Governor Roy Cooper is finally allowing all bars to open at 30% indoor capacity. He also moved back the service hours to 11 pm and he killed the curfew. This means that I have been very busy gathering data and trying to log it in below for all music lovers to enjoy! Shout out to Susan Baugham for assisting with Beaufort and Pitt Counties!
Before We Rock Let’s Take A Pause for A Cause
I know we have had enough down time, but we really don’t have it as bad as some. Times have really been tough for so many this past year.
Last week I ended the news run on a couple of tributes to music makers out of Greenville. They lost two of their own this month, with the passing of Tim Meineke and Rob Jones.
This week started on a somber note as well when word came across my news feed on Facebook that my friend Jack Ketner has taken ill and had a bad accident. This man is an amazing artist that has been a major contributor to the culture of Carteret County. Below is the story and the link to a Go Fund Me page set up by his friend and band brother David Spence.
As per a Go Fund Me campaign set up for music maker, Jack Ketner, there was some sad news about the iconic Carteret County artist. “Our dear friend, Jack Ketner, experienced a medical event last Thursday which resulted in his hospitalization at the Naval Hospital aboard Camp Lejeune, near Jacksonville, N.C. It is unclear how long he will be there receiving medical care, however the road to full recovery may well go on for several months and the expense could be formidable.” For the full story and to help our friend click:
HELP JACK KETNER
This fundraiser was put in place by band mate and dear friend, David Spence who is asking all who can, to please donate. The needs are great and Ketner will need all of our help to recover from this unfortunate turn of events.
Birthday Dinner with Music and Friends
Parley’s Sip and Steam hosts a monthly open mic night which is hosted by Chuck Phillips and friends. Since this month’s event landed on my birthday, I opted to check that out for dinner and a good time birthday night!
This was an exceptional night of fun, with many of my dear friends, that included an awesome dinner and great music accompaniment. We arrived by the carful, and took over one corner of the restaurant as we settled in for a good night of music and merriment.. funmusic.
When I reached out to Chuck on Facebook I first asked for Annie’s name and then asked for some band history and Phillips kindly replied, “Ok here is the scoop: Annie Slye only really plays with us at Open Mic night. We’ve been jamming together for years. Sonny Fields and I have a band (The Chuck Phillips Band) with myself on guitar, vocals, harmonica, Sonny on bass and vocals, and Wes Toler on drums and vocals. We play all across Eastern NC for many bars/theaters/weddings/private events. 2021 will be our third year together as a band.”
I asked Phillips how he has dealt with the pandemic to which he replied, “I’ve kept my sanity during the pandemic by writing and recording a new album of 11 originals songs. I set up a home studio in my house and began recording the tracks when lockdown really went into effect last March/April. I play all of the instruments on the album except for one song which features Craig Woolard of The Embers on saxophone. The album is titled ‘Act I: Scene II’ and will be released on all streaming platforms on April 23rd this year.
He also told me, “I now have other artists recording their original material in my studio (Edgewater Studios) including Sonny, Brian Burke and Laura Davis. I also began doing Facebook live shows when the pandemic hit to make up for the cancelation of bar/private events. party gigs.
When I asked him about his recorded history, Phillips said, “My first release of original music, 2018’s ‘Tragic Beauty’ (a 6 song EP) is available on all streaming services, as my new album will be when it is released in a few months. My music, gigs, and other info can also be found on all of my social media (Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, etc) under ‘Chuck Phillips Music’. My website is www.chuckphillipsmusic.com”
Phillips kept busy creating during all of the madness that 2020 offered. He explained, “During the pandemic I also created a web series called ‘Washington City Limits’ which is a one hour show featuring a local artist from the Eastern NC area who writes and performs their own original music. I interview the artist, discuss their influences and songwriting and they perform a selection of their original songs. Guest include William Seymour, Brian Burke and Laura Davis. This month the Turnage Theater in Washington has partnered with me to begin integrating Washington City Limits with their BOCO Town Podcast. Beginning March 10th Washington City Limits will be a podcast recorded on stage at the Turnage Theater with my first guest being Craig Woolard of The Embers. Past episodes of Washington City Limits are all available on my YouTube page: Chuck Phillips on YouTube.
As for the road ahead, Phillips says, “The band has begun booking shows again thank goodness. We have a few wedding events and private parties coming up in the Spring. I have solo acoustic shows booked for Molly’s Café in Greenville this Friday the 26th, The Loft Greenville March 5th 7-10pm, Plank Road Steakhouse Farmville March 13th 7:30 – 10:30. The Full band will be at Ribeyes of Washington on March 26th.
I also host the monthly open mic night at Parley’s Sip & Steam in Washington on the 3rd Wednesday of every month from 6-9pm.”
When I asked how venues can reach the artist, Phillips said, ‘I can be contacted for booking on my Facebook page (Chuck Phillips Music), by email, phillips5281@gmail.com, or by phone 252-945-0018.“
From the Bottom
Following the open mic I reached out to both Sonny Fields and Chuck Phillips. They both replied that they were currently working together in the studio, so you know the road ahead is full of bright spots on this horizon.
I asked him about when he joined the band and to tell me about his music history to which he replied, “I’ve been playing with Chuck for 2 years. I started playing when I was 12 years old. My friend got an acoustic guitar so I learned to play then we started a band.” When asked about keeping busy during these viral days, Fields said, “I have concentrated on writing and recording during pandemic.” He has some solo shows booked, but both Fields and Phillips look forward to booking more shows with the band. But on the calendar for Fields are the following: Captain Cooks, Friday Feb 26 and Parley’s Sip & Steam on Apr 3rd, 25th and May 15th. For those interested in reaching out to Fields, you can drop him a note; his email is: sonny@sonnyfields.com, you can also follow him on Facebook: sonnyfieldsmusic. Fields has music on Spotify, iTunes and other sites. As for new music, Fields reported, “I am currently working in studio on a single for spring release and an album for later.”
The Special Guests
It was not a jammed pack open mic not at Parley’s but it was a quality show throughout the night. Only two other guest graces the stage. First up was singer David Edwards who joined in with the band and solo act Ronny Cottle. Both men were very talented.
I would later contact Edwards after he sent me birthday wishes via messenger. I asked him how long he had been singing and he replied, “I have been singing since I was a kid. Never had the good luck to be in a band except for the worship team in church for a number of years. I also sang in the choir and did a lot of solos. I would love to hook up with someone who plays but could use some vocals help.” As for where is hails from, I learned, “I grew up in Sanford, NC. Came to ECU in 1973 and ended up staying. Lived in Greenville most of that time. Moved to Washington 3 years ago. Found a home on the water. That’s it in a nutshell. 😁”
All in all this whole musical bunch made the birthday dinner completely worth the journey. And the staff and management at Parley’s Sip and Steam made it delightful as well! I totally recommend the Low Country Boil with a pound of shrimp! you won’t be disappointed! Paige Horne has got it going on since taking over the establishment once known as the Wine Crate.
New Bern Welcomes Bands From All Around the Region
John Williams Offer Music To Harbour Pointe Bar and Grille
John Williams made his debut at The Harbour Pointe Bar and Grille last Thursday evening. This stringer is a class act, a true professional. He is also a huge supporter of the local music scene. He used to run several open mic events each week before the pandemic shut things down. Since things slowly started to return he has kept busy hosting the Monday Night Rhythm and Grooves at AJ McMurphy’s each week.
Williams has also been a huge supporter of this music blog. In all these years of knowing each other this is only the second show I have seen his solo show.
It was nice to catch his show for the first time, in years, without other players sharing the stage. Though that is fun and always mysterious, Williams is truly a professional that enjoys sharing songs and stories with the audience. I first caught his solo act under the tent on the corner of Middle and Broad Sts at MumFest in 2018.
Many of those in attendance enjoyed the show and management was very complimentary of his show as well.
Harbour Pointe Bar and Grille offers live music each Thursday evening. Live music is served 6-9 pm each week. Keep reading to find out who is coming in from out of town tonight.
William Smith live at BrÜtopia
Billy Smith is a singer song writer from the Greenville area that made his debut at BrÜtopia, New Bern, last Friday evening.
I met this talented player at a few of the open mic nights in the Greenville area. I also caught part of his acoustic show case set at Molly’s Community Café. We never had time to connect and talk about his music career until he took a break at the local beer stop in James City.
For his solo shows he offers a variety of popular music that is familiar to the audience but he also composes his own music. While in attendance I asked him to play some original music. This is “Prodigal Son,” a song he wrote almost a decade ago about a coworker.
Music has been a part of his life since childhood and he enjoys writing and performing. He likes all aspects of the music business, including the technical side of the stage set, ie; lights and sound. This isn’t too surprising when you consider that, on the side, Smith is an engineer.
It was nice to meet Smith’s wife Mandy and their friends who were out in support of live music.
It was just a few weeks ago that BrÜtopia celebrated their 5 year anniversary as New Bern’s neighborhood brewery. They have a great selection of beer and an attentive staff. The last couple time I was in the house Madison Flournoy was behind the bar, tending the taps.
BrÜtopia has always been a big supporter of live music. Before the pandemic they offered live music each Friday and Saturday. Since the pandemic they scaled back to offering music once a week, most weeks, and usually on Fridays. Read on to find out who is rocking the grooves this weekend.
The Wicked Shimmies Live at Tap That Craft Beer and Wine Bar
The Kinston band The Wicked Shimmies made their return to New Bern to share their grooves with fans at Tap That Craft Beer and Wine Bar last Friday night.
This trio is so much fun. They share a unique blend of cover songs, many off the beaten path of popularity, it makes me crave original music from them.
The talented music trio is comprised of lead singer, Zach Burrus, drummer, Tyler Stout and lead guitarist Brandon Andrews. All of the players are skilled and seasoned. Be sure to keep up with the band by giving their page a like on Facebook: Wicked Shimmies
Tap That Craft Beer and Wine Bar is one of the Bern’s newer bar-restaurants, opening their doors during the pandemic. While I was out on Friday evening, I had the pleasure of meeting the owner of the establishment, Jonathon Davis. Before leaving I asked Davis if we could meet during the week to talk about his first food service endeavor. We did a quick sit down on Monday morning.
With a strong entrepreneurial spirit, Davis has a long history of self employment in the construction industry, but when the property at 901 Pollock St. in New Bern came available, he expanded his repertoire and branched out into food service and the entertainment industry.
Before opening the doors however, Davis made the most changes to the interior of the building in the time it’s been open as a live music establishment. It was easy to see the many changes when you first walked in. From the light floor and dark décor, the new stage set up, a new unique bar, with beautiful bar tenders at the helm and a fresh new outdoor game area to escape to… This is not the failed City Laundry or folded The City Stage.
If three is a charm, then it’s no wonder the bar has been enjoying success even during these difficult times. Davis has made many great changes to ensure his success, but I think the greatest change is not one that is seen, but rather heard. Along with adding new floors and decor, Davis added an in house sound system and tech. Sound Hut Productions, Chris Sandvig dials in each and every player that graces the stage. For music fans, that is great news as we now have a music venue in town with great stage with professional sound and lights.
This wonderful bar and restaurant offers a bar menu that includes sliders, wings and nachos being some of the more popular offerings. They also have wraps, awesome burgers and more. On tap at Tap That you can find a dozen beers from around the region. Besides featuring craft beer they also have a full bar of spirits and sell common bottled beer, plus a fine selection of wine.
Davis has invested some time in finding his competent staff as well. Managing the day to day operations is John Morgan who has many years of bar managing business under his belt. Behind the bar are beautiful barmaids ready to serve you with their smiling eyes.
If you have not been out to Tap That Craft Beer and Wine Bar, be sure to stop in soon. They are open Tuesday thru Sunday, with great specials and a fun weekly rotation of entertainment.
For my faithful reader, if you are interested in supporting my mission in connecting people to live music your donations are greatly appreciated. All names are added to the Thank You list!
Live Music Options
Cruisin’ 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
Tom Baker and the Wyld Country Band will perform this Friday evening at Ribeyes of Washington with sounds being served for supper from 8-11 pm.
*****
Eli Craig Band ~ Small Batch will offer an acoustic show this Friday night at The Market Street Pub with tunes playing 8-11 pm.
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Saturday
Phil McLean and Rob Legere will be provide Saturday evening’s music at Ribeyes of Washington. This treat is being served from 7-11 pm.
*****
Afreyed Knot Band will be rocking Captain Cooks this Saturday night! Everyone is invited to come early for a good dinner and stay late for the fun rock n roll of the Greenville based party band. Music is offered 7-10 pm.
The Chuck Phillips Band will be rocking Market Street Pub this Saturday night with tunes being offered 8-11 pm.
*****
Brunswick County
Friday
Jeff Gover will perform tomorrow evening at The Joyce. At press time the event said that the music plays from 6-9 pm. Call ahead to confirm.
*****
Saturday
Jenny Lynn offers the live music this Saturday at The Joyce from 6-9 pm. Again call ahead to confirm.
Carteret County
Friday
*****
Heart Stop Band
Heart Stop Band will provide the live music offerings at The Growler EI this Friday evening. They hope you come have a beer and some fun with them this weekend! Music plays 7-10 pm.
*****
Will & Tony Show is on the schedule for Friday night fun at Bogue Sound Distillery. Check them out this Friday from 7-10 pm. Serving up the tasty food will be La Cocina Del Coqui.
Adam Hill will be live at Riptidez Cedar Point,NC. Hill will be offering the rocking tunes you love from 7:30-10:30 pm.
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Double Header
Justin Castellano will offer music for patrons at Boro Restaurant and Bar on this Friday and Saturday evening from 7-10 pm
*****
Saturday
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Sunday
The E Club will host an oyster roast this Sunday at 1 pm with live music by the Feltons.
Craven County
Thursday
Will Stovall is a talented young slinger and singer Greenville, NC who will be in Fairfield Harbour to offer the supper songs tonight at Harbour Pointe Bar & Grille. Joining the 20 year old artist will be a couple of his students, father, Bill Stovall and his girl Taylor Rouse, This will be a great night of fun music. Music will be served from 6-9 pm. Come out and enjoy a fine meal and good music each Thursday evening. This establishment is open to the public, so come out and show some love tonight.
*****
*****
Friday
Traveling guitar man, Mike McManus comes to New Bern to share songs this Friday night. He will be serving up the sounds at BrÜtopia 7-10 pm.
*****
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Hot Jam at Tap That Craft Beer & Wine Bar this Friday. Music and fun starts at 7 pm and ends by 11 pm.
*****
Saturday
Cooper Greer will perform at Tap That Craft Beer and Wine Bar this Saturday, February 27, 2021. This country artist will be in town to share the popular songs and his newest original music too. Live music 7-11 pm
Spare Change will offer all fun hits that groove you this Saturday night on the deck at Blackbeard’s Triple Play Restaurant Music is offered 7-11 pm.
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Sunday
Open Mic Night is each Sunday at Tap That Craft Beer & Wine Bar. The stage is open to all levels of talent from 7-10 pm. Hosted by Sam Lewis, who invites everyone to come out and shine.
Guilford County
Friday
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Johnston County
Nick Driver(above) Music will be on tap this Friday at Deep River Brewing Company, 700 W Main St, Ste 102 Clayton, NC. Live music this Saturday, by Cosmic Superheroes, (below) will also be offered from 7-10 pm.
Mecklenburg County
Friday
FEB 25-27
Sy Smith has long since solidified her place in the world of underground soul music as “the hardest working woman in underground soul”
*****
Austin McNeill performs an acoustic show this Friday at Carolina Beer Temple Charlotte from 6:30-10 pm.
*****
Saturday
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The Parks Brothers and others will perform live at Big Ben British Pub this Saturday with music starting at 2 pm and lasting until close. According to the event: “Join us for our last night in South End! Live music 2-5 with The Parks Brothers and 6-9 with Chris Bizzy Bryant and Thomas Anthony. Drink Specials. Come early for a seat.”
*****
Saturday 7 PM
Live Music by Rockaholics
Piedmont Social House
Join us for Live Music on the Patio Saturday, February 27.
Live music is rain or shine. No cover charge!
*****
New Hanover County
Friday
Friday Night you can catch the Matt Booth live at
Wild Wing Cafe. Music plays 7-10 pm
*****
Saturday
Emily Roth will perform LIVE at the WING this Saturday, serving sounds from 7-10 pm.
*****
SATURDAY AT 3-6 PM EST
Live Music w/ Jared Michael Cline
Wrightsville Beach Brewery
*****
Onslow County
Saturday
The Mad Fiddler, Jason Addams will be sharing his grooves this Saturday being at Nick’s Blacksheep Tavern. Live music 8-11 pm.
Pitt County
Thursday
Thursday Wine & Dine with live music by William Seymour. $40 gets you 2x Starters, 2x Mains, 2x Desserts + a bottle of wine.
Come by to enjoy some original music as well as your favorite covers. All CDC guidelines will be enforced.
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Friday
Friday nights offer an acoustic showcase of entertainment. Three acoustic artists from Eastern North Carolina playing LIVE at Molly’s Community Café this Friday (2/26)!
Chuck Phillips, Stephanie Hall and Ainsley will be rocking out Friday night from 7-10 pm. All ages are welcome.
*****
New Bern’s own Big Sam Lewis and Company come to Greenville this Friday to share music with those in attendance at AJ McMurphy’s. Live music is offered from 8-11 pm.
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Cooper Greer will perform this Friday night at Buccaneer Music Hall this Friday night, sharing songs 8-11 pm
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Saturday
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Emily Musolino will provide the rockin’ sounds this Saturday at AJ McMurphy’s with sounds being served from 8-11 pm.
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Wake County
Thursday
Hello from Larry and The Bean Open Mic!!!!! Our next Open Mic at The Fainting Goat Fuquay-Varina will be Thursday February 25, 2021 from 6:30-9:30 pm. With the start of the new year we are starting a new feature event for bands. Once a month we will give a band a 30 Min slot to play their music. We are looking for Acoustic, solo artist and song writers to step up and play your music as well. Yes we are a Blues based Open Mic but we want all forms of music. You play it we want to hear it. Thanks for your time.
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
The Amazing Lounge Lizards will be live at Sophie’s Bar and Grill this Friday with music served 8-11 pm.
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Scooters Grill and Bar has the music of Taylor & Tommy this Friday with tunes being served from 7-11 pm.
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Leftovers Duo brings the music to Wild Wing Cafe Raleigh this Friday evening. He will be sharing popular songs from 7-10 pm.
Saturday
Sayer McShane will return to Sophie’s Bar and Grill this Saturday evening. Music is serve 8-11 pm.
*****
Mary Selvidge will provide the dinner music at Wild Wings Café this Saturday from 7-10 pm.
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Kings of The Highway will be on stage and rocking Scooter’s Bar and Grill this Saturday evening from 7-11 pm.
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The Hourglass Kids will be the band rocking Saints and Scholars Pub this Saturday evening with music being offered 6-9 pm.
Wayne County
Thursday
*****
Tan Sanders Trio offers the supper show tonight at Up North Pizzeria in Goldsboro. Music is served 6-9 pm
*****
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.
All content is written and published by Tracey Stones
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!
Tracey Stones caught working. Photo credit: Mark Oliver
If you enjoy this blog, support it by sharing it with friends! Donations are always welcome and much appreciated! Thank you for your love and support ~ Tracey Stones