It’s Bittersweet, Bitter and Sweet!

My love affair with music has a long history. It’s one of deep life-changing love. Complete with heartache and devastation. I have been a Rolling Stones fan for more than four decades. But even before they rocked my world at 9, I was already hooked on music. I favored country music at first and leaned into some blues.

I was first devastated at age seven when Elvis died. I cried and lost sleep for months. I prayed and pleaded to God to bring him back. I remember pleading with Him, that I would be sooooo good! FOREVER! I remember telling him He could skip being good to me for Christmas and birthdays, just bring Elvis back to sing again. PLEEEEEEEEEEASE! To mess with me, along came the TV show Inside Edition, with reports of Elvis sightings.

Growing up to know the blues and more broken-hearted love.

Today in music history, Stevie Ray Vaughan was born to this earth. In memory of my favorite musical influence, I will honor the 65th anniversary of his birth with one final music blog, before retiring this site and my efforts.

SRV is a pivotal figure in my journey because he excited my soul and inspired my truest dreams. I loved The Stones for most of my life. I would learn who Stevie was, as it was reported in a Rolling Stones fan club newsletter. Beggars Banquet published by Bill Graham. He reported in 1982 about Stevie Ray and the band attending a party that The Stones hosted.

Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble was an act that The Stones considered signing for launching their own label. Rolling Stones Records. It was really Jackson Browne and David Bowie, however, that truly launched his career. Nonetheless, I found out about him just before he broke out into the world, via the Rolling Stones.

I was also blessed to have had an older boyfriend at the time, who took me to concerts nearly every weekend. We saw SRV often and at General Admission shows where I sauntered up to the front row, year after year. Some people went to movies, but Barry and I worked on his cars and sought out live music for six years of my young life. Since I was underage, concerts were a good way to go… until I scored a fake ID. I was watching live music in bars by the age of 16. I was happy to drink coke or ginger ale and dance all night!

Stevie was the first celebrity that I reached out to with fan mail. I wrote him a 4-page letter in April of 1990. I never got a response to my letter, as he passed in August of that year. But interestingly enough, I feel I got a reply a few years later.

In November 1993 I found a draft copy of that letter while moving. I stopped dead in my tracks when I came across it and sat silently in my room on the floor and read every word. In the letter, I talked about wanting to write his story and spelled out my wish to tour with the band as their personal journalist. By the time I finished reading it, I felt like my dreams died with him in a fiery crash, I was so broken up! I had enough tears flowing from my soul to put out a fire. I sobbed so hard my husband came to see what was wrong with me.

Later that week in the Fall of 1993, I was faced with finding an intern position. On Thursday afternoon, I stopped at O’Johnnies, a Hallmark/ Newsstand store in Clark NJ. I was there to pick up a copy of The Aquarian Weekly. The Stones on the cover and an article inside about SRV were all mentioned. I brought that magazine to my teacher the next morning on deadline day and told her I wanted to serve as an intern at that paper. I was the editor of our community college newspaper and a DJ for the in-house station. And now I was 24 and ready to rock n roll, as I reached for my Associate’s Degree in Communications/Liberal Arts.

Blessings and Heartache

My communications director at Union County College in Cranford, NJ, Susan Stock, set me up for an interview in mid-January and on February 4, 1994. I started living my dreams as an intern for the local weekly rock mag. A publication that I read each week for nearly a decade. The Aquarian Weekly was first published the year I was born and it still rocks the NJ scene. I was hired during the 25th Anniversary of the publication and wrote Bea Flattte, Boogie and Blues, and lots of other contributing pieces. Working for the publisher of Arts Weekly, James Rensenbrink, under the direction of Editor Bob Makin, exposed me to a life I loved.

Before it was over I gave them rockers a bit of the blues and enjoyed many great life moments! One of the greatest moments on the local music scene happened for me at a blues bar, in the northwest corner of NJ and it was a shape-shifter of a day. From that Sunday, April 17, 1994, until I left in 2005 for a life in NC, I stayed wrapped up in the blues, courtesy of one bad-ass six-string slinger named, Young Gun.

Ted Wielgopolski would become known to the scene as Teddy Young and he was the Ace of my world for the rest of my days in the Northeast region.

Teddy Young

Young is the first slinger that rocked me with B B King’s “Everyday, I Have The Blues.” That song has been my blues anthem almost as long as “Honky Tonk Women” has been my rock trademark!

Getting over Teddy Young and The Aces is something I never seem to be done with. As though it was a divine plan or something. I am not sure, but I sense the day will come that the blues will return to rock my life again like the blessing it is.

Music is in me, even though I don’t play it or have any desire to play it. I can’t shut that off, that love or passion, and I can’t ever turn my back to it for long. It has always thrilled my heart and soothed my soul on a level comparable to none.

Music Has Been the Love of My Life Since Age 9!

So, Of Course, We Will Dance Again!

Without further ado, welcome to our final trip around the state. As I see it, this has been another chapter in my musical journey. A journey that will surely continue after some time passes. As for wrapping up this Volume of life, it’s been a long few weeks for me as I try and gather my thoughts for this piece.

I have spent most of that time in deep reflection, as I mull over all of the averages of this blog. I signed up for WordPress in October 2013. The first year I used it as a release to write about life, off-air on social media. A lot of time and love was given to the world around me via this site, but only as I got over my divorce and on with my life.

In all, the average blog entry saves as a 43-page file. And it took about 43 hours a week to compose just one blog. I turned The Tracey Stones Zone, into a music site in 2015. The North Carolina Music Zone happened just hours before my first radio interview in July 2016. Following that early morning phone interview with John Jones, I began using the Acronym NCMZ.LIVE from there on, hoping that it would catch on…no one ever remembered it.

When I picked out the site, I opted for the .live over .com because I liked the uniqueness of its accuracy.  In all, there were 395 entries supporting live music around our state that were published right here. I personally contributed more than 20,000 pages complete with pictures and videos of local artists and wrote stories to support the work. I then grabbed random gig announcements and wrote a recap of live music found around the state. All stories focused on music promotions were created for NC’s local scene, penned over the course of 4.5 years.

By March 2017 I established Tracey Stones Productions, LLC and was accepting income opportunities in the arena of music promotions. I developed a plan and created a website and modified the plan often, and then all the drawings and dreams came to a crashing halt when waves crashed over and wiped out all of the income the blog made, just 17 months later in September 2018.

Over the course of four and a half years of my reporting on the scene, I made my way to most corners of the state, in a vehicle that could have been sponsored by businesses with logos seen all over the scene. Instead, it costs me more than I can afford now. It could have been wrapped up by the main sponsor and seen on the scene most nights of the week. The opportunities sure seemed endless in my mind.

And therein lies the problem, I was content with building it slowly and working towards a major goal. But when Florence came raging through this town I call home, it changed my life in ways I am still grasping. No, my home was not washed away. But most of my income sources were gone. I lost 23 house cleaning customers and the only two venues that I had commissions booked at in town, shut down. It truly ended, September 14, 2018.

The fact is, I lost two businesses. I still struggle with saying that, as I am a survivor of life. Nonetheless, that is what Florence took from me. I am still capable of bouncing back and hope to, but seeing how there is little support for this product that demands much of my time,  this is now nothing more than a dream gone bust!

The advertising was so affordable but so few accepted or embraced it. $25 a month! My work generated my worth but you can’t make people pay you what you’re worth if they see no value in what you do. In the end, I was told by a member of my community that I have severely over-inflated my worth to the town I promoted the most. That was tough to swallow, given the fact that I created this site for the benefit of others, not myself. I just wanted to write and chose music as my topic of interest.

To me, this is just another heartbreak, in a long line of heartache I have experienced with music. I worked hard to create something unique, but must accept that it was not worthy and wonder who will miss whom first! I leave here knowing that I did my job. The job which I created for myself, by the way! I gave it everything I had and for nearly zero compensation for more than four years. I took people to the moon and halfway home in mileage on my sweet Yukon, my music bus! I have gone broke chasing music in her company. But doing it for the readers was always worth it!

I leave here knowing that I was more dedicated than most because no matter what anyone tells you, I led the charge with the beats of my heart. A heart full of passion produces creative worth if, again, you can reveal the value in your creation for others to see. Building something from nothing is not something many even set out to do. At this point I am feeling quite defeated, but knowing me, I am sure I will go off and build something bigger, to suit more. I am proud of my work here. I connected thousands of people. Next time I shall strive for the millions. For now, I just think to myself a lot and sometimes I even hear myself say things out loud like, “Too bad the idea was not truly embraced! I was really into the blogging gig.”

I can tell you that it was so much more than just a 20-minute piece that people read each week, twice a week. It was endless hours of thinking and creating, sleepless hours writing. Now there is just a whole lot of file saving going on in my world before the site gets deleted in the middle of the month. Facing that makes my heart aches with pain I assume no one can understand. This blog was my baby. My creation.

Now that we reached this point, I am at a loss.  I never yet planned for this part of the journey…as this was my exit plan from the cleaning world into the music world. There is one angle about the blog, that I never much considered. That is, that this is the only history of my written works that I have no tangible copies on record, not in a box or file. I have boxes of my published works, and I have happily been lugging them around for 30 years, but this site dwarfs those efforts. That will all definitely work its way into the next business plan, and early in the developmental stages of the said plan.

For now, I just wish to hide in the corner and rebuild myself and my worth. I still have an awesome cleaning company worthy of our efforts. And people pay me top dollar to help them with housework, so now scrubbing toilets is my life work. I am fine with scrubbing shit, I am just not good at taking it from people. And this business offers more than its fair share of shit stains, trust me.

I have a lot of stories from all my travels in life. This has just been another well-scribed chapter. From the bumps in the road, the mistakes made and the hard lessons learned; there are lots of stories to share. I can even mix it up and scribe things about motherhood and raising my son, my life as a music journalist, being an entrepreneur, wading through life in survivor mode. Characters are always as interesting here just as the life I am blessed to live.

Of course be warned, people say my stories are loaded with my half-truths. HA! I would only hope so. I would only want to interpret things as I see them. That is part of my platform and personal ethics. You would have to have those to even understand it, is what I noticed along the way. To me, people are ridiculous, so I am getting over it all and looking for the next adventure that excludes volunteer work for unappreciative half-wits and the over-exaggerated egos filling a scene that has little to offer in the grand scheme of things. I learned a valuable lesson doing this here. I rose to the challenges of it being the most lackluster place I have ever lived for live music.

That is not to insult anyone, that is just the facts. When I started sharing music news before bringing it to the blog, I would post each Thursday a rundown for the weekend and it contained two or three events. Five years later, I would get a weekly reply of 50-100 people sharing where they were playing in the days ahead! The scene grew quicker than I expected and I worked hard to keep up with it all.

You are only good if you can do something for people. People have pointed out my true worth and now I deem they are not worthy of all of this effort I put forth. Rule Number One in my world is: “You can do what you want but stay off of my blue suede shoes.”

I ended each blog with a number to call for advertising. I also ended with a tip jar. I accumulated more tips in one year then I did in advertising over the course of 4.5 years. Those of you that did support my efforts and saw the dream; Thank you! I wish we could go on dreaming about this life some more, but the cards revealed that jokers are wild and bloggers are not to be taken seriously. I try to remember Jesus wasn’t always taken seriously and try to keep the faith! I am grateful for the joy and the experience.

Thanks for reading. I hope we get to dance again soon.

Signing off for the last time, with deep love in my heart and music in my soul!

~Tracey Stones has left the building!!

PS Donations and tips are still greatly appreciated during this rebuilding phase.

 PayPal.me/ncmz

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On The Scene With Tracey Stones

Sunday’s Soothing Sounds

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The Dusty Trio came to Fairfield Harbour on Sunday, August 25, 2019, to offer a fun afternoon of music for the community I call home. My friends and neighbors gathered at Red Sail Park to enjoy a performance by this talented trio. Presented by yours truly, Tracey Stones Productions is the sponsor of this concert series which kicked off in May with Big Jim and will continue until we resort to an indoor facility for the winter months. This series was inspired by knowing both Hank Barbee and Big Jim Kohler. 

Watching them in their journey and embracing their sobriety, I wanted to create a more family-friendly scene in parks around towns near and far. Pack a picnic and come out and enjoy music with friends and neighbors. Currently, there is no funding for these events. I m the banner sponsor and sole promoter. I ask concert-goers to tip the bands that play.

Last week was special in that the tips collected were donated to a family in need. Greg Davis is Barbee’s father-in-law and was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor and shortly after lost his job. In all, several hundred dollars was collected for the family. The newlyweds’ bride set up a Go Fund Me account for fans and friends who couldn’t make it out to the show, but could help the family in this trying time, please visit Let’s Beat Brain Cancer.

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From Surf Sounds to Waves of Jazz  

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It was one special guest after another last Sunday afternoon on the deck. This not surprising, as John Van Dyke seems to bring out the special guests each week, when he shines on the deck at Persimmons. A few weeks ago it was a couple of beauties he shared the mic with and this week it was a mixed bag of wonderful personalities. All faces that I love and admire. All so talented too. Bob Tyson joined the band with his sax. Steve Tyson shared a song with us, Steve Robb did the same and Ann Sorracki offered up her jazzy best! It was a beautiful night of wonderful music.

Below you can hear more about music tonight. But for jazz on the deck tomorrow, join Andrea Owens and her talented quartet, sit under the sails and enjoy the good food and fine music being served. Jazz music is served from 5:30-7:30 each Sunday evening.

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Sweet Memories Made Each Monday

It was my thought a few weeks back, that maybe things would slow down for the peak of the Summer season, as that is the norm for our area bars. Generally August offers lower sales, as people get ready for back to school and put a cap on vacations too. With that being said, Monday is the exception to this rule around town. Each Monday at The Brown Pelican, brings more excitement, even seven months later.

Last week we had the stand-in regulars on guitar, Jayke Steel and Jonathon Peck, and joining the fun this week was Landy Spain of Built for Comfort fame. He shared a couple of songs on guitar and closed out the night offering another on vocals. It never gets old watching this night grow and become the sweet treat it has become for our town and it’s music-loving people. 

Hosted by Big Jim and his Chicago Blues Band, this night kicks off with the guys offering several jams in trio formation, before opening the killing floor to talented jammers that join the fun. Music plays from 7 pm -9:30 pm and it has been known to even go later. Be sure show the house band your tips, as this helps to keep them happy. Thank you all that gather and help make our Mondays memorable.

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Wednesday Is Not Worse, With More Talent Added to the Mix

Wednesday nights at City Stage seems to offer much the same experience, only different. Taking place at The City Stage, this fun night also kicks off at 7 pm with the band offering a fine set of Chicago laced blues, before opening the stage up to the growing list of jammers that come to join. This week we had two new guitar players Adam Hill, being one of them. There were three bass players that came to call, Phillip Alcock, Chiles Estrada and Billy Mobley, all played the bottom beats for us. We saw David Sawyer on the harmonica and Rich Demetri on drums. That’s a lot of action to cover in the course of two hours. But it is always a fun and fine time. Be sure to catch the band at City Stage this month on Wednesday, September 4, 18 and 25. On Wednesday, September 11, DownEast Folk Art Society will present the music of Sally Barris.

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Friday Night Fun Around Town Keeps Me Bopping to the Beats

Core Sounds Creates the Dinner Music on the Deck for Diners

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Footloose On The Neuse Presents Adam Pitts

New Bern Parks ad Recreation Department is in the midst of offering the second annual Summer Concert Series deemed Footloose on the Neuse. The shows are sponsored by Trent Cadilac/ Buick/ GMC and Riverside Camping Center. Offering the entertainment for our town last night was the talented one man band, born and raised in Bethlehem, NC and calling Raleigh his home, Adam Pitts. He shared familiar songs with the large crowd that gathered under the star-filled sky along the Neuse River.

For those that might recall, Pitts was the talented player selected to open during the First Annual Town Bear Drop. That was the first time I had the pleasure of hearing him perform. He is a singer-songwriter who would rather be crafting his own works to share, but makes a living sharing familiar songs instead as the story goes. He is a talented stringer and can be found on Facebook here: Adam Pitts Music.

 For those looking to catch the singer live for themselves, his next big show event is in Apex, NC on Saturday, September 14. He will perform at Peak Of The Vine. As for the next Footloose on The Neuse Concert event; they will feature New Bern’s own funky soul band, Joe Brown and the Band. Mark your calendars for Friday, September 13, 2019. Music starts at 6:30 pm and the concert wraps up about 9 PM. Bring the family, including pets on a leash. Leave coolers at home, but come ready to support local food trucks and vendors on hand to serve you.

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 On Broad Street We Meet Michael Daughtry at The Brown Pelican

Michael Daughtry is a local singer and stringer from Newton Grove, NC, who was shredding notes and sharing songs last night at the Brown Pelican. He offered a variety of music while entertaining the crowd from 7-10 pm. Michael Daughtry and the Drift is the stringers band project. He has a show tonight in Pittsboro, NC. For more on that follow this link: Come Out and Play Sculpture Show

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Machine Gun Brings the Party to Blackbeard’s Triple Play

Machine Gun is a party band from Wilmington NC, that pack up their equipment and good vibes, bringing them to each stage they play. Last night those good times were unwrapped for us in New Bern, on the back deck of Blackbeard’s Triple Play Restaurant. Music that was offered was fun, familiar and mostly rocking. They threw in some pop covers, add a few raps too. For those that hope to catch them near home base, the band will bring the party to Marina Grill – Wilmington, offering the grooves from 6-9 PM.

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Don’t Forget To Visit The Music Calendars!

NCMZ.LIVE is happy to announce our new calendar feature. We now offer three calendars for music lovers to check out for live music events. With a growing commitment to building this site to be a daily vehicle for music lovers to check out, I have added the new calendars pages and widgets. These pages and calendar widgets are broken down by area, New Bern, The Crystal Coast and Around the Region.

Live Music Events ~ New Bern

 Live Music Events ~ Along the Coast

Live Music Events Around the Region

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~ Live Music Options ~

Saturday, August 31, 2019

Getting Down Around Town in New Bern, NC

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Dining and Dancing

Persimmons Restaurant

There will be live music on the deck with Wyldwood, sharing sounds from 6:30-9:30 PM. Call your friends and make a plan for dining on the deck, under the sails, while overlooking the Neuse River. The menu offers some great new treats for your taste-buds to experience.  

Attitudes Pub & Grille

Its the 3rd annual Pig-Pickin Labor Day Luau at Attitudes Pub tonight! Come hear the Bears sing your favorite oldies….break out your Hawaiian attire and enjoy a BBQ buffet.
$15 includes Pig and Bears (Food and Band!)

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Our Local Clubs and Pubs

The Brown Pelican

The Brown Pelican hosts an evening of great music featuring local stringers The Neuse River Ramblers ,offering songs from 7:00-10:00 pm. Come enjoy a fun night of familiar songs and wonderful originals by this local and regional player. Free music is never free and neither is the gas to get there, please tip the music makers that you meet.

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Blackbeard’s Triple Play

Blackbeard’s Triple Play Restaurant, 415 S Front St. The party comes courtesy of The BiPolar Express, who always bring the party tunes! 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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City Stage New Bern

City Stage New Bern will be rocking tonight as well with Bridge to Breakdown offering the live sounds. Music plays from 8 – 11 PM. Comprised of three lifelong friends, Bridge to Breakdown is a very unique act. They play Funk Rock/Alternative Metal music! Admission $5.00.

On the James City Side 

BrÜtopia

BrÜtopia offers the freshest brewed beer and the good grooves of Sam Lewis & His Salty Trio live. This slinger will be sharing songs tonight and jamming from 7-10 pm. Playing lots of popular hits. 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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Open Mic Broad Street Church

Broad Street Christian Church is where the monthly open mic night is hosted. You are encouraged to come early to sign up and please note, all are welcome to participate. Music is shared from 6:30-9 PM 

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Cruising the Crystal Coast

Atlantic Beach 2016

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Cedar Point, NC

Treehouse Beer Company

Treehouse Beer Company has live music tonight in the garden from 7-10pm, courtesy of local favorite Big & Richard.

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Swansboro, NC

The Boro Restaurant & Bar

 The Boro Restaurant & Bar offers live music each Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night. You are invited to bring the whole family and enjoy a great night of fine dining with awesome music. Pure T Momicked will be there to entertain. Music plays at 8-11 pm.

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Morehead City, NC

Floyds 1921 Restaurant and Catering

Floyds 1921 Restaurant and Catering welcomes music 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. Tonight the music comes courtesy of Stephen Poole on the patio.

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Off The Hook

Off The Hook welcomes the fun grooves Night Shift. 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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Jack’s Waterfront Bar

There is a good time every time you visit Jack’s Waterfront Bar.

~Saturday August 31st~
Open at 12noon
Live music by 20 Ride starts at 9:30pm

~Sunday September 1st~
Open 12noon
Sunday Funday with DJ Jerm 4pm – 8pm
Continue the holiday weekend fun with live music by Liquid Pleasure starting at 8:30pm

See you at Jack’s!

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Beaufort, NC

Cru Bar & Wine Store/ The Beaufort Coffee Shop

Cru Bar & Wine Store/ The Beaufort Coffee Shop Presents

Megan Jean and the KFB, Sat Aug 31st, 9pm-1am, $3 cover charge

http://www.meganjean.net
“In the four years since their last album, Megan Jean and the Klay Family Band have undergone something of an identity crisis. Sure, there are elements that have remained the same: Megan Jean’s hurricane of a voice that can glide from baritone to mezzo soprano without breaking a sweat; the engine-room thrum-and-stomp of her husband Byrne Klay on banjo and bass drum — that’s all intact.

But depending on when you might have seen them on their endless tour around the country, Megan Jean and Byrne Klay might have been a folk-tinged duo with Jean on acoustic guitar, or a washboard-strumming revue heavy on campy 1950s horror movie references and 1920s flapper-jazz style vocals. In their most recent incarnation, they’re a mesh of fiercely rhythmic, percussion-heavy propulsion, with the banjo and Jean’s roof-shaking voice the only melodic elements.

It might seem that there’s some grand evolutionary design in place, but Jean says that necessity, and injury have been the mothers of their invention.

“I started on guitar, and then realized I needed to have drums to get folks dancing,” she says. “And I needed to get ’em dancing if I wanted to play where the people were on Saturday night. I switched to washboard, which hurt my hands and shoulders terribly after a few hundred shows over several years.”

She adds, “These days I’m playing a full kit and singing, and it’s the most fun I’ve ever had onstage.”

Byrne Klay is one of those musical wizards, who can essentially play any instrument he picks up, but even so his style has changed as well. “Last year I started playing an electric banjo,” he says. “It’s a whole new thing for me. It plays and resonates like a banjo but sustains like a guitar. I’ve learned a lot making that thing work beneath Megan’s voice. And Megan’s drumming has really developed; her feel for rhythm is pure heartbeat.”

Klay adds, “A good musician knows that the secret is to tune your instrument to the strongest heartbeat. The rest is just a body in motion.”

The result is that Jean has more space than ever to flex her vocal muscle, which she does with even more skill on the KFB’s new album, “Tarantistas.” The duo recorded the album at The Jam Room in Columbia with engineer Zac Thomas. “We have special chemistry with Zac,” Klay says. “As an engineer, he’s the perfect partner for us. His ears are as good as Megan’s and his skill set covers everything we can’t. He has great taste and really listens to how we play.”

Jean estimates that the band has played 600 shows since their last album, and despite the hardships of being an independent band that literally lives on the road (their home is their touring van much of the time), the experience they’ve accumulated has been invaluable.

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Southport, NC

Fishy Fishy Cafe

REV & Ronnie 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 Sixteen Penny, will be rocking the fun tunes tonight. They will be offering the fun rock grooves we all know and love. Music is free and kicks off at 10 pm and lasts until 1:30 am.

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Durham, NC

The Blue Note Grill

The Blue Note Grill

 The Blue Note Grill is located in Durham and offers good food and great music. Tonight it’s Willie Painter, offering danceable blues with a nod towards swinging jazz and an eclectic selection of rock and pop tunes. Tickets for the show are $8.00 and music starts at 8 PM

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Raleigh, NC

The Pour House Music Hall

The Pour House Music Hall welcomes DownTown Abby & The Echoes w/ 49 Winchester
 Doors open at 8 PM. Showtime 9 PM. Advance Tickets are $10, General Admission. Here is more on the acts as per the Facebook Event:

DownTown Abby & The Echoes captures the spirit of old soul while emphasizing its youthful energy and fresh songwriting.

Taking influence from the work of the titans of soul, blues, and southern rock, the North Carolina-based band brings its fresh take on soul to an ever-growing fan base. Recently named the FloydFest 19 On-the-Rise Series winner, DownTown Abby & The Echoes has never been more focused on its mission to bring funky, dance-inducing original tunes to the Southeast’s most popular festivals and music venues.

DownTown Abby & The Echoes’ powerful vocals and groovy rhythm section is a must-see for all ages and musical preferences.

Abby Bryant: Vocals/keys/guitar
Bailey Faulkner: Guitar
Anthony Dorion: Bass/vocals
Matt Guard: Keys/vocals
Joe Gray: Drums

49 Winchester
Hailing from the heart of Appalachia in Russell County VA, 49 Winchester’s sound is drenched with blues, soul, southern rock, and country influences. An eclectic blend of musicians from different backgrounds, they have forged out a genre bending sound that is uniquely their own. Lead singer & guitarist Isaac Gibson’s powerful raspy vocals and honest lyrics, supported by a muscled 3 guitar attack, steel guitar, and a rock solid rhythm section provide a sound and spirit laden with emotion, both high and low.

Making their musical beginnings as childhood friends, Isaac Gibson & Chase Chafin began playing songs together on the banks of the Clinch River & the steps of the abandoned buildings in “Old Castlewood” Virginia. The echos of a once bustling town, empty train station and hotels of Winchester Street provided a perfect backdrop to their country, blues, and ragtime influences. With added guitar work from longtime friend Bus Shelton, the young band began playing shows in 2013 as an acoustic folk-trio in the months after high school and was well received into the region’s strong culture of grassroots music.

Over time, and with the addition of a rhythm section, the bands sound became something with more grit and power. Their childhood influences of rock and roll, blues, and country, molded the music into something that is totally unique and all their own. With a consistently heavy touring schedule, 49 Winchester has since played venues & festivals across the East, delivering the songs of Isaac Gibson in a powerful live show.

Their 2018 sophomore album “The Wind” was self-produced at Bristol VA’s Classic Recording Studio with Mike Stephenson and features driving electric guitars and drums matched with jangling mountain banjo melodies. The 11 poetically straight-forward tracks touch on the topics of despair, love, & self-reflection with emotion & excitement that mirrors the energy of their live performance.

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Washington, NC

Backwater Jack’s Tiki Bar & Grill

There are some live music choices up to our North tonight. There is a new room to welcome the bands during the winter months at Backwater Jack’s Tiki Bar & Grill. And that is where music is served from 7-10 pm each Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. On Thursdays they welcome all players with a Low Key Open Mic night, hosted by Brian Burke from 6 pm – 9 pm.

On Fridays and Saturdays, it’s the finest local acts on the list to entertain you, while you dine and drink and unwind. Tonight on the Pebble Stage the music plays at 7 and ends at 10 pm. Tonight’s entertainment comes courtesy of Rowlette Green.

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Market Street Pub

Friends and fans of StraightWire are invited to come out to Market Street Pub this evening. Come out and enjoy a cold beer and fun tunes. Music starts at 10 pm.

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Jacksonville, NC

Nick’s Blacksheep Tavern

If you missed them last time. Not to worry!!!!!

Get your boots on and get ready to kick some dust up cause…

They’re back!!!!!!!!!!

Carolina Sky

One of our very favorites, one of Eastern North Carolinas favorite kick-ass Country party bands returns to Nick’s Blacksheep Tavern.

Joe Alma and the boys always bring the show! See it for yourself tonight at 9 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. Follow the link to see what they said this week.

August 26 at 10:23 PM

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Thank You for Reading!

Tonight’s blog is made possible thanks to the donation and kindness of NC Life Media, LLC 

The calendar app is sponsored by Ken Byrd!

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!

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Have a fun and safe weekend and take time to enjoy the dance! When we return tomorrow we will pick up with the blues and more music news. Until we meet again out on the scene or right back here, cheers!

♦♦♦♦

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

Tracey Stones Productions, LLC  accepts many forms of payment!

Google Pay

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 (417,487 miles) on the road!

 

All donors are added to the Thank you Page.

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

On The Scene With Tracey Stones

Last Saturday night Tryon Palace hosted the Second Annual Live and Local Event at the North Carolina History Center. Above, New Bern original Brewer, Pete Frey of Brewery 99.

Live & Local Features Local Beer and Live Music

Saturday’ evening’s Live & Local event was the Second Annual for The Tryon Palace Foundation. This is a new fundraiser for the Foundation and though in its infancy, it is a successful one too. They sold out of the 400 tickets available. On hand were several area beer crafters, offering their best brews of the season. Under the party tent, which was sponsored by Hyundai of New Bern, just outside were two stellar bands. Opening the event was The Dust Parade from Wilmington and closing things out, from Morehead City, The Spread sharing their fun grooves. Amongst the breweries were our own Brewery 99 and BrÜTopia. Also on hand from New Bern was Savi Wine Store. Surrounding the outskirts of North Carolina History Center were a great variety of local food trucks serving up their tasty treats. 

During the event, I sat in on the live stream with New Bern Now’s Wendy Card and her co-host Jane Malucci. During that hour we had the opportunity to get to know Regina Ochoa, who helped organize the event. Following our time with her, we got to speak with Matt Shortway of Shortway Brewing in Newport. They are coming into their second year in the industry and brought samples for us to try. I found it rather amusing that his sample was called The Hippy Shake. It was quite tasty and smooth. Before closing out the hour, Hank Barbee stopped by and chatted briefly about his performance under the tent. 

To view that podcast check out the watch party link:

August 24 at 6:40 PM

All in all, it was a fun event and a great time. Also featured throughout the day were a variety of local food trucks serving the goods. The event was such a great success that they are reserving the space for next year. Mark the date and save it!

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Next Stop Blackbeard’s for Jan Michael Fields Band

The Jan Michael Fields Band returned to rock the deck at Blackbeard’s last Saturday night. These boys hail from South Carolina and always bring the party. They play the fun and popular hits we all know and love. They cover AC/DC, Journey and so much more. If you have not danced the night away with this seasoned and professional outfit, then you should make it a point to do it soon.

This band is always great fun and they put on a great show. The band will return to our area next month, when they visit Maverick’s Pointe, Sunset Beach, NC on September 20. Music starts at 7:30 pm and on Saturday, September 21 you can catch the band at Heroes Sports Oyster Bar & Grille, in Goldsboro, NC, where the music plays from 10 pm until closing. For fans and friends of the band, be sure to keep up with their schedule by clicking this link:

Upcoming JMFB Shows

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Adrian & Company on The Deck

Adrian & Company came to New Bern for a visit and played for the crowded dining last Saturday evening at Persimmons Restaurant. It was a beautiful night under the sails, as this trio shared songs and had a good time with the crowd.  Adrian & Co is actually the scaled-down version of TrainWreck. They have covered it all, from rock to pop and even rap. Always fun they are a talented bunch of songsters. Below is a quick clip of what you might expect when booking or coming to see this band:

For fans and friends of the band, be sure to like TrainWreck on Facebook to keep up with  Adrian Watts and  & the band.

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Gary Dudley & The Maxxtones Live at City Stage

The rock trio Gary Dudley & The Maxxtones are from the Crystal Coast and play New Bern on the regular. They offer a great show of rock standards with a bit of blues and pop thrown into the mix. On Saturday night they were rocking the City Stage with their show. Offering fans and friends the best in classic rock, they cover all of the greats. They keep busy playing around the region most weekends. The band has a couple of New Bern gigs coming up on their agenda in September. Be sure to save a date to get rocked by this trio soon.

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Carolina Swamp Dogs Return to The Bern with The Blues

The final act I caught around town last Saturday evening was, the duo I brought to the Bern, The Carolina Swamp Dogs. This duo of blues makers is fun and serious all at once. They have fun making the music they love and are serious about educating people on the blues as part of their show. This is always a wonderful thing to behold. Even with knowing the blues, as well as I, do, they teach me things as they share their beats. 

The band is not on social media and they do not have a website, but I keep everyone up to speed on their gigs as they unfold right here. This weekend they will be headed to Wrightsville Beach this weekend to rock their blues away on Saturday. If you are down in the neighborhood drop, by Wrightsville Beach Brewery on Saturday afternoon. You can catch the Swamp Dogs from 3-6 pm.

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Leaving Town We Go in Search of The BiPolar Express

As the Swamp Dogs wrapped up, I looked at Mary Shine and ask, “What next? ” She looked at me and said, “I would love to see my boys, we can still catch the end of their show.” So with that, we got in the music bus and road to Morehead City to check in with the BiPolar Express. The rock trio was appearing on the deck at Off the Hook and rocking the enthusiastic crowd.

Before the final set ended, a big New Bern crowd of birthday gatherers joined the party and we sang and celebrated with Ashley Lee.

August 25 at 12:29 AM

For fans and friends, looking to get rocked hard by this fun trio, they will be in town this weekend doing their thing. Check them out on Saturday night as they rock the deck at Blackbeard’s Triple Play Restaurant. Music starts at 7:30 PM and they keep the party going until the town makes them quit at 11 pm.

Keep up with the band by liking their page on facebook, The BiPolar Express or pick a show and just go!

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Don’t Forget To Visit The Music Calendars!

NCMZ LIVE is happy to announce our new calendar feature. We now offer three calendars for music lovers to check out for live music events. With a growing commitment to building this site to be a daily vehicle for music lovers to check out, I have added the new calendars pages and widgets. These pages and calendar widgets are broken down by area, New Bern, The Crystal Coast and Around the Region.

Live Music Events ~ New Bern

 Live Music Events ~ Along the Coast

Live Music Events Around the Region

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~ Live Music Options ~

Friday, August 30, 2019

Getting Down Around Town in New Bern, NC

Footloose on the Neuse is the highlight of music in town. Brought to us by New Bern Parks & Recreation Department and Sponsored By Riverside Camping Center and Trent Cadilac/ Buick/ GMC. Live music is offered at Union Point Park tonight at 6:30 PM. ome out with a chair or blanket,  and pets are welcome on a leash. Leave the coolers at home and come eat at the park and buy your beverages on-site too. On stage tonight is the incredible one-man band, Adam Pitts. Pitts was last in town during the New Year’s Eve celebration.  

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Dining and Dancing

Persimmons Restaurant

There will be good food being served and live music on the deck at Persimmons Restaurant this evening. Core Sound will be sharing sounds from 6:30-9:30 PM. Call your friends and make a plan for dining on the deck, under the sails, while overlooking the Neuse River. The menu offers some great new treats for your taste-buds to experience and the band offer classic rock and blues grooves your ears will recognize and enjoy.

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Our Local Clubs and Pubs

The Brown Pelican

The Brown Pelican hosts an evening of great music featuring local stringer Michael Daughtry, offering songs from 7:00-10:00 pm. Come enjoy a fun night of familiar songs and wonderful originals by this local and regional player. Free music is never free and neither is the gas to get there, please tip the music makers that you meet.

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Blackbeard’s Triple Play

Blackbeard’s Triple Play Restaurant, 415 S Front St. The party comes courtesy of Machine Gun, who always bring the party tunes! 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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The Bruin Craft Beer and Wine

Live music will be offered is at The Bruin Craft Beer and Wine each Friday from 8-10:30 pm. 

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On the James City Side of that Confounded Bridge

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BrÜtopia

BrÜtopia offers the freshest brewed beer and the good grooves of Daryl Lucas live. This slinger will be sharing songs tonight and jamming from 7-10 pm. Playing lots of popular hits. 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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It is birthday weekend for my buddy Big Jim! Come celebrate his blues tonight from 7-10 pm as he and his Chicago Blues Band serve up the sounds at The Garage! Located in James City at 1209 Highway 70 East, they are located next to the Auto Zone.  Then tune in tomorrow to hear all about his week around town and the blues competition we are heading to on Sunday in Durham at The Blues Note Grill. 

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Cruising the Crystal Coast

Atlantic Beach 2016

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Cedar Point, NC

Treehouse Beer Company

Treehouse Beer Company has live music tonight in the garden from 7-10pm, courtesy of local favorite Wild Honey!

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Newport, NC

Carolina Home and Garden

Carolina Home and Garden welcomes the weekend with Joe Baes in the garden, offering songs and sharing the grooves we all know and love. Come grab a bite to eat from Joeve’s Pizza, have a cold beer and relax as you settle into the weekend.

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Swansboro, NC

The Boro Restaurant & Bar

 The Boro Restaurant & Bar offers live music each Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night. You are invited to bring the whole family and enjoy a great night of fine dining with awesome music. At press time no performer was listed for Friday, but on Saturday Pure T Momicked will be there to entertain. Music plays at 8-11 pm.

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Morehead City, NC

Floyds 1921 Restaurant and Catering

Floyds 1921 Restaurant and Catering welcomes music 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. Tonight the music comes courtesy of Bruce Naegelen. Tomorrow night come enjoy Stephen Poole on the patio.

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Off The Hook

Off The Hook welcomes the fun grooves of DJ Chainsaw tonight. Tomorrow night they welcome Night Shift. 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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Jack’s Waterfront Bar

There is a good time every time you visit Jack’s Waterfront Bar.

~Friday August 30th~
Open at 4pm
Fun Friday Happy Hour hosted by Jacks 5pm – 7pm with pizza bites available while they last
Live music by Spare Change starting at 9:30pm

~Saturday August 31st~
Open at 12noon
Live music by 20 Ride starts at 9:30pm

~Sunday September 1st~
Open 12noon
Sunday Funday with DJ Jerm 4pm – 8pm
Continue the holiday weekend fun with live music by Liquid Pleasure starting at 8:30pm

See you at Jack’s!

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Beaufort, NC

Cru Bar & Wine Store/ The Beaufort Coffee Shop

Cru Bar & Wine Store/ The Beaufort Coffee Shop Presents

Bobby Webb & Co, Fri Aug 30th, 8:30-11:30 PM, No Cover

Join us for live music by one of our favorite local, down-home acts, Bobby Webb & Co!
They play contemporary Americana and country.

Bring your friends out for a good time! 

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Southport, NC

Fishy Fishy Cafe

Into The Fog 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

Greensboro, NC

The Blind Tiger

Live tonight at The Blind Tiger, I LOVE THE 90’S ROCK PARTY!
FRI AUG 30
DOORS 8 | SHOW 9
FREE W/ RSVP AT THEBLINDTIGER.COM

ALL YOUR FAVORITES!

MY BROTHER SKYLER
SMASHAT
DOOKIE – GREEN DAY TRIBUTE

Purchase Tickets:
https://www.etix.com/ticket/servlet/s/38180399

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Garner, NC

Locked & Loaded Bar & Grill

Locked & Loaded Bar & Grill opens the stage to Chris Hagan Band, who will be rocking the fun tunes tonight. They will be offering the fun rock grooves we all know and love, with original music too. Music is free and kicks off at 10 pm and lasts until 1:30 am.

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Durham, NC

The Blue Note Grill

The Blue Note Grill

 The Blue Note Grill is located in Durham and offers good food and great music. This Friday, 8-Track Mind plays funky, beautiful ’70s gold for hip-shaking’ and slow dancin’. Our charismatic and velvet-voiced singer Sandie, beside veteran Triangle musicians, who look the partand delivers spot-on renditions of a smorgasbord of pop hits, from “Lady Marmalade” and “I Will Survive” to “American Pie” and “Afternoon Delight.” We look forward to being part of your celebration lets get lost in the Rock’n’Roll and Drift Away! 8-Track Minds is; Gordon MacLachlan, Greg Bower, Sandie MacLachlan, Glenn Jones, Bryan Sodeman, Scott Miller.

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Raleigh, NC

The Pour House Music Hall

The Pour House Music Hall welcomes Little Stranger w/ Apples & Airplanes, SkyBlew at The Pour House. Doors open at 8 PM. Showtime 9 PM. Advance Tickets are $10, General Admission. Here is more on the acts as per the Facebook Event:

Friday night dance party with Little Stranger, Apples & Airplanes and SkyBlew

Little Stranger
Born and raised in Philly and crash-landed in Charleston, John and Kevin Shields are the minds behind the quirky indie hip-hop group Little Stranger. Performing as a duo, Little Stranger is a fresh hybrid of John’s singer-songwriter magnetism and Kevin’s hard hitting, in-your-face delivery. Stylistically reminiscent of Gorillaz and Twenty One Pilots, Little Stranger inhabits a relatively unexplored niche at this point in time. They’re all about originality and every song is a separate work unto itself. With all the strangeness that their name implies John and Kevin Shields bring years of experience to the table. With previous bands, they’ve played with names like Slightly Stoopid, Del the Funky Homosapien, Grace Potter, Papadosio, The Heavy Pets, and John Brown’s Body.
Little Stranger was quickly recognized at home, named “Hip-Hop Act of the Year” in the 2016 & 2017 Charleston City Paper Music Awards and listed jointly as one of “17 People to Watch in 2017” in the Charleston Indie blog, Out of the wood- work, they’ve toured up and down the East and West Coasts, and recently released a string of eclectic music videos to their fans. With an ever-increasing arsenal of new tunes, Little Stranger is poised and making 2019 a big year.

Apples & Airplanes
A Raleigh Original since 2010, Apples & Airplanes combines elements of Americana and old R&B with a jammy vibe to create a sound that is unique and true.

SkyBlew
SkyBlew uses his sincere, substantive lyrics & colorful sound, to breathe life into music, and the world.

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Greenville, NC

AJ McMurphy’s

It is going to be a night not to be missed by music fans, as AJ McMurphy’s welcomes Cooper Greer to the stage! Come grab yourself some good food and a cold drink at one of the coolest places in Greenville. Music plays from 8:30-11:30 pm. This show is free!

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Washington, NC

Backwater Jack’s Tiki Bar & Grill

There are some live music choices up to our North tonight. There is a new room to welcome the bands during the winter months at Backwater Jack’s Tiki Bar & Grill. And that is where music is served from 7-10 pm each Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. On Thursdays, they welcome all players with a Low Key Open Mic night, hosted by Brian Burke from 6 pm – 9 pm.

On Fridays and Saturdays, it’s the finest local acts on the list to entertain you, while you dine and drink and unwind. Tonight on the Pebble Stage the music plays at 7 and ends at 10 pm. Tonight enjoy the rocking blues of High Cotton out of the Triangle area and tomorrow it is Rowlette Green

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Market Street Pub

Friends and fans of Jamie Pridgen Band are invited to come out to Market Street Pub this evening. Come out and enjoy a cold beer and fun and funky throwback sounds offered by this lively one-man band. Music starts at 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. Follow the link to see what they said this week.

August 26 at 10:23 PM

♥~♥~♥~♥

Thank You for Reading!

Tonight’s blog is made possible thanks to the donation and kindness of NC Life Media, LLC 

The calendar app is sponsored by Ken Byrd!

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!

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Have a fun and safe weekend and take time to enjoy the dance! When we return tomorrow we will pick up with the blues and more music news. Until we meet again out on the scene or right back here, cheers!

♦♦♦♦

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

Tracey Stones Productions, LLC  accepts many forms of payment!

Google Pay

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 (417,437 miles) on the road!

 

All donors are added to the Thank you Page.

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