The Building of A Band ~ The Dust Parade
Back when I was months into the commitment of creating a music blog, I wandered to the coast and ended up at Cru Bar in Beaufort, NC, where Hank Barbee was performing solo. He was a long, tall, solo stringer with a voice that captivated anyone within ear shot of the coffee and wine bar.
It was the Summer of 2017. Hank was in the company of his beautiful girlfriend, Holly, who is now his wife. (The lovely couple married in the Fall of 2019.)
When we met, we were both in search of our creative selves. Thanks to the kindness he extended my way, I stretched out on my blog dreams; as I set out to help artists like Barbee. Back then, he was a solo act, with the hopes of piecing together a band. Which, as the weeks and months unfolded, we got to watch as the pieces fell in place right here. Or so it seemed … this is the music business, after all; so hiccups are expected.
After catching his first show, I spoke with Heather Haiss, owner of the Brown Pelican and asked her for a date for Barbee. She obliged my request and the following month, I booked my first out of town act, in town at The Brown Pelican. It was the first of many out of towners that I would bring, but Barbee remains a town favorite.
Back when we met, he had a debut, self- titled, solo album that was on the market for about three years. He was hard at work on releasing his second solo effort, Son Royale which would be released the following year. It was during the promotional tour for that release that Barbee started the process of building his band.
First came the bass player with the addition of Matthew Henderson. Not long after they were gelling, he started forming a groove with a saxophone which made room for the addition of Jim Durham. And then came the long, four year search for the beat master.
Drummers was the only revolving position in the Dust Parade until a year ago. But here are some of the players we met along the way. 
Matthew Hutson 
Cousin, Mykel Barbee 
Patrick Edwards 
Logan Watson 
Will Phetterplace 
Xavier Roberson 
I know Barbee and his story pretty well, so, if I had to go out on a limb, I would bring you back to the days when a young Hank Barbee was breaking into music with, friend, Chet Miller who played drums. Barbee is so familiar with Miller’s beat that it’s his home, where his heart is. Drums are important to band unity, so it’s a hard position to fill than most realize.
When Barbee tours the southern states, he calls in his music brother from another mother and Miller answers the call. Miller makes his home in Florida which is where the two roamed in their younger days.
In what seems like another life, Barbee was a band leader for a band based in Atlanta. When life got crazy, Barbee took a step back, returned to his roots, got back in touch with his true self, approached things with a sober mind and made his way back to music via a Carolina road. Working with and for family, Barbee kept music in the side pocket. Once things settled down and his creative juices refreshed, he sought out solo gigs and before long another band to lead.
Once he secured two players on the regular, Henderson and Durham; Barbee turned his back on his own name and put The Dust Parade out front on all the works going forward. He removed his name from shirts and made his band the featured product of his website!
Barbee put a lot of work in looking for the right players to fit the name he already had. The Dust Parade now has three solid players backing Barbee on guitar and vocals. Completing, the search about a year ago, The Dust Parade now features Xavier Roberson sitting behind the kit.
Since forming the trio, Barbee has been busy writing more songs from his heart. I have to say, some of his best works are coming. Many of my favorite songs from this band have yet to be released. Coming up in the weeks ahead, I am going to sit down with Barbee for a more in depth talk about the band, their direction and a new recording.
For those looking to find The Dust Parade music, The Dusty Trio is playing tomorrow night and you can read more on that gig below in the New Hanover County region of the run down. To keep up with the band, buy some merch, listen to their music and know when they are coming your way visit The Dust Parade.
Thursday was Steak Night with Music so Right
Tommy Duzan was the dinner music delight for the diners at Harbour Pointe Bar and Grille on Thursday evening.
This fine young stringer is the voice behind Toyota of New Bern’s commercial. He is also a familiar face on our local music scene. Rocking since a young age, Duzan takes his music influence from his father, Charlie Duzan.
The elder Duzan, in fact, was on hand last week, and got up on Thursday evening to keep the music going during Tommy’s breaks.
The first time I hired the Duzan’s they played together for a group of volunteers that gather to help those effected by Florence a few years ago.
Friday Night To The North
Ribeyes for Music and Dinner
On Friday evening I welcomed the weekend with a fine dinner and music thanks to Ribeyes of Washington. They have a wonderful menu featuring fine cuts and fresh seafood. I went with a small filet and lobster tail with a salad. The salad comes with a menu for people to fill out so that it can be made to order. The greens were fresh and topping crisp! It was a great meal.
One of the big reasons I like this place, has little to do with the good food they serve. Rather, it’s the music they promote. I truly appreciate a restaurant owner, like Justin Pate, who makes room for music in his establishment.
With regard to the music, I had the pleasure of hearing and meeting Jamie Pridgen and Billy Craig, a duo of country crooners that had not played together since October of last year.
During a break I had a few minutes to chat with Pridgen, who told me that 2020 was the worst year he has known as an entertainer. He barely played 50 shows last year. In 2019 he and his band played more than 220 shows. Needless to say the virus has hurt our local music makers terribly.
This Friday Pridgen turns 26 and is hoping the year ahead is a better one. It was via a chat message that I learned Pridgen has been performing most of his life.
He told me “ I started playing music when I was 2. My grandad had a classic country band and he would hold me up to the microphone to sing Keith Whitley and other various artists. My first paid show was around 14.”
I asked Pridgen about his influences to which he replied “My biggest influences are George Strait, Merle Haggard, Luke Bryan, and Dierks Bentley. I’m all over the place on influencers.”
Personally I love how he embraces old and new acts, it’s reflective in his music stylings also. One of my final questions to Pridgen, was about the road ahead and how venues can reach him.
He said, “I’m hoping the road ahead will get back busy as it normally used to be. For bookings, I can be reached at (252)-567-5390 or by email at jamiepridgenmusic@gmail.com.”
During the pandemic the singer songwriter kept busy creating and wrote about 8 songs which are studio ready. He is hoping that as things return to normal he can get into the studio this Spring.
As for his partner that night, Billy Craig is a part of the Eli Craig entourage and like most players, he has been trying to keep busy with whatever shows come along. Along for the ride on the night I met him was his young daughter Gracie Craig who joined the duo on vocals.
I reached out to Craig on messenger to learn more about his career but at press time the message still remains unanswered. What I can tell you is you can catch Craig back at Ribeyes of Washington this Saturday. He will be performing with his brother Eli and special guest Cooper Greer who just released a new single this week. More details on that show are below in the weekend rundown.
Captain Cooks and Country Music
One of the reasons I do what I do is to help artist connect to venues hiring for music. So when I reached out to Captain Cooks, last week to find out who was performing, owner, Todd Rodzen, told me he was working on it. To which I replied by sending him the phone number of Tan Sanders.
I had just seen Sanders in New Bern the week before so he was fresh in my mind. A few minutes later Rodzen reached out to say Tan Sanders was playing on Friday!
When we walked in on Friday, Sanders was on break and Duane Haddock was working the mic and playing Sanders’ six string. Haddock was in attendance at the show and asked to play a song or two for his wife, who was celebrating a birthday last Friday evening. He has an amazing voice and was an unexpected treat on the night.
Following a few selections by Haddock, Sanders was back on the mic and his good buddy, Warren Davis was wrapping the beats. Davis is a part of Sander’s trio. That is a project separate and apart from his band The Derelicts.
Much like many skilled players, Sanders offers venues a variety of price variants, by offering solo performances, duo, trio and full band options. Sanders plays a variety of music, most with a country edge, but I happen to like the original music he shares the best.
For those looking to hire a talented act for a supper show, this one sings. Tan Sanders is available to bring the music, just give him a call at (919) 922-7890.
Night Cap With Nannette and CC
For the finale on Friday we stopped by Parley’s Sip & Steam to catch the final few songs from CC and Nanette. These two girls were working the enthusiastic crowd when we arrived. The duo offers a huge variety of songs for all occasions.
During the week, I reached out to both ladies to ask some questions and Nanette Garrett first replied to my many inquiries. This lady is a lifer with nearly four decades of rock stories under her belt.
In her response Garrett told me, “I’ve been performing live in rock bands for almost 4 decades. I come from a large family of singers and musicians on my late mother’s side. She could play and sing anything by ear. I started singing in church at 4 with her playing piano. I have always loved to sing. It’s just been a natural part of me like breathing. I learned how to play a little piano around 6,7 then drums 10/11 and got into Kiss and a little guitar, 12 and then I got into Heart and Fleetwood Mac. Ann Wilson became my biggest influence. I still love Heart. I also love Stevie Nicks.
I didn’t have anyone around where I grew up that played music. When I was 17, I found my first poster of a band looking for a singer. so I auditioned and I got the job.
That was my first rock band and after a couple of high school gigs and various members and name changes we started playing in bars when I was 18.
From 18 until I was 22, I played around eastern NC mostly in small clubs and parties. Then I joined a road band that played covers and originals all over 6 different states in the southeast us.
After playing with them for almost 2 years, the singer/keyboardist and future husband JC Stephenson and I decided to form our own band, Snakes-N-Angels and write and record our music. We recorded 2 CDs which are available on most digital platforms.
We played shows off and on during the 90’s in NC, NYC and Los Angeles, while raising our daughter. But as life throws you curveballs, he developed skin cancer.
He passed away in 2002. After JC, passed one of my guitarists from the old days came into my life. I saw yet another poster with his contact info looking for a bass player. Forgot to say earlier I started bass at 21, when we couldn’t find a bassist.
Anyway, needless to say William Garrett and I hit it off professionally and personally. We started working on covers and originals and he joined Snakes-N-Angels and after we got married, we decided to call our band Garrett.
We’ve played in Atlanta and NYC and eastern NC. We have several singles released and have been getting a lot of airplay all over the world in many countries since 2005. We’ve been in some TOP 10 countdowns on some independent radio stations.
We’re continuing to write and record our songs. Garrett hasnt done any live playing since last Valentine’s 2020.
We may start back later on this year.”
In 2018-19 Garrett was nominated for NC’s rock vocalist of the year. She said it was a huge honor to be recognized. For rock fans seeking her music follow this link Garrett.
Garrett spends her time these days working in a couple different duets, which she explained, “I met my first duo partner, Laura Davis at the recording studio where we worked. I knew from the first time I heard her play guitar that we were gonna be involved with her at some point.
I started booking her a few solo shows and came up and sang a few. Then we’d start exchanging ideas on songs we both liked. She’s a big Heart fan as well and we play about 5 Heart songs. We never practice, just discuss songs and go over them at soundcheck.”
“My second duo partner, Conoley Blake and I live near each other and I’ve sang with her at many open mics and harmonize with her at shows with Laura. We decided to put a show together that has a wide variety of genres throughout the decades. We play with backing tracks and me on cajon and her on piano. We both love Stevie Nicks and play 8 of her songs.” They also play a large variety of other songs that span many genres and cover half a century of music history in one show
The rocker stays busy promoting and booking gigs
through her booking company, River City Rockin’ Blues. For those looking for a dinner time duet call Garrett at (252) 944-1099.
As for upcoming shows Garrett informed me, “Conoley and I will be back at Parley’s Sip and Steam on Friday, Feb. 26 from 6-9 pm and Laura Davis and I will be there on Sunday, Feb. 28 from 12-3 pm.”
Saturday Night to The East
Birthday Bash at BrÜtopia, New Bern
In case I needed proof that time flies, here it is! Hard to believe it was about six years ago that I was attending the Entrepreneurial Academy at Craven Community College in the hopes of building a media promotions business, that I would meet Tim Dryden. About the third week in we would work together on a group build and during that excercise I saw the first glance of what would become BrÜtopia in James City.
Now five years in existence, the small brewery and beer shop celebrated the milestone with Joe Baes Project working the room and sweet treats and hot dogs were being served up in the parking lot! On tap was a celebratory beer, the Milkshake IPA was made for such an occasion.
He and his business partner, Bryan Conway have worked hard to bring fresh brewed beer and supplies to local residents. They are very involved in community events and even share their passion for brewing beer by offering the first brew class at the college. I had a chance to talk to Dryden on Saturday evening, when I stopped in to wish them well. I know the partners recently opened a second location which has been a bear on their backs.
Much of the reason for that is Covid related as well as location. They now have a second store on Highway 70 in the huge shopping plaza behind cook out. They were hoping to open a new location late last Spring, but given the conditions, delays from shut downs and then town policy playing its part, BrÜtopia Havelock finally opened their doors during the holiday season last year. The new location is open Monday – Friday 5-9 pm and noon til 9 pm on Saturdays. Stop by the new location the next time you drive through and show some love.
Sweet Sounds from Swansboro
Following our well-wishing visit to BrÜtopia, Jaymi Mitchell and I drove to the coast to find out who else was playing. For our first stop we found Justin Castellano tapping out tunes at Willy Nilly Warehouse in Swansboro. It’s always a pleasure to listen to this masterful guitarist share his sounds. While in attendance, I met a fe of my Facebook followers, including sweet support Zach Miller and local music promoter and Swan Fest coordinator, Rich Wells.
While visiting the gift shop that serves a variety of beer and wine; I spoke with the owner, Jack Harnatkiewicz, who was tending to details behind the bar. Turns out he and his wife Deb own the establishment upstairs, Bake Bottle and Brew, another fun gift shop that supports live music. When the place downstairs became available the business owners pounced and opened the doors of Willy Nilly Warehouse just a few months ago. Deb Harnatkiewicz manages the music bookings and promotions.
Castellano is as amazing as ever. He has stayed busy making music during these pandemic days on line. Though not as busy as before the pandemic, Castellano is still booking shows for the 2021 music season. As he awaits word on new shows he passes his time productively by offering fans a taste of his music on line with a morning offering of weekly Coffee Jams segments on Facebook. With regard to playing, keeps busy performing live shows along the coast mostly but travels near and far too. Castellano’s style is something to behold as it sets him apart from most players in our area.
He is a good one to follow if you’re a gear geek too. When he was out on Saturday he was playing a wireless pedal board. I love how advanced things are for players to keep a clean stage set. You can find this stringer and singer on Facebook or visit his website at Justin C Guitar. He makes an awesome act for any dinner show and is elegant enough for weddings too. To schedule a date with Castellano call (252) 917-2544.
Country Rock Closes Out the Night
Saturday marked my first experience with JP Guhns Band based out of Jacksonville. This is a fun rocking country band that not only offers a long list of covers, but also writes and records songs of their own. Lead singer, Jacob Paul Guhns, uses his life experiences to offer songs of hope and consequence to listeners. The entertainer has seen more on his military missions than on his music journey, but it’s his ability to create music that shares his experiences with the world is what helps get this player through the hard times.
The first time I met this singer songwriter it was at a chance meeting of several singing songwriting Marines that came together for a night of sharing original music at Nick’s Blacksheep Tavern. It was truly an amazing night of music. File photo below.
Though the band did not play any original music while we were there on Saturday night, they do have music to share. In fact, check out this song Good Friends and Whiskey.
Besides promoting his own music, Guhns does a lot of work to help promote others. In fact, a couple of weeks ago his media company Gas Up Productions did an awesome promotion piece on local artist, Ryan Rubich.
Like most acts, these boys are looking for more work as well! They are loads of fun with Guhns offering great showmanship and crowd interaction. The talented rhythm section also changes things up and swap positions with Billy Mobley giving up his bass to drummer Justin Sokoloski. To book this high energy rocking country act email Guhns at jakebublitz@yahoo.com.
For those on the Greenville area, Guhns will be in town this Friday for a solo show. You can find out more in the Pitt County section below.
Live Music Options
Cruising The State County by County
In the hopes of always keeping things fresh and new, here is a new run down of live music for the days ahead, county by county.
Beaufort County
Friday
*****
Saturday
*****
*****
*****
Sunday
Brunswick County
Friday
Carteret County
Thursday
*****
Friday
Eduardo Live at
Table 9 Seafood Restaurant
*****
****
*****
*****
Saturday
Bryan Mayer will perform at Gaffer’s
Craven County
Thursday
*****
Friday
6-9 pm
*****
*****
*****
Saturday
******
Sunday
Durham County
Saturday
709 Washington St, Durham, NC
Saturday, February 13, 2021
6:30-9:30 pm
When love is in the air shouldn’t music be as well? On Saturday February 13th join Jives as we celebrate love. The blue note staff will be offering a special dinner that night along with all your other favorites. This will also be a benefit concert for Cam. As this will be his last time on stage for at least a month while he’s recuperating from surgery.
*****
Sunday
The Honeysuckle at Lakewood
Sunday, February 14, 2021
3-6 pm
Join us for some live music with local vocalist + guitarist, Tarrah! Learn more about Tarrah at tarrahsmusic.com or follow her on social at @tarrahsmusic
Born and raised in rural southeastern North Carolina, Tarrah discovered her love for country music at a young age. She knew as a child that she wanted to be a singer, and began performing anywhere she could. Two years into college Tarrah began to realize that her passion for music far outweighed her other passions and she knew she had to pursue it. She finished her degree and has since begun to pursue a career as a singer/songwriter.
Tarrah’s path has been far from conventional, but it was pivotal in shaping her into the person, songwriter, and performer she is and continues to become. She hopes that her voice and songs can help others get through the tough times in life and enjoy the good ones, just as other artists and songs have done for her.
Guilford County
Thursday
Doors open at 6pm & show starts at 7pm….. Sign up when you arrive.
Contact C. Ricardo at 336-898-5272 for $5 advance tickets or reserved tables or VIP booths
*****
Friday
VALENTINE’S 80’S PARTY
THE BLIND TIGER
FRI FEB 12
DOORS 6 | SHOW 7
*****
******
Saturday
Johnston County
Mecklenburg County
Friday
6-9 pm at Middle C Jazz
*****
*****
*****
Live Music by Todd Johnson Trio
Piedmont Social House
Join us for Live Music on the Patio Friday, February 12.
Live music is rain or shine. No cover charge!
New Hanover County
Friday
Wild Wing Cafe. Music plays 6-9 pm
*****
Life in North Carolina and passion for music, culture, and art led Randy to be a roots musician and songwriter. Traveling solo or with his band around the Southeast region if the U.S. since the age of sixteen, he has gained chops, experience, and notoriety. He has an aggressive, soulful, and sultry voice that lures the listener into original, heartfelt lyrics. His acoustic style is derived from claw-hammer and Travis picking styles with added percussion. Like an original troubadour, he harnesses the harmonica around his neck. Adding fast and sweeping single-note lines over rhythm guitar, he creates a full band sound. His idea is to push the boundaries of coordination, playing all the parts with no compromise.
“He is a storyteller, Bluesman, and a master interpreter of modern American roots music. Randy McQuay II sings from the heart, plays guitar with abandon, and blows harmonica like he’s from another planet. He’s the 2015 Winner of The International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN, recipient of the prestigious Lee Oskar Top Harmonica Player Award from The Blues Foundation, a Finalist performer at the 2017 IBC and the reigning Cape Fear Blues Challenge Solo Champion. Randy’s band performs throughout the Carolinas and he’s a sought-after soloist, nationally known for his evocative takes on rhythm & blues, folk, rock & roll, funk, and roots music.” Lan Nichols President, Cape Fear Blues Society
2015 International Blues Challenge Winner (3-Time Finalist)
2012 Lee Oskar Harmonica Award Recipient
Semper Fidelis Award for Musical Excellence Recipient
Voted ‘Best Musician’ in Encore Magazine’s Best of 2020
*****
Saturday
Waterline Brewing Company
Saturday, 2/13
Music: New Orlean’s Vinyl, spinning some of the greatest N’Awlins style sounds! 12-3pm
Music: Mardi Gras Celebration! Laissez les bon temps rouler! It’s our 6th Annual Mardi Gras Celebration with Randy McQuay and the Port City Players! This year we’ll be outdoors for an awesome afternoon of music and beads and fun in the beer garden! 3-5pm
Food: Bill’s Front Porch will be servin’ up some special N’Awlins’ cajun cuisine!
*****
Live Music w/ Jenny Lynn!
Wrightsville Beach Brewery
*****
Onslow County
Friday
******
Saturday
Janice and Dave, The Exacta Duo
Saturday February 13, 2021 7-9:30 pm
Perquimans County
Saturday
107 W Grubb St, Hertford, NC 2/13/21 6:00-9:00 pm $3.00 cover
Pitt County
Thursday
*****
Friday
*****
*****
Saturday
******
Wake County
Thursday
Larry and The Bean
Fainting Goat Brewing Company, Fuquay-Varina
330 S Main St, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526
All Back line will be in place Drums, Bass and Guitar including Amps.
*****
Friday
*****
*****
Epic Nights Band performs live at
Sophie’s Grill and Bar
******
******
*****
Saturday
Brüeprint Taproom Cary this Saturday afternoon from 4-7 pm
*****
4214 NW Cary Pkwy, Cary, NC this Saturday evening 6-9 pm.
Pappalado says, “As always I shall be playing my cover songs from the 60s-2000s; including classic rock, blues, new wave, alternative rock, pop rock, soul, classic country, and jazz.
I like to make a set including:
THE BEATLES, THE DOORS, LED ZEPPELIN, THE CURE, THE SMITHS, THE STROKES, THE KILLERS, NEIL YOUNG, NIRVANA, EVERCLEAR, THE POLICE, TOM PETTY, STEVE EARL, WAYLON JENNINGS, AL GREEN, AND MANY MORE!!!”
******
Ron Ross LIVE at the WING
Wild Wing Cafe (7900 Brier Creek Parkway, Raleigh, NC)
******
Sunday
Wayne County
Thursday
Thanks for Reading!
If you have an upcoming show you’d like me to share here send me an email to ncmz.live@gmail.com and I’ll try to include your show.
I roam the scene far and wide and bring it all together for you here, in the simple hopes of connecting people to the local music near them!
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