The North Carolina Music Zone

Catching Up with Ryan Rubich

I remember the day that Ryan Rubich signed up and made a commitment to his life in music. We were chatting in a Jacksonville restaurant when he made the declaration of his road ahead. I simply sat there and encouraged the young lad. I helped him write a bio and booked a couple of community gigs for his duo to get polished. It was an exciting time in his life, there was definitely a fire ablaze in his soul and it was radiating out from his fingertips.

I met Rubich at an open mic night at Crystal Coast Brewery in Atlantic Beach that was hosted by Tiffany Elaine. After hearing him jam a couple of times, at a few open mics hosted by Elaine, I invited the slinger to come to Fairfield Harbour for a show which would mark the first time I saw Rubich live his original beat keeper, Jared Cain. I had met Cain years before jamming in a couple of different projects with Irish Robinson. The duo played two shows for me. Once during the winter months, the duo jammed at The Community Center (above) and the second time they returned in the Summer for a show at Red Sail Park (below).

It wasn’t long after those days that Rubich got serious about his career and turned his full attention to his career. This focus has paid off and paved a way for the singer-songwriter to stay busy with music. Even during the down days of Covid-19, the stringer and singer compiled, recorded and released his debut EP. After catching Rubich at a couple recent shows, I touched base with him on messenger and asked about the new release.

I started with the basics. “Tell me about the new release,” I said, “When did it come out?”

Rubich replied, “Released November 20th, 2020. ‘Find Your Way‘.” Who produced and recorded the disc? “Mike Corrado produced/recorded it at his studio Grunt Tunes it was mixed by Tommy Brothers at Shoreline Studios in Wilmington. We sent it out to the west coast to be mastered at moontreemastering.” Now the songs are available on all platforms for fans to enjoy.

After listening to his new EP, I asked the artist about songwriting, I was curious if the music came first or the lyrics. Rubich said, “Personally I write a lot of music pretty easily but have to dig for a concept or idea about lyrics. Sometimes I see where the vibe of the music takes the lyrics or for it to inspire an idea. It’s something I’m still a novice at, but learning more day by day.”

I heard a rumor that he was working on a side project lately and the best I can say about that is the rumors are true. Rubich has teamed up with a new band. He will be the lead guitar player for a New Bern-based band with some popular players. The new five-piece rocking beach band will be rolling out in the weeks ahead. I have another interview in the works with the frontman for that band project. So be sure to keep it here to catch the waves to the beach.

Besides working things out with the new project, in rehearsal each week, Rubich says, “I’ll still be playing full-time solo, and I am lining up gigs with my band RUBICH’S CUBE. In fact, he wanted me to tell everyone, “We have a gig April 29th @ Dukenfields, Jacksonville, NC 10 pm – 1 am. That gig will feature Mike Sandvig on bass and Jacob Yepez on drums. Stay tuned for more band dates with things opening up!”

To keep up with the Jacksonville based guitar player Like his page Ryan Rubich Music Facebook. For those interested in checking out his music start here and pick your favorite platform: Find Your Way

Big News From Bryan Mayer

I caught up with Bryan Mayer a couple of weeks ago when he was performing live at Tap That Craft and Wine Bar. The local country crooner has been keeping busy with solo shows during the pandemic days of Covid-19. In fact he has a few shows coming up along the Crystal Coast in the days ahead. You can catch him at The Saltwater Grill in Swansboro, next Friday, April 9, 2021. On Sunday he will be rocking fans at Gaffer’s in Emerald Isle from 2-5 pm.

Earlier this week Mayer made a big announcement regarding a solo show coming up next month. Bryan Mayer will open for country music super star Tracy Lawrence when his tour stops in New Bern to perform at the new Maola Events Center. To get your tickets in advance of the May 8th performance follow this link: Tracy Lawrence Tickets.

I will be taking to Mayer next week about this amazing opportunity as well as find out what else is happening in the singer’s life these days. He really is chock full of good news with lots happening on the horizon.

Big Sam At Harbour Pointe For Supper Sounds

Sam Lewis was our guest performer for the dinner crowd last Thursday evening at Harbour Pointe Bar and Grille. Lewis was a big hit with the residents that enjoy live music as they dine.

Sam Lewis is a very busy bee on our local music scene. When he is not offering a solo show, he plays with a band, and sometimes he jams as a duo. But that’s not where it ends. In fact, his band excursions keep him busy most weekends but during the week, he hosts open mic nights and encourages others to sing while hosting karaoke.

Starting next week Big Sam takes his big Karaoke Act to Sara’s Big Apple. All are encouraged to come out and sing. It is good therapy to express yourself through music so, come hungry, dine in, and sing out loud! Sounds like a great weekly option for the Broad Creek Road neighborhoods.

Here is the itinerary for Lewis in the weeks ahead:

•Thurs 4/1• Sweet Edventures Dessert Bar Swansboro KARAOKE 7-10p

•Sat 4/3• The Growler Bar Emerald Isle FULL BAND 7-10p

•Sun 4/4• New Covenant Church EASTER SUNDAY WORSHIP 10:30a

•Weds 4/7•Ducks Grille & Bar SOLO 6:30-9:30p

•Thurs 4/8•Sara’s Big Apple Pizza KARAOKE 6-8p

•Friday 4/9• BrÜtopia DUO/w Pretty Ricky 7-10p

•Sat 4/10• Bogue Sound Distillery DUO/w Pretty Ricky 7-10p

•Sun 4/11•Bake, Bottle & Brew-Willy Nilly Warehouse Solo 4-7p

•Weds 4/14• Ducks Grille & Bar SOLO 6:30-9:30p

•Thurs 4/15• Sara’s Big Apple Pizza KARAOKE 6-8p

•Fri 4/16• Salty Air Open Market DUO 6-9pm

•Sat 4/17• Rookies Sports Bar FULL BAND 7-10p

•Weds 4/21• Ducks Grille & Bar-SOLO- 6:30-9:30 pm

•Thurs 4/22• Sara’s Big Apple Pizza -KARAOKE- 6-8 pm

•Sun 4/25• Carolina Home and Garden DUO 1-3p

•Weds 4/28• Ducks Grille & Bar 6:30-9:30 SOLO

•Thurs 4/29• Sara’s Big Apple Pizza 6-8p -KARAOKE-

•Fri 4/30• The Office, Kinston DUO 7-10p

Before leaving his last gig I asked same to offer up an original song. He obliged with this:

Matt Riddle Live At The Brown Pelican

Matt Riddle is a Marine currently serving and living in New Bern. Just before press time, I reached out to Riddle on Facebook to learn more about him. I asked how long he has been playing? “I’ve been playing and singing roughly 27 years off and on. My mother introduced me to all kinds of music, I believe that in order to play good music you have to appreciate all types.” He definitely spreads out, offering everything from country to rock and more. When I walked in he was offering a rare cover of Peter Gabriel’s Sledgehammer.

I asked the stringer if he is from here, though I guess otherwise, he kindly replied, “I’m a transplant from Texas, I’m currently still in the Marine Corps, but my family and I have had a house here in New Bern since 2011 and we plan on staying in the area after I retire.”

“I do write my own music, I just haven’t performed it live too many times.” I can’t wait to see him again and request some original material for us.

As for gigging and looking for work playing, this entertainer says, “I’m always looking for more gigs that can fit into my busy schedule, if it works then I will play.” Riddle adds, “I love the way that music makes people feel, it is the outward expression of the soul.” As for reaching out and securing a date he says, “If anyone wants to book me they can reach me on here or by email at riddle1171@yahoo.com.

Amazing Lounge Lizards Groove Us Into the Weekend

I caught a sample of The Amazing Lounge Lizards while they were in town last Friday. This fun five piece party band hails from Raleigh and keeps busy around the Triangle area. I learned that have been rocking the scene with this current line up for just about a year.

One thing for sure they are full of energy and offer a great variety of popular party songs that span the decades from the ‘70s through today.

This weekend the band will bring the fun and funk to The Real McCoy’s tomorrow night. Music starts at 6 pm. To follow the band and keep up on all their dates like them on Facebook here: The Amazing Lounge Lizards.

Joe Brown & The Band Take Tap That

Our own local groove master, Joe Brown brought his band to Tap That last Friday to usher us into the weekend.

This would make for the second time I enjoyed Joe Brown, frontman and entertainer extraordinaire. For nearly five years I have been shooting pics and filing Brown behind the keyboard.

The first time I caught him front and center without a row of ivories at his fingertips, it was New Year’s Eve, on the very same stage. For that gig, he was backed by two keyboard players and the band. Last Friday he was backed by only one keyboard player. The popular Brandon Shamar kept the keys 🎹 grooving in time to the beats. Offering the backbeats for the night was the incredible Jasmine Best on drums. Also sitting in that night was guitar player Chris Campbell, who shared some pretty blues grooves and turned up the funk too when it was time.

We were all there to celebrate the front man himself, as Joe Brown finally turned 21 on March 22! Repetition is an important part of being a music maker and turn 21 over and over again keeps you young! Keep celebrating! Cheers!

Currently the band as no upcoming events to share, but keep it here as I am sure that is about to change with so many things returning to normal.

Adam Hill Music Monthly Rewind

I don’t know if I can really explain it, but when I tell you that music is powerful and impatctual upon the soul, I think of the movement my own soul when exposed to some Adam Hill music.

I can say this, I have had a love affair with music for as long as Adam Hill has existed. And for as long as I have been paying attention, one thing is true…Sometimes you come upon an artist that stops you dead in your tracks and makes you pay attention to music on a whole new level. That is exactly what Hill did to me.

I stopped out to check out the band Solid Ground and that is when Hill became a focal point of my music affections, not long after he offered this awesome version of Jimi Hendrix’s Voodoo Chile on stage at Jean’s in Havelock.

Was he the first? No! I have been at this longer than Adam has been making music. Being a decade older than the slinger is my only advantage to that equation. But I met Hill in the summer of 2016 and have been making my way to his shows on the regular because my soul always feels better after such a music experience.

My favorite music is Adam Hill. To be quite honest, I love original music. If I want to hear popular well-known songs, I can turn on the radio. But when I meet new players, it intrigues me to listen to their souls. Music is their portrait. They paint their canvas with music notes and phrasings from the depths of their spirit in the hopes of touching beating hearts and inspiring minds.

Over the years I have watched Hill offer many of his own songs and that is always the highlight of his shows for me. I am moved by the music as much as the lyrical messages. It’s clear to me that Hill survives the pains of living through shredding six strings and expressing his hurts through song. Many of his songs offer insight to the afflictions and struggles of life. He deals with life on his own terms and helps many others do the same with his music.

If you want to get your full of some Adam Hill Music, you have plenty of chances this weekend. The busy slinger has four shows booked over the next couple days. His first show is tomorrow morning, when he provides the music for the Annual Beauty and The Beast Car Show taking place in the Walmart parking lot on Yopp Road in Jacksonville, NC . The car show kicks off at 10 am and music is offered 11 am- 2 pm. Tomorrow evening the stringer will be singing at Crossroads Bar and Grill in Seven Springs, NC with music being served 10 pm til closing. Hill also has two shows on Sunday mentioned below in the weekly rundown. Keep reading to find out where you can catch him this Easter Sunday.

Carolina Swamp Dogs Bring Their Blues To Town

It was a Sunday Funday with The Carolina Swamp Dogs last week at the Brown Pelican. The Blues Duo from the Jacksonville area brought their unique blues offerings to the Dirty Bird for a few hours of afternoon fun.

I met this band at Annual Seafood Festival in Morehead City back in 2017. At the time they were the featured blues trio on the bill that year.

Since those days, the band has slimmed down to a fully function duo featuring Gary Oles and Tommy Langlois.

Over the years these Dogs have been my go-to when I need to fill a bill with the blues. They are good friends and talented blues musicians. I love how they bring education of the blues to the forefront of their show. The blues is our legacy, a part of our National history nobody better try to erase.

Both players retired from the Marine Corps and have kept in touch through the magic of music. They try to jam a few times a month but don’t keep a crazy schedule. For those looking to catch some authentic blues offered in a unique way, be sure to catch their show while you can. Our beloved, Gary has been bitten by the love bug and is changing things up in the hopes of settling down in Florida later this year. He and his fiancé Kathy Knowles are relocating to Orlando later this Summer, which means you only have a few more opportunities to catch this duo in the weeks ahead.

Next week they will be grooving in the beer garden at Wrightsville Beach Brewery in Wilmington, on Saturday, April 10 with tunes being poured out from 3-6 pm. The following week you can catch them back at The Brown Pelican when they bring their jams on Saturday, April 17, 7-10 pm. Also on the radar is Huffman Vineyards on Saturday, May 22, 7-10 pm and In June they have a gig on the books at Nick’s Blacksheep Tavern. Music plays 9 pm- 12 am.

Back To The Program @ The Brown Pelican

More signs of normalcy appear to be on the horizon for our friends at the Brown Pelican as they adapt to being back in action and open for business after 50 weeks of suffering from the shut down.

Starting this week they will resuming their regular routine of hosting a Monday evening blues jam with your host Big Jim Kohler and Friends. Music is offered 7-10 pm and all are welcome to join the fun.

Each Tuesday night Doc Paul will host a songwriter’s night where two acts will be highlighted each week. Music plays 7-10 pm. Come hear the latest and greatest players on the scene.

Thursday’s welcome the return of Open Mic Night hosted by local slinger Charlie Duzan. This open mic welcomes all that wish to join the fun with music being shared 7-11 pm.

Of course, The Brown Pelican is always your local music stop on weekends with awesome acts on the floor, front and center each weekend. Catch a show any Friday 7-10 pm or Saturday 7-10 pm. Looking ahead, Owner of the Dirty Bird Heather Haiss is interested in using Sundays to help those in need. For the year that her business was closed Big Jim hosted blues events each Sunday to keep the lights bill paid. With Haiss having survived her darkest days she hopes to continue helping others in need as she rebounds from her difficult year of closures. Keep it here to find out who she

At A Glance Music

by Susan Bugham

At a glance music for this week, disclaimer below.

Friday 4/2
Afreyed Knot 8-11 at Blackbeards, New Bern

Chuck Phillips Band 6:30-9:30pm at Backwater Jack’s, Washington

Eli Craig Band 8-11pm at The Doghouse Tavern, Ayden

Monterio Experience Trio 8:30pm-12 at Market St Pub, Washington

Tim Bivans 8-11 at AJ McMurphy’s, Greenville

Jamie Pridgen Band 10pm-1am at The Office, Kinston

Roy and DC Linton 7-10 at Ribeyes, Washington

2Digh4 10pm-1 at The Buccaneer Music Hall, Greenville

Singer showcase 7:30 pm, Erin Lewis, Sam Weatherly, and Joe Shingera at Molly’s Café, Uptown Greenville

Sat 4/3
Side Trac Band 8-11 at AJ McMurphy’s, Greenville

Eli Craig Band 8:30-12 at Market St Pub, Washington

Psylo Joe 7-10 pm at Local Oak Brewing Co., Winterville

John Williams 6:30-9:30 at Backwater Jack’s, Washington

Chris Hagan Band 10pm-1am at The Office, Kinston

Roy Stewart 7-10 at The Plank Steakhouse, Farmville

Mikele Buck Band 8-11 at Blackbeards, New Bern

Open Jam 6:30 hosted by John Williams at Backwater Jacks, Washington

Justin Anderson 10pm-1 at Buccaneer Music Hall, Greenville

Cooper Greer 7-10 pm at Ribeyes, Washington

Sun 4/4
John Benson 2-5 pm at Backwater Jack’s, Washington

Tues 4/6
Brian Burke 7-9 at AJ McMurphy’s, Greenville

Every Mon
Rhythm & Grooves open mic with John Williams 7:30 AJ McMurphy’s, Greenville

Open mic 8:30pm with Jared Gonzalez at The Buccaneer Music Hall , Greenville

Every Wed
Open Mic with JT at Molly’s Community Cafe, Uptown Greenville

3rd Wed of month
Open mic with Chuck Phillips 6pm at Parleys Sip and Steam , Washington

Every other Wed
Open mic with Joe Shiranga 7-10 at Nauti Dog Brewing Co., Winterville

Every other Thurs. Brian Burke hosts open mic 6:30-9:30 pm at Backwater Jack’s starting April 8, 2021.

Disclaimer: Please note that musicians and times are subject to change. Please call the venue in advance for confirmation. While I don’t know or support all of these musicians I do recommend these venues.

Thank you for supporting live music.

More Live Music Options

Cruisin’ County by County

In the hopes of always keeping things fresh and new, here is a new rundown of live music for the days ahead, county by county.

Beaufort County

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Friday, April 2, 2021

The Chuck Phillips Band will be offering the grooves this Friday at Backwater Jack’s Tiki Bar and Grill in Washington from 7-10 pm.

Roy Stewart & DC Linton team up to bring the music to the Angus Room at Ribeyes of Washington. Music is served 8-11 pm.

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The Market Street Pub welcomes the Monterio Experience Trio. 7:30 pm. $7 cover

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Saturday, April 3, 2021

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Cooper Greer will be on hand in the Angus Room, to provide Saturday evening entertainment at Ribeyes of Washington. Music is on the menu from 7-10 pm.

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Pamela Cox and J. B. Mayes will be the featured live music at Captain Cooks this Saturday night! Everyone is invited to come early for a good dinner and stay late for the music Music is offered 7-11 pm.

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