musical styles, the band has created their own unique sound, full of energy and passion.

Live music is offered at 7:30-10 pm tonight. Click the link above the picture for directions

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Thursday Thrillers

Captain Ratty’s Seafood & Steakhouse will offer live music upstairs in the piano bar. This week the offer Chuck Phillips. Music is offered 6-9 pm and dinner is always delicious.

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Alisa Mike hosts a night of music each Thursday evening at City Stage New Bern. She will wow you with standard jazz offerings and groove you with fun show tunes. The City Stage offers a pub-style menu and entertainment most night of the week. They are located at 901 B Pollock St., Doors open at 5 pm.

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Persimmons Restaurant welcomes the music of the talented duo Lewis n Clark this Thursday evening from 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm. Come out and enjoy the sounds and delicious supper on the deck.

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Brian Mac of Third Degree Bern will host his final open mic night at The Brown Pelican this week. Please come out and say thanks as he passes the torch to the stringer, Charlie Duzan. Open mic at The Brown Pelican happens each Thursday Night. Sign up starts at 7 pm and music starts at 8 pm and lasts until all of the jammers have jammed. This is the longest running open mic night in New Bern and it is always new and exciting! And next week we welcome a new host

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Hank Barbee will be sharing songs in the garden at Carolina Home and Garden this Thursday evening. This incredible guitarist will share original offering throughout most of the night. Little Johnn’s Crab Shack will serve the tasty treats.

Music plays from 6:30 -9:30 pm. Closing out the week is Robert McDuffy and Sub Tropics Food Truck are scheduled to be in the Garden on Friday night. There is a $5.00 music charge.

Have a great week and take time to enjoy the dance!

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YOUR SUPPORT IS IMPORTANT! PLEASE CONSIDER MAKING A DONATION TODAY!

I accept many forms of payment!

Google Pay which can be sent to my email at traceystonesproductions@gmail.com

Apple Pay which can be sent to my phone 318-789-6929

I also accept PayPal

Every dollar makes a difference in keeping me and my old girl (411,123 miles) on the road!

All donors are added to the Thank you Page.

 

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This Music Business. Class Is In!

Congratulations to the graduating class of 2019! Your future is as bright as the day! Follow your heart and keep your eyes on your dreams! 

We will return to Money Matters next week, until then!

CLASS DISMISSED!

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~ Live Music Options ~

Saturday, June 15, 2019

On the Outskirts of Town

Sara’s Big Apple

Live music will be offered in the back room at Sara’s Big Apple this evening courtesy of Nicholas William Bailey. This New Bern native has made his music known all over the world by scripting sounds for TV and movies. Tonight this talented player will share some seamless sounds of guitar melodies, to those that gather for food and music tonight. Sara is always cooking up something amazing for supper and Bailey makes beautiful music any time he reaches for his guitar. Come out and enjoy both tonight.

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Getting Down Around Town New Bern

Our Local Clubs and Pubs

The Brown Pelican

The Brown Pelican hosts an evening of music with Steel County Express, offering the music from 8-11 pm. 

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Blackbeard’s Triple Play

Blackbeard’s Triple Play Restaurant, 415 S Front St. The party comes courtesy of Chocolate Chip and Company Band, they will bring the music to life tonight on the deck with all the grooves you will love. Music plays at 7:30 pm- 11 pm. For more info please reach out and call the club at 252-635-0322.

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On the James City Side of that Confounded Bridge

The Garage

The Garage welcomes the music of The Big Jm Kohler Band. Live music is offered from 7-10 pm for FREE! But I suggest, you feel free to tip the servers and musicians you meet along the way!

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Brütopia

BrÜtopia offers the freshest brewed beer and the grooves of Ryan Cain live. Sharing songs tonight and jamming from 7-10 pm. Free music for your listening pleasure. Come out and support local music, while you enjoy the freshest new beer on tap!

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Cruising the Crystal Coast

Atlantic Beach 2016

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Cedar Point, NC

Treehouse Beer Company

Treehouse Beer Company welcomes the music of Evan Button from Boone, NC. Evan will come for a visit and will be grooving in the garden from 7-10 pm. Sip on a cold beer and groove to the music tonight.

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SWANSBORO, NC

Bake, Bottle & Brew

Flip Side Duo offers the live music sounds tonight at Bake, Bottle & Brew this evening.  Music is offered from 6-9 pm.

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Emerald Isle, NC

The Trading Post: Southern Food and Spirits

 4EverAll featuring Chris and Ally Whitaker will be offering songs to the fans and friends that gather for good eats and great beer tonight at The Trading Post: Southern Food and Spirits. Music starts at 6 pm and they rock you until 9 pm.

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E-Club Emerald Isle

E-Club Emerald Isle is welcoming the sounds of Freeway tonight, with live music cranking from the inside stage at 10 pm.

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Atlantic Beach, NC

Tipsy Turtle Tavern

Tipsy Turtle Tavern offers live music on the outside stage tonight. Music comes courtesy of the talented local stringer Lil Cecil, offering classic rock and fun blues grooves. Come out for drink specials and live music starting at 9 pm!

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Morehead City, NC

Floyds 1921 Restaurant and Catering

Floyds 1921 Restaurant and Catering welcomes Barefoot Wade for your dining entertainment this evening. Music plays from 7-10 pm. You are welcome to come early for a delicious dinner and stay late for fun music.

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Southern Salt Seafood Company

Mike Edwards and The One will offer the music selections for those eating on the deck at Southern Salt Seafood Company. Located on the waterfront in Morehead City, many in town for Big Rock will gather here tonight. Come early to enjoy the fresh catch and stay late to dance the night away. Music starts at 9:30 pm on the deck and rocks until 12:30 am!

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Jack’s Waterfront Bar

There is a good time every time you visit Jack’s Waterfront Bar. Checking things out for the weekend, we find Jukebox Revolver will be rocking the crowd. Music starts at 10 pm and there is a music charge payable at the door.

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OFF THE HOOK

Off The Hook welcomes the fun and rocking grooves of The BiPolar Express tonight on the deck. Music starts at 10 pm and the fun jams last until it’s time to head home. Come out and dance the night away under the stars!

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Beaufort, NC

Cru Bar & Wine Store/ The Beaufort Coffee Shop

Cru Bar & Wine Store/ The Beaufort Coffee Shop Presents

Emily Musolino Band, Sat June 15th, 8:30-12:30 AM, $4 Cover

http://www.emilymusolino.com

Emily Musolino is a Durham, NC native who mixes soulful vocals with shredding blues rock guitar riffs. The depth of emotion in her voice is stunning and her songs have a classic sound and lyrics that tell compelling stories.

A Berklee College of Music graduate, Emily has opened for and collaborated with artists like Ani Difranco, Nikki Hill, Vinx, Shana Tucker, Anna Wise (SonnyMoon, Kendrick Lamar) and Eric Hirsh (The Beast, Orquesta GarDel). She is also owner and head engineer at Blue Moose Recording Studio in Durham and Co-founder of the women’s music and arts collective Mama May I.

Emily released her newest album “The Vault” in April 2018.
Emily has been featured several times on NPR’s the State of Things, with Frank Stasio and written up in the News and Observer. She currently fronts the Emily Musolino Band and plays 200+ shows a year, both bandleader and soloist around the world.

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SURF CITY, NC

JM’S PLACE PUB

JM’s Place PUB welcomes the blues grooves of Fried On The Boat. The fun grooves play from 9 pm until 12 am.

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Southport, NC

Fishy Fishy Cafe

Tonight the Uncle Hairy will offer the dinner grooves and will be serving the sounds at Fishy Fishy Cafe tonight. Music starts at 6:30 pm and the food is always delicious. 

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Rocking Around the Region

Garner, NC

Locked & Loaded Bar & Grill

Locked & Loaded Bar & Grill opens the stage to the extremely talented and raging rockers Brad Benson’s Rebel Armada, offering their rocking best tonight. Music is free and kicks off at 10 pm and lasts until 2 am.

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Durham, NC

The Blue Note Grill

The Blue Note Grill

Seven Springs, NC

Crossroads Grill & Bar

Johnny Badcheck and the Bouncers will be sharing songs tonight with friends and fans that gather at Crossroads Grill & Bar tonight. Music starts at 10 pm. Grab a burger, enjoy a cold beer and groove to the music tonight.

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Washington, NC

Backwater Jack’s Tiki Bar & Grill

There are some live music choices up to our North tonight.  Backwater Jack’s Tiki Bar & Grill is always a great time with music and good food on the menu! Music is served from 7-10 pm each Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. Thursdays they welcome all players with a Low Key Open Mic Night, hosted by Brian Burke.

On Fridays and Saturdays, it’s the finest local acts on the list to entertain you, while you dine and drink and unwind. Tonight it is For The Love Of Music Jam with John Williams hosting. All are welcome to join in the fun. Good times start at 6:30 pm. Music rocks till 10 pm.

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The Wine Crate

Music is on tap at The Wine Crate tonight with Phil Watson, sharing the songs you know and enjoy. Come early to enjoy the taste from the bistro and stay late for the good music. Songs are shared from 7-10 pm this evening!

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Market Street Pub

Market Street Pub welcomes The Jamie Pridgen Band to the stage to rock you this evening. Music starts at 10 pm and there is a small cover charge at the door to support the music. 

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Jacksonville, NC

Carolina Ale House (Jacksonville, NC)

Dean Daughtry & The Trouble Makers will be rocking the patio of Carolina Ale House tonight! Live music plays from 7-10 pm. 

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Answering the Call

Checking things out around the rest of the region, I ask my Facebook followers each week where we can go to hear them play. This is what they said this week.

June 10 at 5:58 PM

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Do you like live music videos? Check out my Live Stream Page on Facebook.

Tracey Stones Live on Facebook

Searching for more events around the region:

Events on Facebook

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Keeping up with the Blogger

Follow me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/TraceyStones69.

Feel free to invite me to your events.

If you have a budget for advertising, please consider promoting your next event here!

Do you need music for an event you are planning? Consider the services of:

Tracey Stones Productions

I read emails daily. You can send those to:

ncmz.live@gmail.com

Please include the day, the date, the time of the event, the time of your scheduled performance.

Be sure to mention what time doors open and the price of tickets.

Pictures are helpful. You may send links to band websites so I can post those as well.

Have a great weekend and enjoy the dance!

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Your Support is Important! Please consider making a donation today!

I accept many forms of payment!

Google Pay which can be sent to my email at traceystonesproductions@gmail.com

Apple Pay which can be sent to my phone 318-789-6929

I also accept PayPal

Every dollar makes a difference in keeping me and my old girl (410,523 miles) on the road!

 

All donors are added to the Thank you Page.

 

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On the Scene With Mary Shine and Tracey Stones

ABOVE: Mary Shine and Tracey Stones rocked the scene on Friday Night! Ending the night on a good note with Stairwell and the good folks at The Market Street Pub!

It was another week of friendly faces in familiar places, as we made our way through the week with music making memories. Along the way, we met a couple of groovy groups too. One had an African vibe while the other offered Jamaican flavored reggae raps.

May I have this dance?

Monday of Music and Memories

Simon Spalding Serves the Sounds for Supper at Sara’s Big Apple

Last week offered a new way to start my Monday Music offering when I stopped in at Sara’s Big Apple to see what Simon Spalding was up to. Interestingly enough, I was hired by the owner to book the entertainment and somehow Spalding sidestepped all of that and got himself a regular engagement with the owner. Being curious I showed up for the inaugural set.

I mention how this gig came about to ward off the question of, “Why would you hire only one act for a regular appearance in a place with such limited spaces for live music?” The answer is simple, I wouldn’t! This was arranged between Spalding and the owner.

 Given the fact that I won’t be paid a commission on his self-serving gigs, chances are also likely that I will not be covering those shows either. Fact is, I am trying to make a living and things like this cut into my bottom line. Nonetheless, for anyone who is interested, feel free to join Simon this coming Monday for his last June engagement and then every Monday in July, as he serves the sounds from 6-8 pm in the back room of the pizzeria. Sara’s Big Apple is located on the way into Fairfield Harbour at 1150 Broad Creek Rd.

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Heading Down Town We Get Back to the Blues

I am not sure if Monday is the end to my weekends or the start of a new week anymore. I know this, it never gets old watching the room fill “up to the top,”  with music lovers. Some come to jam, some come to sing, some come to dance and some just listen. But we are all there together to enjoy the night. Last week was no exception.

If you have not been out to the Brown Pelican for Monday night blues, make sure you come and join us soon. The place stays jumping and the bartenders like it busy! We have been having a natural ball every Monday since February and it never gets old! We are sorry if you have missed the fun. For full details on this weekly treasure, keep reading and I will tell you all of the everything you need to know when I recap the week ahead!

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Wednesday We Wallowed In the Blues

It was a quiet mid-week reboot with blues being shared from the City Stage. Big Jim was dressed and ready to impress the masses, but only a few showed up last Wednesday evening.

In all, it was a pretty slow week for jammers at both venues as well. No one new came to call this week, but we did learn that Jayke Steel (above on guitar) is still available for hire on Monday and Wednesdays. Simon Spalding always enjoys sitting in with the big man, who is only medium sized these days.

There was one other thing I noticed this week and that is the growth I have seen with Jonathan Peck (pictured above) and how he is cleaning up his phrasings. I noted a much cleaner offering this week and a more confident player. This is what makes these jams worth noting!

Big Jim and the boys usually keep the company of Mrs. Big Jim, but this week she was home and under the weather. With a long weekend ahead, that took the band to new territories, she took the time to rest. But most weeks that is where you can find Big Jim and his bride, offering their first show of the week to admiring fans.

For those that are new to the blog, welcome! The players of this badass blues band include Big Jim Kohler on vocals and guitar, Chris Buttitta on the bottom, giving the bass and behind the kit, we have Tom Parker keeping the beats. On occasion, they pair with a harmonica man Mark Heffington (pictured above), who lives in the triangle area, but has been blowing notes with Big Jim for nearly 7 years. Newer to the circle of harmonica offerings is Lee Tibbetts (pictured below), whom we met last year. Enjoying the summer in Colorado with his wife Bonnie, this couple will return for more music this fall.

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Thursday Thrills

 Oriental Offers  African Music Stylings in the Garden

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At some point this week on Facebook, I asked my friends and followers where their favorite place was to view a live music event…and I think the reason I was inspired to ask that was because of my recent visit to New Village Brewery in Oriental. This venue is one of my favorite places to sit and watch music. Frank and Lili Bacon offer music fans a nice outdoor spot for soaking up sounds. Another reason why I enjoy that so much is because they always stretch out when it comes to finding new acts to offer live music.

Please Allow me to introduce you to…

On Thursday, I went to the harbor town to take a listen to Diali Cissokho & Kaira Ba, a band from the triangle area with a tribal sound that embraces the ancient traditions of West African music. They not only share song but embrace their audience with dance too.

According to the bio information, Diali Keba Cissokho (vocals and kora) whom we can call Jelly, “Like peanut butter and Jelly,” he said at the start of the show, is a renowned kora player and percussionist from the Casamance region of Senegal. He came to the United States after years of touring in Europe and Senegal. Now when he returns he takes the band he brought together in Carrboro, NC.

Helping him to share the sounds of his native land are John Westmoreland (guitar) from Pittsboro, NC; Jonathan Henderson (bass) hails from Durham, and Will Ridenour (percussion) is a musician from Greensboro NC. Also mentioned in the bio, but not a part of the gig last week is Austin McCall (drum set) grew up in Saxapahaw N.C.

Their music is unique as the instrument that helps to make it. Strung with fishing line, this West African instrument is tuned to one key at a time and makes melodic sounds. The band has several discs available for purchase, they also sell t-shirts and other merch, so please check out their website for more details:

Kairabamusic

The reason I made my way out there was, that Bob Manning of The New Bern Rotary reached out to find out my opinion on how to market this band they had coming to New Bern in October. He explained the Rotary was teaming up with the band to raise money for children in Uganda.

Just as soon as he mentioned the band’s name, I said; “Bob, is that the band playing in Oriental on Thursday?” When he acknowledged it was, I said; “Well, it starts with me going to see them, so I can talk more about them.” So that is what I did. New Bern Rotary is working with for an event coming to New Bern this Fall. I enjoyed the journey, had some chicken, sipped on a pale ale and enjoyed the grooves of this captivating band! For those looking for them on Facebook check them out here:

https://www.facebook.com/kairabamusic/

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Friday’s Fun Finds Me at Civic Theatre with Mom

When co-pod squad host and friend George Oliver asked if I would like two tickets to the Carter Cash Show, that was going to raise money for our town’s beautiful Civic Theater, I said yes without hesitation. Knowing that this was the music my parents raised me on, I found it appropriate to ask my mom to the show.

We had a delightful time as we enjoy classic songs made famous by the first family in Country music. After a 45 minute set featuring the Carter family creations, there was an intermission that reflected on the Oliver Family and their involvement in the theater. This presentation was delivered by their daughter Abigail, who also plays a great guitar for the family band.

Following the brief intermission, the band returns in full form to offer more music which highlighted Johnny Cash and his popular country music career. It was a sell-out performance and a great night that raised funds for the theater. Thank you to all that came out!

For those that wish to see the Oliver Family soon, you can find Strung Together on the deck at Persimmons this Thursday offering music from 7:30-9:30 pm.

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 Back On the Road with Mary Shine

First Stop Kinston, As Bill Lyerly Rocks the Red Room

We had to look for a late show or two since I was in town until 9 pm, so we picked Kinston and Lil Washington as our destinations and we rolled down 70 West first.

Bill Lyerly is the roadhouse rocker that has been sharing songs with fans and friends since the ’60s. In the ’70s Lyerly was one of the original members of Super Grit Cowboy, a regionally successful roadhouse and rock country band, that made a good name for themselves in the ’70s and early ’80s. Since the ’90s this slinger has been keeping busy on tour half the year here in the states and the other half of the year, across the pond in Spain.

For the gig on Saturday, Lyerly teamed up with Wolf Cratch on drums and Shelby Wall on bass, to round out his rocking sound. Throughout the night the band offers familiar classic rock, some blues, and some rocking roadhouse originals. Earlier this Spring, Lyerly released a remastered mix of his CD “Case of Jones,” which he released some years ago, but remastered it more recently at Abbey Road Studios and offered it to fans in April. This disc is available for purchase, so the next time you see him rocking, be sure to show him some love and buy this disc offering 11 originals tracks of rocking roadhouse music.

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All Aboard The Music Bus

The Next Stop Brings Us to Lil Washington to rock with Stairwell

For our last stop, we took a quick journey down Highway 11 to Grifton, where we followed Highway 118 until we met US 17 North. Once we made our way to Washington we stopped at The Market Street Pub to check in with the rockers known as Stairwell. 

It had been a while since the band rocked lil Washington, so we made plans and we included them on the journey. This band always brings a tight show of hard rocking vibes. It does the soul good to get rocked to the core and this band is always up to the task.

While visiting the town, they took the time to raise money for a local community member. Well-known for supporting the Pirate Nation, as well as the local music scene, Kenny Curlings is a name familiar to many in the region. Last week his son Colby was seriously injured in a car accident and remains in ICU at Viadant in Greenville, NC. During the show, Stairwell collected donations from the crowd that gathered to rock the pub. In all, they collected nearly $300 in tips to donate to the family in need.

Next week I am going to start things up by talking more about this band and show you a thing or two about a successful band store. They always have a great set up of merchandise to offer fans and next week we are going to talk more about that. For fans and friends looking for the band, they will be rocking The Doghouse Tavern in Ayden next Saturday, June 15 from 10 pm until closing.

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Saturday’s Sound Samples Start At The Seashore

First Stop Atlantic Beach For Pretzels and Music

I was headed to the beach for a show in the park and wanted to leave a bit early, to see if I could find some music before that event. As I made my approach through Morehead City I turned right when I came to the causeway and headed for Atlantic Beach. I was curious to know if there would be live music on the sand at Idle Hour Biergarten.

As I made my way around the circle, I zeroed in on a familiar face.  It was Justin Castellano, standing on the porch assessing the weather situation. Though it was cloudy, the weather held off and the show went on. Castellano offered many familiar songs to the audience which grew as time passed us by. This stringer and singer is such a clever and creative soul. I love talking tech and gear talk with this wizard.

For friends and fans of the classically trained and terribly gifted guitarist, be sure to check out his website by clicking the link at the end of this article. For those interested in getting a taste of the best pretzels being served in Atlantic Beach, be sure to stop by this Thursday at Idle Hour Biergarten when he returns and enjoy a cold beer, great food, and Justin Castellano sharing his songs from 6:30-9:30 pm.

Justin Castellano

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Morehead City Brings the Blues

The City of Morehead City is offering a free concert series in the park this Summer, as they have done in the past years. Last night the rocking blues band, Built For Comfort offered a fun night of music to the spectators that gathered.

Built For Comfort Plays In the Park

Well, believe it or not, it was three years ago when I first heard the band Built For Comfort. And when I met their music,  it happened right there on the lawn at Jaycee Park on the waterfront in Morehead City, NC. This band offers many familiar fun grooves of classic blues players. They play everything from Jimmy Reed to Muddy Water, they wallow in B.B. King and Buddy Guy too. In other words, they play my favorite music.

But what I love most about them is how they serve up the traditional sounds with a twist. They always work out the standard arrangements of these classic songs to suit the more modern take of their talents. The highlight of this and a fine example came in the form of the band’s take on the Roling Stones classic “Satisfaction.”

Making the beats more fun for dancing in this band are Landy Spain on guitar and vocals, Bill Hunneke on harmonica and vocals, Al Carroll on bass and Joe Tronto sitting behind the kit. Helping the band work their sound system was Grant Leggett.

Though the crowd did not fill the lawn as they did in past years, a good crowd still came out in support of the music, with the hopes of not being washed away by the weather! Luckily it all worked out and a good time was had by all.

For those looking to connect with this group be sure to visit and like their Facebook page by clicking the link at the end of this article. They have no dates listed on the calendar of events at this time, but when they do, I will be sure to share them with you right here.

Built For Comfort Band

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Mystic Vibrations on the Waterfront

Before hitting the road away from the beach, I stopped in at Southern Salt, to see who was on the deck and getting ready to play. That is where I had a chance to meet reggae band Mystic Vibrations. This fun band brought their grooves from South of the border. Hailing from South Carolina, they are a tight unit with four players creating the grooves.  Dion “Caution” Samuel is behind the kit on drums, George “Raheem” Johnson plays the bass, Marcus “Marky”‘ Ruby tickles the ivories and works the keyboards all while assisting with backing vocals, and fronting this band on guitar and lead vocals is Ric Williams. Williams is from Jamaica and enjoys sharing the music of his native land.

Although the band does play mostly in South Carolina, they do have another date this month here in our state. You can catch Mystic Vibrations at Holiday Travel Park Resort in Emerald Isle on Friday, June 28. They offer music from 7:30-10:30. For more information on where to find the band or to learn more about their cool history and music offerings, be sure to visit their website at:

Mystic Vibrations

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On The Road Again…Jacksonville, NC

We Turn Up the Blues at Nick’s Blacksheep Last Night with Big Jim

Considering the fact that I was close to Highway 24, I decided to head West and check in with my favorite New Bern Blues maker, Big Jim Kohler. He and the boys were scheduled to rock Nick’s Blacksheep in Jacksonville, NC. When I got there the boys were doing their thing and Ms. Kathy was doing hers…taking them down with her soulful offerings and fun song.

This was the band’s first appearance and Nick Nichols was loving every minute of it. In fact, I heard the news that he will be bringing the blues force back to The Sheep in the months to come. Keep your eyes peeled here for news on that next show! I will share it when we set it up!

For friends and fans of this band, be sure to stop out and see them any Monday at The Brown Pelican from 7-9 pm and Wednesday from 7-9 pm at The City Stage, and this Friday the band will be rocking The Garage in James City. Music for that fun time on the backyard stage is set for 7-10 pm.

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Homeward Bound

Hank Barbee Or Bust To Wrap Up The Week

The last show of the week brought me back to town for the final set of The Dust Parade, who was playing it hard at The Brown Pelican last night when I walked in. The surf-infused, rocking jazz quartet makes a lot of fun music and they enjoy sharing it with crowds throughout the year.

Currently, the band is in the studio working things out for a new release, that should come our way by the end of this year. Many of the tracks were laid in Atlanta last month and now the work on mixing the effort is underway in a Wilmington Studio. We can expect another 10 tracks from the talented guitarist and his awesome band.

For those looking to keep up with Hank Barbee and his talented band, be sure to visit their website by clicking on their name below. They keep busy playing around the region and will return to the New Bern Area on Sunday, June 30th, to perform for Tracey Stones Productions at Red Sail Park in Fairfield Harbour. This show is for residents and their friends. All are welcome to pack a snack and enjoy music in the park from 2-4:30 pm.

The Dust Parade

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Live Music for the Week Ahead

Monday with Music

New Bern, NC

New Bern, NC friends and visitors, you can find live music tonight in two locations. Sara’s Big Apple will host Simon Spalding for an acoustic dinner offering from 6-8 pm.

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For those over in town, you can enjoy the blues jam I talk about so much because I started it all! Big Jim Kohler live at The Brown Pelican for a two-hour music offering.

The first hour features Jim Kohler Band and the second hour is always a guess on who is coming up to the killing floor! Be sure to wear your dancing shoes and get ready to have a natural ball. Music is offered from 7-9 pm!

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Newport, NC

Shortway Brewing Co.

Tiffany Elaine hosts open mic night at Shortway Brewing Co. All are welcome to come out and share songs, read poetry or just be a spectator and enjoy the fresh beer and fine talent that gathers.

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Greenville, NC

AJ McMurphy’s

Greenville, NC Play The Stage! Open Mic at AJ McMurphy’s

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Raleigh, NC

Champions Bars – NC State

For fans of open mic night in the Raleigh area, Champions Bar hosts an open mic event every Monday. All players are welcome to jam. This jam is hosted by Chris Jones and it kicks off at 9 pm. Visit Champions Bar Open Mic Mondays to read more about the event.

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Tuesday Temptation

New Bern, NC

The Brown Pelican

It is Honky Tonk Tuesday at The Brown Pelican each week. Country pickers and players are welcome to come jam between 7 pm and closing. All are welcome to participate or just relax and listen!

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Beaufort, NC

Cru Bar & Wine Store/ The Beaufort Coffee Shop

Tiffany Elaine will host an open mic night at Cru Bar & Wine Store/ The Beaufort Coffee Shop this week. All are welcome to come to display their talents! Enjoy some food, a cold beer, and live music!

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Wednesday’s Weakness

New Bern, NC

Blues Is Back at City Stage

We get back to the blues on Wednesday, when Big Jim Kohler hosts another fun night of swapping blues chops with other players. Live music starts at 7 pm on stage at City Stage New Bern and the fun goes to 9 pm. All are welcome to jam with the blues master or just come to listen and dance along!

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Open Mic at Carolina Wine Mixer

Open Mic Night at The Carolina Wine Mixer with Tiffany Elaine starts this week and will take place each Wednesday night. The fun starts at 7 pm, all are welcome to come out and join the fun with family and friends.

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Thursday Thrillers

Captain Ratty’s Seafood & Steakhouse will be serving the sounds upstairs in the piano bar. Music is offered 6-9 pm and dinner is always delicious. At press-time it was unclear who would be playing this week.

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Alisa Mike hosts a night of music each Thursday evening 7-9 pm at City Stage New Bern. She will wow you with standard jazz offerings and groove you with fun show tunes. The City Stage offers a pub-style menu and entertainment most night of the week. They are located at 901 B Pollock St. Doors open at 5 pm.

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Strung Together will provide the entertainment on the deck this Thursday evening at Persimmons Restaurant. Music is offered from 7:30-9:30 pm. Come enjoy a great night with fine dining on the water and enjoy the show!

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The Brown Pelican

Brian Mac of Third Degree Bern hosts the open mic night at The Brown Pelican each Thursday Night. Sign up starts at 7 pm and music starts at 8 pm and lasts until all of the jammers have jammed. This is the longest running open mic night in New Bern and it is always new and exciting!

I just want to note that, we are nearing the end of an era, as Brian Mac will be passing the mic to Charlie Duzan starting on Thursday, June 27, 2019. Be sure to come out this week or next to thank Brian for his hard work and dedication in growing this to be a fun and interesting weekly offering. In the history of this open mic, this past year has been the most successful and that is because it takes some organization and patience to make it all come together.

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Newport, NC

Carolina Home and Garden

Old Smoke will be sharing songs in the garden at Carolina Home and Garden this Thursday evening. Music plays from 6:30 -9:30 pm and the food truck Earls Place will be on site serving food. Looking at Friday, they welcome Cecil Gillikin and Dem Boyz BBQ. There is a $5.00 music charge for all music gatherings. They serve cold beer, good wine, and free snacks.

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Thank You for Reading!

Please go out and support live music tonight!  Please be sure to call the club in advance to confirm what you read here is true. Many times events change without anyone updating the changes publicly.

If you like this blog please sign up and get an email each time we publish.

I appreciate my readers, the musicians and the venues who all do a part in keeping live music alive! Give us a like and tell your friends about our mission by sharing this page on your social media pages.

Thanks to the many bands and clubs, thanks for keeping me informed!

When you walk out the door tonight, take kindness with you. Be sure to tip those that serve you and the music makers that rock you!

Hug people often and share the love. Make sure you take time to enjoy the dance. Please party safely sweet people! We love having you here with us! Rely on your sober friends, call a cab or sign up to Uber around town tonight!

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Keeping up with the Blogger

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