On The Scene With Tracey Stones

Irish Music Jam Makes for a Fun Tuesday

The first Tuesday of the month offered Irish Music Sessions with Simon Spalding and Friends. This jam played from 7-9 pm at The City Stage.

Celebrating the Chinese New Year with Irish music seemed like a good way to go, and it was! The jams are always fun and joyful. This group has been gathering on Tuesdays, onece monthly for years and years.

If you have not taken in the Irish Music Sessions yet, please make a plan to enjoy it next month on stage at The City Stage. Look for it on the first Tuesday of the month!

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Big Jim Jams The Blues at City Stage

It’s a mid-week blues jam at The City Stage on Wednesday, with Big Jim! This week the blues great got dolled up like many blues greats before him in his overalls and offered a blistering set of Chicago style blues to open the night!

Taking note of everyone’s attire, we stepped out on break for a quick photo shoot. We all like it best when the whole band is pimping! Never wishing to miss an opportunity, I followed close behind with camera in hand.

Backing up Big Jim and Mrs. Big Jim are Tom Parker, tapping the beats on drums and Chris Buttitta keeping the groove on bass.

Following their opening set, Big Jim welcomes friends to come to share his love for the blues and the jams take us out for the night. This week they were joined by Simon Spalding, who brought his electric fiddle and Dave Sawyer on harmonica.

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Thursday Offered Three Stops

After a decade long hiatus from sharing sounds between the walls at Captain Ratty’s Steak & Seafood Restaurant, 202 Middle St., New Bern, NC; the management opened their doors this week to welcome music once again.

On Thursday, February 7, 2019, New Bern’s family band, Strung Together brought the initiation of this new weekly music offering. Music will now be found on the second floor in the piano bar. Come back again this month, on February 21 and again on the 28th, for a night of fine food and live music!

Sharing popular songs we all know, as well as fun originals, the band played to a full house of hungry music appreciators with an appetite for the tunes they shared.

Always an enjoyable time when we get to spend time with one of New’s Bern’s most talented families! They share their story with us as they live out life on stage with acting and music, while making memories as a family in the town they love.

I will leave you with an original they offered that night at the piano bar. This is a song that Abigail Oliver and her dad George Oliver wrote, but somehow it took a long twisted road when it made it to the stage and George got hold of the microphone. “Sweatin’ In the Shade.” is a fun reflection ofthis families life at banjo/guitar camp in height of the Summer season, in the North Carolina’s mountains.

https://youtu.be/1emrWTSHHiA

The next time Strung Together will unite for our entertainment will be next month, when they take the floor at Bank of the Arts for the Craven Arts Council’sAt The Gallery Series. They will present the music of Carter & Cash on Saturday, March 16, 2019. Tickets can be obtained here: https://www.cravenarts.org

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Alisa Mike on Stage at City Stage

Alisa Mike returned to her safe space on stage Thursday evenin when she offered songs to fans and friends again at The City Stage. The sultry and soulful singer offers a weekly show on the stage to adoring fans. 7-9 pm every Thursday.

She keeps her fans smiling and dancing throughout the night, as she serenades them with all of their favorites from The American Song Book, Jazz Standards and classic pop tunes that keep them coming back for more.

Mike performs each Thursday at the popular New Bern venue, please note she has CDs for sale at her shows. The singer went into the studio last year and released her debut disc in the late Summer. She includes all of her fans favorite selections on the disc, which can be yours for an affordable cost. If you don’t have one, treat yourself soon.

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Open Mic at The Pelican

The Brown Pelican hosts the longest running open mic in New Bern, NC. And this past week, there was no shortage of talent. They lined up with everything from a dulcimer to keyboards, to play to the packed room of music makers and appreciators on Thursday night at The Brown Pelican.

When I walked in I was greeted by the grabbing vocals of Trevor Patterson. Each player is allowed three songs to share with the room. Patterson offered his takes on popular rock tunes.

Taking note of the stringers Facebook page, he hails from Hendersonville, NC. Hopefully soon, we will be lucky enough to catch him around here again.

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Next to make his mark on the carpet came Kelsey Lee from the Crystal Coast. Interestingly enough I have met Kelsey at past jams closer to his neck of the woods, where he rocked the acoustic guitar with his serious riffs. When he took to the carpet on Thursday, I can assure you this was not what I was expecting:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnrOiFXow-g

You can search for artist Kelsey Lee and find more of his masterful music. I found him on Spotify myself and you can to by following this link:

https://open.spotify.com/album/6DM6yf0DaRoe6kxS8PVqdl

Kelsey is currently working on an acoustic project that he hopes to have available for listeners this year. Keep an eye on this cat, he is going to soar as quick as his fingers move once the right person gets wind of his skills.

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Next up to the stage came another out of town stringer. Deemed “the Reba of the Crystal Coast,” by Open Mic Host, Tiffany Elaine. Sabra Mason softened things up some with her offering of country songs.

The singer-songwriter hails from the Down East area and has been making her way up the coast while making music along the way. She is a talented singer eager to share her songs with your crowd. Find her on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SabraMasonmusician/

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Ed graces the carpet at The Brown Pelican on Thursday evenings, whenever he docks his boat in New Bern. Offering classic rock songs that we all know and love, it has been about a year since I last heard Ed offer us some songs! The stringer docks his boat and finds open jams up and down the coast. Sailing down from New England, we should hear more from him.

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Third Degree Bern is a fun classic rock and blues cover band, that offers many popular hits you know and love. Featuring stringers Tom Davis and Open mic host Brian Mac, this band plays often for the residents in Taberna and sometimes around town.

Davis is a surgeon who splits his time between New Bern and Charleston, SC. But whenever he makes his way to either town, he finds time to unwind with music.

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Laura Jenn returned and wowed them. The young stringer seems shy and timid at a glance, but don’t be fooled; she is a talented soul still finding her most powerful voice.

Closing out her three selections with the help of three back up singers, and no instrumentation, she offered a grand performance this week. You can find it on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/TraceyStones69/videos/991373691073812/?__xts__[0]=68.ARClEaFGZpAniwAL6cxPHTtQtgh6mbnre2OEJP8cKrvDcftVFBgemDLuH2gMBCv8zXwp9G3o0nmxq22D46WiNijfGGKa4AnIT2aadSxwQvWqf7PSYXfmnUOHy7FAK9lLJHXdTXNVFHK17_liZ_wamjYvAGEZOw0daSiebjmyaLy2w4jz8S18Lh6BXMuV5vR9Lq5lQHMSfpc8bGPYVQaysDmQSUkD6VNihqJanXeTH5h24N6KLncOB070Kg3XPmkAXvm-Pf14MGXA4zrqiiK5WdXId2HHRQdDtkPldlL8EJEGYtmh&__tn__=H-R

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Next up came a couple local players to graced the carpet. Mike Watkins, the Pelican‘s bartender asked local stringer Charlie Duzan to join him on the carpet, where they each shared songs for the packed house.

Duzan spent many months writing to me on Facebook, telling me about days gone by when he once roamed the streets and played back in the day. He told of days when music wasn’t always welcome on the streets, after I wrote about his son Tommy playing downtown in Bear Square.

He tuned onto this blog after finding it on Facebook and reached out to me to tell me that he was enjoying all of the work we were doing in supporting music. He often promised me for months that I’d see him out playing again. Nothing makes me happier than seeing him back on the scene, that has not forgotten this talented stringer and songwriter.

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With people traveling in from all over the state to share their riffs and beats on the carpet of the Dirty Bird, it’s hard to say who drove the furthest to get their shot at sharing their talent last week. But I know our last featured artist this week hails from Fayetteville, NC, and rode 2.5 hours to bring it to the people at the Brown Pelican on Thursday.

Casey T Cotton, tore right into it and within seconds he had the crowd enjoying his manifestation of popular grooves. He even had Joe Brown smiling and paying attention to his meaningful mastery of the keyboard.

For anyone in search of some professional entertainment, be sure to consider Blazin’ Keys Entertainment as a viable option. Booking the 2019 and 2020 calendars, make arrangements to get them on your schedule soon.

Before pulling out of town, Cotton became the last in the line of many appreciated contributors that support this blog. Dropping a $50 in my palm of my hand as a means to help me on my next adventure, I am grateful for the support. Thank you for the generous and much needed tip and for taking the time to entertain us in the middle of a busy week!

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Many Miles Logged Chasing Music

On my way home from the jam this week we rolled over a lot of 9’s, as my Yukon XL logged 400,000 miles while traveling on Broad Creek Road! More than a quarter of a million of those miles were logged chasing music 🎶! Many fun times and trips in this old girl!

She wants you to know it’s important to change the oil and keep good tires going ’round! Stay safe and happy travels!

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Black History Month and The Blues

https://youtu.be/QLoXPM5zMOE

When I was getting into music and more specifically the blues, there was only one Queen of the Blues, and that was the incredible, Koko Taylor.

Born in 1928 in Memphis, TN; Taylor made her way to Chicago in 1952 and by the end of the decade she was singing in blues clubs around the city. Once Willie Dixon caught wind of Taylor’s throaty blues, things opened up for the powerful singer, who would rise to the top over the course of her forty years in music. I caught her act several times while covering the blues scene during the 90’s but I met the Queen of the Blues when she played The Pocono Blues Festival. She was kind and full of grace until she hit the stage, then she transformed into marvel at the mic, always thrilling to watch.

We lost Taylor in 2009 following complications following surgery. Her last performance was for Blues Music Awards, formerly know as the WC Handy Awards show on May 7, 2009. Taylor did a lot to influence the rise of women in blues, including her successor, the new queen of the blues Shemika Copeland.

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~ Live Music Options ~

Saturday, February 9, 2019

On the James City Side of that Confounded Bridge

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BrÜtopia

BrÜtopia offers the freshest brewed beer and the good ol’ country grooves of Ryan Cain. If ya missed him last night in town, come groove tonight. He will be jamming from 7-10 pm, share songs you know and ones he wrote. 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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Getting Down Around Town

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

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The Brown Pelican

The Brown Pelican hosts the music of Core Sound this evening. This rock’n blues band from the Crystal Coast will grove you tonight! 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 TrainWreck tonight, who will be rocking on the deck with all the grooves that get you going. Music plays 7:30 pm- 11 pm. For more info please reach out and call the club at 252-635-0322.

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Cruising the Crystal Coast

Morehead City, NC

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Promise’ Land Market welcomes the music of Now or Never this evening from 8:30 pm until 11:30 pm. Come enjoy this original trio of music making friends from across the bridge in Beaufort, sharing songs for your listening pleasure. Stop in, sip on wine and enjoy a cold beer, or eat some of their delicious food.

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Live music by Saltwater Gold will be on the menu tonight at Off the Hook this evening with music being served from 10 pm until close. Tomorrow come out for a delicious brunch and soothe sounds courtesy of New Bern’s own Ed Prophet

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Beaufort, NC

Cru Bar & Wine Store/ The Beaufort Coffee Shop 

Into the Fog, Sat Feb 9th, 8:30 PM- 12, $3 cover charge
https://intothefogmusic.com/

,Into The Fog is a string band out of Wilmington, NC that encompasses a wide array of genres from bluegrass to country to folk to rock n’ roll. The band is made up of Brian Stephenson on Vocals and Guitar, Winston Mitchell on Vocals and Dobro/Mandolin, and Derek Lane on Vocals and Bass. After competing in the Telluride Bluegrass Festival band competition, Into the Fog is quickly making a name for themselves throughout North Carolina and catching audience’s attention with their high energy blend of traditional bluegrass and modern folk. With two lead singers and a lot of instrumentation, the band has a way of grabbing people’s attention no matter what their musical preference.

Competitors …”in Colorado’s Telluride Bluegrass Festival, June 21-24 (past winners include the Dixie Chicks and Greensky Bluegrass). –http://www.encorepub.com/bluegrass-ramblers-into-the-fog-play-lawn-chair-bluegrass-blowout-talk-telluride-doc-and-ep-fundraiser/

https://www.facebook.com/Intothefogmusichttps://www.reverbnation.com/intothefoghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeCo_uATxfU

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Cedar Point, NC

New Bern based Caffeinated Soul Boogiewill be sharing songs with friends tonight at Treehouse Beer Company. Music is offered 7-10 pm. The beer is cold, the tunes are cool and the vibe is fun. Come out and see for yourself.

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Rocking Around the Region

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Winston Salem, NC

WFU Porter Byrum Welcome Center presents The Unbroken Circle, who will offer this weekends performance. They will perform tonight at 7 pm.

The band is back together once again for the 8th annual concerts for Shalom! Join us either night for toe-tapping, hand clapping and some singing along, to a full set of old time and bluegrass classics. These concerts are free and open to the public, friends of The Shalom Project and all who want to enjoy good music and make a difference in Winston-Salem.

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Greensboro, NC

Get ready for Valentine’s day with 4 of the best Rock&Roll party bands in NC!
Automag

Victim of the Cause (Adam Hill)

Reckless Abandon

DIGIT-Band

Shiner’s 435 Dolley Madison Dr, Greensboro, NC

Doors 8 pm
Show 9 pm
THERE’S A STYLE AND SOUND FOR EVERYONE! #supportlivemusic
Rock/classic/southern/country rock/original/tribute/hard rock/heavy metal
$5 21+
$5 surcharge 18-20
ID REQUIRED FOR ENTRY

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Kinston, NC

Bill Lyerly Band rocks The Red Room tonight. Come enjoy this rocking trio turning up the boot scooting rock and boogie that you love. Lyerly splits his time between here and Europe rocking both continents. Tonight he pulls into Kinston. Music starts at 10 pm and there is a music charge payable upon admission.

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Greenville, NC

AJ McMurphy’s welcomes Mike Corrado Band for some rocking country fun. Music starts at 8 pm and they groove you until 11 pm. This show is free and the food here is outstanding, so come early to eat and stay late to dance!

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Washington, NC

There are some live music choices up to our North tonight. David Cox rox the Red Room! Serving up the sounds in the new room tonight from 7-10 pm at Backwater Jack’s Tiki Bar & Grill

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Built For Comfort will be sharing the grooves with friends and fans at Market Street Pub this evening. Music starts at 10 pm. This fun band has been grooving the blues around the region for years. If you have not seen them yet, you are in for a treat tonight!

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Jacksonville, NC

Offering the good times in Jacksonville, come rock the country grooves of JP Guhns and The Boys returning to Nick’s Blacksheep Tavern tonight. FREE Music is served from 9 pm until 1 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.

February 5 at 6:39 AM

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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!

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 get an email each time we publish.

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

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

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

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

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Keeping up with the Blogger

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.

Thanks so much for helping me reach the people!

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~ Support Live Music ~ Support This Blog!

You are the reason I look forward to writing this each week. The reader is the one who supports this effort most. Thank you for taking the time to read this site. Knowing that you use this site to find live music thrills me. Thank you!

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TIPS! DONATIONS! CONTRIBUTIONS!

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

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This site is currently seeking corporate sponsors to host this site. 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!

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To find out more on any and all of these opportunities, please email ncmz.live@gmail.com today.

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

If you enjoy this blog and the content, please help 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~

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