On the Scene With Tracey Stones

It was Community Fun for all and Rock Legends that offered the good times on a great day and rocking night!

Community Comes First

Last weekend many town-folks gathered at Creekside Park in James City, for a Saturday afternoon to celebrate the resiliency of New Bern and Craven County! The event was organized by Ina Thomas. She was motivated and inspired like many of us were by the amazing outcome of the Casey Hathaway story where the 3-year-old Craven County boy went missing and was found alive in the woods three days later.

The news story of Hathaway and his family and our local Sheriff’s Department gained national attention, as did our city of New Bern after it was truly devastated by Florence in September. Life does not always offer us rays of hope. Sometimes the clouds of dark blanket news coverage, in case you missed the headlines!

When Hathaway was found alive, after three days of being a lost little boy during a cold snap this winter, it was a miracle that filled all of our broken Florence hearts with love and made us forget our troubles as we breathed in faith and exhaled hope!! God is so amazing! He is here in our City of Bears and He walks with each one of us that are lost and in need. He is a busy miracle worker and He delivered to the masses on that one! Well done! In the name of Jesus, Amen!

Thomas wanted to honor Sheriff Chip Hughes and his team of officers, and the many volunteers that turned out and came together for our local area in recent times. Not only for those that helped find Hathaway for his family, but also those that came to our area to assist in our recovery after Florence truly devastated our corner of the world! A mission that still continues with new immediate needs as time wears on!

NCMZ.LIVE and New Bern Now Made the Scene

I arrived in time to catch the last song offered by Alisa Mike. The beautiful singer offered “Proud Mary” for her final composition. And although it might look like I was on the scene for her show, the truth is I made it just in time to watch her break it down.

If you have never caught the amazing Alisa, I will remind you that she offers a free show to those that gather at the City Stage any Thursday evening from 7-9 pm. The professional singer offers voice lessons to anyone interested in vocal coaching. She is also available for private parties and venue engagements as well.

Following my time at the community celebration, I accepted Mike’s offer to join her for dinner. We headed to town and enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Morgan’s. It is always wonderful to catch up with the people that have supported my efforts. Mike is one of those people. She is one of the artists I envision with a powerful band behind her. I told her before we finished dinner that I could see her pulling off a fine set with John Van Dyke and his jazz project! On that thought, I always smile!

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Real Heroes Reign True

The other thing that always makes me smile with pride is our Marines. When the organizer reached out to me, I offered some support in suggesting a few ideas for the music portion of the program. I know, surprise surprise!  I gave Thomas my word that I would promote her efforts and turn out for her event. When she presented the final music schedule, it was my hope to actually make the scene in time for our Marines. The line up for the day included the talents of stringer Marron Chaplin, singer Alisa Evans Mike, 2nd Division Marine Brass Band, local crooner Bryan Mayer, Simon Spalding, music historian and New Bern’s Blues Ambassador The Big Jim Kohler Blues Band. My timing was spot on.

 Reflections of the Organizer

Following the event, I caught up with the organizer to get her feelings on the event and the day. Thomas was very glad she put in the effort to do this for our community. She loves this little corner of the world like many of us and truly wanted to offer us all a day of fun, honor, and recognition for all we are when we come together! With the help of her small group of volunteers, she and her team did an awesome job in getting it done. Along with honoring our first responders and stellar volunteers, it is Thomas’ hope to sell enough T-shirt to raise the money needed to have a New Bern Bear placed at our local Sheriff’s office. To buy the We Believe in Bears T Shirt you can find Thomas on Facebook here Ina Lane Thomas,

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Saturday Night Fun for Rock Fans as Pegasus Plus Performs at State Theatre

It’s All About That Bass

When you think of David Stover reflect on this, we nearly lost the rocker twice leading up the rebirth of this band Pegasus +, which has been in hiatus for more than three and a half decades and now rocking socks off. After first meeting the band under the spotlight of my work, I learned from Stover himself that he motivated the reunion because of life and his journey on it!

“To begin in the late ’70s and early ’80s we were playing all of the popular clubs from N.C. to Florida as much 300 days out of the year. We played over 50 percent of our own music. We were trying to make it and get a recording deal. But after years touring it wore us down, so we decided to break, as much as we loved playing together.

“As for most of us, we settled down and raised a family. But music has always been a constant thing in our lives. I personally have 2 daughters, a son and three grandchildren.” Sadly, thought the talented music maker also has had his fair share of hardships. “I lost my wife in a car accident in 2005” and he said, “I was diagnosed with cancer in 2006.” He considers himself very blessed! Stover said, “I am truly blessed.  I have come close to dying twice. That brings us to now. We all have seen so many of our friends and family pass away. So we all connected and decided to get back together for a reunion and do a show.  We are so lucky to have a chance to do this again and here we are, all still alive. This is just a little of what is going on.”

Our Introduction

That conversation came from our correspondence after the band’s second reunion show. They were a part of a triple bill in Raleigh at the Lincoln Theater in February, where they warmed up the stage for the band who put Raleigh music on the map, Nantucket.  After that show, it wasn’t long before they booked a third show. They all reached out to tell me about the booking and they all invited me and paid for my ticket to Saturday nights show at The State Theatre in Greenville, NC.

For that appearance, they offered two fine sets of music and offered more than a handful of originals in each set. They are a group of seasoned professionals who probably ought to keep writing original music now that they are back at it. Though it is fun to reminisce, it is also fun to roll forward into the unknown. Especially when you are an artist. I hold out hope that they will contemplate new stuff for the many new fans they are making. Like with everything else, time will tell.

Become a Fan Today

For fans and friends looking for this band, you can find them on Facebook here: Pegasus Plus For readers who do not have Facebook, you can check out their website here: pegasusplusband.com.

It was during the break, that I got to meet and speak with guitar player JK Loftin. He took the time to introduce himself and validate that they were really doing this because they nearly lost their bass man and brother, and loved each other enough to see what they could see. I am always appreciative to hear the players stories. This band has a long story and they are writing new chapters for us to appreciate. They are lucky and they know it, because they are doing the things they love doing, but doing it together again!

Thank You!!!

Personally, I think this band is an awesome fit for bigger stages and festival opportunities. For those interested in exploring gig options reach out to them today! Their contact info is on both the website and on Facebook.  A big shout out to guitarist Martin Bissell for purchasing our tickets to cover the show and big hugs for JK Loftin for being one of the newest blog supporters, as well as drummer Jason Patterson, who was actually the last supporter to be added to the thank you list.

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Behind the Scenes with Tracey Stones

Real and True

Here is one thing I want everyone to know about me… I am real. I am not a fan of sugar coating life, because it has been a long and fruitless journey for this girl. Having said that, it was revealed on Facebook this week that I am struggling to overcome the losses I suffered from Florence, and I finally admitted the happy blogger is living with a broken heart. I rarely get a full night’s sleep and I am exhausted from faking it! In short, I had a personal meltdown.

Tomorrow I have very little to report except for who is playing where. So I am going to use tomorrow’s blog to express the full vision and mission of my heart and soul. I hope you come back then and help me find my way through the dark corners of my reality and truth. I established in November when I added the tip jar, that I could not do this alone anymore and I had no interest in quitting either. If you know me, you know even beyond my harsh truths I tend to lean on the positive side of life, but this week I dwelled in a lot of negative thoughts.

 We All Need Help!

Simply because without help this site will shut down soon, and as soon as next week. Tomorrow I will express my wants and needs in detail and will leave it all to God to figure out from there. Until then there is a lot going on so here are the places I picked that are supporting live music tonight!

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~ Live Music Options ~

Friday, April 12, 2019

LEAVE NOW! IT’S ARTWALK

Tonight marks the second Friday of the Month, which means it is ArtWalk tonight in downtown New Bern. Be sure to visit our fabulous town soon, if not tonight. There are galleries to consider, shops to browse, art to buy, artisans to meet, music makers to meet and offerings of wine and cheese, as you wait for a table at one of our fabulous restaurants.

Be sure to stop by The Isaac Taylor Garden and visit The Greater Good Gallery on Craven St. Then come meet the artisans on Middle Street at Community Artists Gallery and Studio and Craven Arts Council/Bank of the Arts, while you mingle with music-makers there too. This fun offering happens on the second Friday of the month from 5-8 pm.

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Other Friday Night Specials

Getting Down Around Town

There is always a reason to head to town and gather for some fun. Tonight’s reason: LIVE MUSIC

New Bern Farmer’s Market

Join us for the 2019 Bern Summer Blast Concert! This year enjoy the sounds of the Band of Oz and North Tower.

Tickets are $25 at the gate/children 12 & under are free with a PAID ADULT.

NO food, drinks, or coolers will be permitted inside the Farmer’s Market. EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE RAIN OR SHINE – ABSOLUTELY NO REFUNDS

We would like to thank our sponsors International Paper and Trent Cadillac Buick GMC. Please visit www.newbernchamber.com for more information.

Bern Summer Blastafter party at Blackbeard’s Triple Play with DJ Mike Bruton on the 1’s and 2’s!!
#AFTERPARTYATBLACKBEARDS

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Our Local Clubs and Pubs

The Brown Pelican

The Brown Pelican hosts an evening of great music featuring the talented Rick Huff, offering songs from 7-10 pm. Come enjoy a fun night of familiar songs and wonderful originals by this local and regional songwriter. 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 Chocolate Chip & Company Band, they will bring the music to life tomorrow night 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

Live on stage after ArtWalk tonight at The City Stage New Bern they offer All My Rowdy Friends in town to rock you into tomorrow. $5.00 cover is payable at the door. Music starts at 8 pm and they play until midnight.

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On the James City Side of that Confounded Bridge

The Garage

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

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BrÜtopia

BrÜtopia offers the freshest brewed beer and the good grooves of Bruce Lynch live, who will be sharing songs tonight and jamming from 7-10 pm. Free music for your listening pleasure. Come out and support local music, while you enjoy the freshest new beer on tap!

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Triple Play Restaurant & Sports Bar

They are offering live music on the stage at Triple Play Restaurant & Sports Bar. Tonight you can rock to the grooves with Gary Dudley & The Maxxtones. Music starts at 9 pm and they rock until closing. Come out and enjoy all of the great live music all around town. We have lots of talent shining bright and plenty of places to visit.

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Cruising the Crystal Coast

Atlantic Beach 2016

Morehead City

Promise’ Land Market

Acoustic Bus will be rocking the stage at Promise’ Land Market with music being shared from 8:30-11:30 pm.

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Beaufort, NC

The Backstreet Pub

Tonight it is the Mac & Juice Show at The Backstreet Pub, featuring the popular jam duo from the Mac & Juice Quartet! The brains and founding members of the well-established band are willing to play in any formation. They can offer clubs a duo act, a tight quartet, and even an amazing quintet is not out of the question. Tonight music starts at 9 pm and there is a $3.00 cover that goes directly to supporting the music!

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Royal James

Rob Lightner and Nathan Shaffer offer the music to those that come together tonight at Royal James in Beaufort tonight. Check them out on the stage sharing songs you know and even love to sing along to, from 9 pm – 12 am.

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Swansboro, NC

The Boro Restaurant & Bar

Offering the live sounds tonight at The Boro Restaurant & Bar will be New Bern’s own stringer and singer Ed Prophet, keeping beats from 8-11 pm. You are invited to bring the whole family and enjoy a great night of fine dining with awesome music.

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Surf City, NC

The Trailer Bar!

The Trailer Bar welcomes 2Reckless tonight for the fun and music, for music lovers in the Surf City Area. If you want to be there for the sheer pleasure of supporting live music, you can catch the grooves from 8:30 until 11:30 pm.

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Rocking Around the Region

Durham, NC

The Blue Note Grill

The Blue Note Grill wants everyone to be aware, that there is amazing entertainment in the house tonight! Here is the news from their website:

The award-winning, hard-touring, guitar slinger and singer Ana Popovic is back on the road, promoting her new album ‘Like It On Top‘, that focuses on empowered, successful, inspiring female role models.

Like It On Top opened #2 at the iTunes most downloaded US blues albums. The album peaked at #2 of the Billboard Top Selling blues albums chart.

Recorded in Nashville, TN and produced by four-time Grammy winner Keb’ Mo’, the blues influenced album features guest appearances from Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Robben Ford and Keb’ Mo’.

A trending theme in today’s world is women overcoming obstacles and breaking through the glass ceilings to reach the top. Like It On Top celebrates those that take initiative, develop, inspire and motivate. But it also credits the men who are motivated and enlightened enough to support women in their quest to be their best versions of themselves.

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Greenville, NC

AJ McMurphy’s

It is going to be a night not to be missed by southern rock n blues fans, as AJ McMurphy’s welcomes Johnny Neel of The Allman Brothers Band on stage with Idlewild South! Come grab yourself some good food and a cold drink at one of the coolest places in Greenville. Music plays from 8:00-11:00 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 for a Low Key Open Mic night hosted by Brian Burke. On Fridays and Saturdays it’s the finest local acts on the list, to entertain you while you dine and drink and unwind. Tonight they welcome the talented Chuck Phillips to the stage! Tomorrow it is Rowlette Green.

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Havelock, NC

Jean’s

Live on stage tonight at Jean’s is the classic rock and blues grooves of Cecil Gillikin and Core Sound. This trio of rockers will have you on the dance floor from 10 pm until the closing, bell at about 2 AM.

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Answering the Call

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

April 8 at 6:46 PM

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

Tracey Stones Live on Facebook

Searching for more events around the region:

Events on Facebook

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Thank You for Reading!

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

I am dedicated to making sure you know where to go to find live music. If you like this blog please sign up and you will 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 don’t forget the music makers that rock you!

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

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Keeping up with the Blogger

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

Feel free to invite me to your events.

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

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

Tracey Stones Productions

I read emails daily. You can send those to:

ncmz.live@gmail.com

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

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

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

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~ Support Live Music ~ Support This Blog!

Tracey Stones at work live streaming

BE SEEN HERE!

You are the reason I look forward to writing this blog. The readers are the ones I count on to support this movement the most. Thank you for taking the time to read this site. Knowing that you use this site to find live music thrills me and I thank you!

There are many ways for people to help keep the blog going. If you have a business, you can affordably advertise here on this site. There are many ways of doing so. From simple links to commercials, we can promote you here! We offer video ads, print ads, and featured advertising. The opportunities are actually and truly endless.

TIPS! DONATIONS! CONTRIBUTIONS!

If you are a reader, who likes the content of this blog and you have a few dollars to spare, you can always tip the grateful blogger. There are several tip buckets found here on this site.  All donations and tips are filtered back into the growth of this live music blog.

NCMZ.LIVE also has Sponsorship opportunities available. This is a duel offer. If you have an event and would like media coverage for the music portion, please consider NCMZ.LIVE as a reputable music source for promoting your next event.

Tracey Stones Productions, LLC, is currently seeking corporate sponsors to host this site and community events. If you are the CEO of your organization and wish to invest in the arts and music promotions, please consider NCMZ.LIVE as the place to be!

To learn more on any and all of these opportunities, please email ncmz.live@gmail.com today or call the number below.

This site is a free service to support live music. Most often it is published twice weekly as a gentle reminder for people to get out and support live music.

Support the mission. Your donations will help fuel the growth of this informative live music blog. All contributions are appreciated. Thank you for your support!

~Tracey Stones, Writer~