On the Scene With Tracey Stones

Hurricane Relief got “Amped Up” in Morehead City last weekend, with an assortment of local and regional bands coming together for a fun day of great music and community!. Thanks to that little, day-long, shindig; I had the pleasure of checking out a dozen bands in all, last weekend throughout my travels. I love weekends like that! Thanks for being here week after week! I love checking out our music scene together!

Probably most exciting about the past weekend was the hearing bands that I first saw when I set out on the scene as a live music blogger. In particular, The Spread and The Beaufort Blues Project. But there were others also. The thing that stood out for me was, the focus on local/regional music acts that brought our people together for the sole purpose of enjoying a day, making donations, offering hugs and healing, smiles and dancing. And best of all, this was a family friendly event that had kids and adults smiling throughout the morning, noon and night!

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NC Seafood Festival and Big Rock Tournaments Offer a Fun Day on the Waterfront!

Even though the Annual North Carolina Seafood Festival had to be canceled this year, due to the destruction and devastation caused by Hurricane Florence, the committees of the area’s two big events (NC Seafood Festival and Big Rock Tournaments) got together to sponsor and bring a scaled-down version of the festival to the waterfront. It not only offered a bit of hope to residents but it was great fun for all who attended. The event served as a fundraiser for those affected. The proceeds will help pay the utility bills this winter.

Festival Chairperson Ed Stack said the decision to still hold an event was important to the community. Best of all, it featured live music throughout the day! And so, on Saturday, November 3, 2018, vendors set up to welcome people. Along with many vendors, that included a variety of food trucks, nonprofits, as well as crafters and artisans, Jaycee Park set up a big stage and the committees welcomed nine acts that offered 12 hours of entertainment, provided by local acts familiar to the Downeast region.

The organizations had chosen the Salvation Army as the recipient of designated funds raised from the event. The Salvation Army has a program within its framework that benefits families in need of assistance to pay their utility bills.

The event kicked off at 11 AM, with the sound of Mike Corrado of Jacksonville, NC welcoming the first guests.

Following the opening set, Spare Change came next. The wildly popular party band who got the crowd pumped and ready for a fun afternoon in the sun on the waterfront. Although I did miss the first two opening acts, I was happy to be greeted by the familiar fun sounds of New Bern’s own family folk band, Strung Together. 

 Family Folk Featured at Festival With New Bern’s Strung Together

 Strung Together, features the Oliver Family with some adopted music members added along the way, to complete the mix. Family members include the clan created by George and Dare Oliver and their three children, Cat on bass and mandolin and offering stellar vocal work, Abigail on guitar, piano, and vocals and youngest son Mason, guitar and vocals. Rounding out the instrumentation are drummer boy and family friend, Nick Eickhoff. Adding more depth and dimension to the folk sounds offered is Addy Quinn on fiddle. It is thanks to Quinn that the band added Charlie Daniels’ most famed composition, “The Devil Went Down To Georgia” which closed out their set.

What some readers might not realize, the Olivers suffered great loss as their historic home directly across the street from the river, that tried to wash it away with a 10-foot surge. The family is rebuilding and still finding the time to offer their talent for the benefit of others in need. Tomorrow they will be in their hometown playing for the relief of homeless veterans. Come out to the Farmer’s Market on S. Front Street at 3 pm. Tickets will be available at the door. Rocking Relief for Homeless Veterans is now celebrating its third year. This year’s event features one great regional and four local bands.

Next week, Strung Together will be taking part in Carolina Lily Fest 2018 at the Brown Pelican. That event will benefit The Coastal Women’s Shelter. This annual fundraiser is happening on November 17, 2018, and Strung Together gets things going with music at 5 pm. To keep up with the band, like their page on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/strungtogetherband/

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The Spread Shows Up and Spreads Love With Music

Next came The Spread, based in Morehead City, NC. The hometown band brought their love for music and spread it all over the waterfront. This is one of the first bands I ran into, years ago when I got started on my journey of covering live music. I was taken by their unique blend of sounds and energy. Spreading a lot of love, sharing their love for music.

They are a five-piece band featuring front singer Kathryn Morgan, who offers a powerful presence with vocals that turn things up a notch. The singer is not the only one featured on vocals, in fact, she often exits the stage to feature the other talents that help her shine on stage. The full line-up behind Morgan includes Chris Jones, offering vocals and piano, Chris Taylor on lead guitar, Will Phetterplace behind the kit on drums, Phil Wilson offers bass, Chris White plays rhythm guitar. and newest sound maker, Jim Durham on saxophone.

They are one of the most original bands in the area. I always enjoy watching them share their music with the crowd. To learn more about this band, be sure to like their page on Facebook by clicking  here

 The Spread

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The Beaufort Blues Project Keeps Gospel of Love Alive

 Beaufort Blues Project, offered a great set of gospel-fueled blues and soul-soaked songs, as the band was featured in the late afternoon. Here again is another band I met years ago and have enjoyed several times in the last three years, since embarking on the blogging trail. I saw both The Spread and BBP for the first time at The Backstreet Pub in Beaufort. Both bands impressed me for different reasons. This band features Jim Durham on sax, Hope Sanderson on the drums, Marjorie Landen vocals, Neal Beasley guitar, Talley Best keys and Carlos Sanderson on bass.

They offer a great mix of music, that also includes a couple of their own compositions. Offering fan favorites that highlight the bands’ talents, you will always find something familiar and fun to groove you.

If you have been missing out on knowing these talented area bands, you can check them out next week when they join the bill to help raise the money needed to rebuild Pamlico Middle School. Band Together For Hurricane Relief will feature The Pamlico Sound (The school’s Jazz Ensemble), Brant Island Strings of Pamlico County, Beaufort Blues Project from Beaufort, The Spread from Morehead City and The Dust Parade, featuring Hank Barbee, from Wilmington, NC.

The upcoming event will be taking place next Sunday, November 18, 2018, at the Pamlico High School’s AH Hatsell Auditorium. Doors open at 3 pm and music plays at 4 pm. There is a recommended donation of $5.00 per person payable at the door.

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Carolina Swamp Dogs Give Up The Gritty Blues

Opening the evening line up was the blues trio based out of Jacksonville, NC, known as The Carolina Swampdogs. CSD is a 3 man blues band born in the swamps of Parris Island and Camp Lejeune. Combined, the members of CSD served over 85 years in the United States Marine Corps and that experience, coupled with their love of the Blues, results in a raw, sharp take on the old Blues standards.

Based in Onslow County, this group offered more authentic blues with the music of Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf, and Albert King, being highlighted during their gritty blues set. The trio features Gary Oles offering vocals, harmonica, and percussions, Tommy Langlois on the kick drum and snare along with guitar, and Matt Ingram offering the bass lines. Along with great blues standards that get the hips shaking, the band also threw in one of their own compositions.

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The Sun Sets on the Acoustic Sounds of Mikele Buck Duo

Next up we went country with the local crooner, who recently made a name for himself with an appearance on The Voice this season, Mikele Buck. He did not bring his band, but he offered a great show as a duo act with band brother Brandon Ross, also on the acoustic six-string and adding vocals. The full band was in town and performed following the day-long fundraiser. They actually rocked Jack’s Waterfront Bar with the full band ensemble. Offering great songs that offer glimpses into his own life, Buck and Ross gave a great performance to the growing evening crowd.

If you missed the action last weekend but you were hoping to catch up with the Mikele Buck Band, they will be rocking Salt Bar, located at 325 Mangrove Dr., Emerald Isle. Come out tonight for the fun times. Doors open at 9 pm, with music that will have you boot scooting going down on the dance floor from 10 pm till 1 am.

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Band of Oz Brings On the Night and the Dancers

Next up we all went to the beach and got groovy with the legendary Band of Oz. This band has been making music and collecting fans since they got together in 1967, to play frat parties and high school proms. They are one of the longest running bands in our area, with a history on the road of full-time entertaining crowds since 1977. Today they still bring their fun show to festivals and fundraisers all over the country and spend a great amount of time offering their talents to our area. With a full horn section, keys, guitar, bass, drums and vocals backed by harmonies, this band always brings a good time front and center.

They do have a show tonight at The Surf Club in Wrightsville Beach, NC. Once again they will be on the bill raising money with music. To learn more be sure to visit the Band of Oz website by clicking this link:

https://bandofoz.com/

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Bryan Mayer Band Closes Out a Great Day of Music

Before the night was over, we were also rocked by local country crooner Bryan Mayer, who has been making a tall name for himself on the country circuit. His band closed out a great day and night of music celebration, in the hopes of providing relief to those living in Carteret County and surrounding areas affected by Florence! This New Bern based band is always a big draw at shows around our area and beyond. Last Saturday was no exception.

The crowd got plenty Amped Up one last time for the day when I came to the stage to introduce the “Tallest man in Country Music.”  Not only does he offer a great selection of cover tunes, but he also offers with the tales tied to their meaning, sharing his journey with fans openly. Included in the mix, as well, are his own songs. Songs, which have known some success on the Country Charts. In fact, his first hit, “This Is Me.” is being added to Sound Choice’s Karaoke Song Catalog.

Next week the New Bern based, singer-songwriter, will head to Raleigh, to be a part of the release of his song for future Karaoke stars. You can join the karaoke showcase party of Bryan Mayer’s “This is Me” hosted by Sound Choice® and your local karaoke host DJ Stephen Scott, at The Brickhouse Sports Bar & Grille! Come on out to sing some Sound Choice karaoke, listen to good music, eat some awesome food and support your local favorites. This special karaoke night, Bryan Mayer will sing the karaoke version of his song “This is Me” created by Sound Choice®. Bryan will also perform a small acoustic set. Drink specials from the bar include $3 Carolina Brew co. Drafts and $4 Hawaiian Punch shooters!

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Live Music Options ~ Friday, November 9

Getting Down Around Town

Downtown New Bern, NC

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First Stop James City!

Checking in with our friends at BrÜtopia, located at 1201 Highway 70 E, New Bern, NC: Tonight you can come out and enjoy the sounds of Justin Castellano. Your favorite beer will be on tap and some of the best guitar pickers on either side of the Neuse.  Free live music will be served from 7-10 pm. Tomorrow you can come out and catch the sounds of Third Act with Daryl Lucas. Once again the show is free and music is served from 7-10 pm.

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ArtWALK/ARTCrawl

The second Friday of each month welcomes ArtWalk to the streets of New Bern. Below is a list of the stores taking part in this month’s event. This is a great way to show support for our small town, that was deeply impacted by the flood waters of Florence in September. Please consider shopping local this holiday season, to help the merchant’s rebuild and bounce back to being a stronger New Bern.

For those looking to hear music during ArtWalk, be sure to head up Middle Street and check in with Big Jim Kohler. He will be playing his blues from 5-8 pm in front of The Black Cat Shoppe at 246 Middle St., New Bern, NC.

Fun At The Farmers Market

The Brown Pelican

The Brown Pelican, 411 Broad St., opens it’s doors to local acts each week. Live music kicks off each Thursday with open mic. Sign up at 7 pm and music starts at 8 pm… All are welcome. On Friday they welcome awesome acoustic acts in, to entertain the crowd. Tonight Holt Up will offer songs from 7-10 pm. On Saturdays, the bar is always rocking with the areas hottest bands. Tomorrow night it is Third Degree Bern returning to rock you from 8-11 pm.

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Blackbeard’s Triple Play

Blackbeard’s Triple Play Restaurant, 415 S Front St, offers live music each Friday and Saturday night on the deck. Tonight you can get groovy with TrainWreck. That’s when they will be rocking with music being offered from 7:30 pm. And the fun carries on tomorrow, with Stairwell, who will be on stage and rocking you starting at 7:30 pm. For more info please reach out and call the club at 252-635-0322.

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City Stage

Tonight you are invited to come out to enjoy fun and music with the always entertaining Dueling Pianos. Fun set to start at 8 pm. Cover charge is $5.00. Tomorrow night you can come enjoy the music of the talented Marron Chaplin, offering music from 8-10 pm. The City Stage is located at 901 B Pollock St, New Bern, NC. They are a private club. Sign up and become a member for $1.00.

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Cruising The Coast

Morehead City, NC

According to their Facebook Page, here is what is happening this weekend at Jack’s Waterfront Bar, located at 513 Evans St., Morehead City:

~Friday, November 9th~
OPEN at 4 pm
Made to order brick oven pizza will be available starting at 8 pm
Music by Bethany & the Southside Boys tonight starting at 10 pm 🎤

~Saturday, November 10th~
OPEN at 12 noon
Enjoy our wood-fired pizza starting at 2 pm
Live music by Spare Change starts at 10 pm 🥁

~Sunday, November 11th~
OPEN at 12 noon for Sunday Funday ☀️
Brick oven pizza available starting at 2 pm

Friendly reminders: Everyone must be 21 and over. Starts at 9 pm and there is a $10 minimum on credit cards.

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Beaufort, NC

The Cru Bar and Wine Store/ Beaufort Coffee Shop features the music of Andrew Kasab, who as per his bio, is a harp guitarist and singer-songwriter. Known for combining traditional and contemporary techniques, his energetic performances, arrangements of modern works for the guitar and harp guitar and occasionally plays harmonica and ukulele. He has been performing for over 30 years at music halls, events, festivals, restaurants and other venues. Self-released 11 albums of solo material, and plays multiple styles including folk, blues, country, bluegrass, jazz, American fingerstyle, American primitive and contemporary acoustic styles. Andrew Kasab is a Tonedevil Artist, endorsed by Tonedevil Harp Guitars. Tonight he will be on stage sharing songs from 8:30-11:30 pm

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Swansboro, NC

This weekend marks the 64th Annual Swansboro Mullet Festival, a two-day weekend event, that will be held on November 10-11, 2018. The festivities begin with a parade down Highway 24 on Saturday morning at 9 am. Street vendors line the various streets throughout historic downtown Swansboro and are open for patrons at 10 a.m. Vendors are of a variety of types including arts and crafts, commercial, and food.

There is a kids’ area that also opens at 10 a.m., with a wide mix of activities geared towards children of all ages. Live music begins at 11 a.m. at the Pug Pavilion in the heart of downtown Swansboro and continues throughout the day, and into the evening on Saturday and Sunday.  At press time this was the schedule:

Entertainment Line Up;

Saturday, November 10
10 AM Anna Cole – National Anthem
10 AM Mystic Vibrations
1 PM Parade winners announced
2 PM The Attractions Band
6:30 PM Gene Pharr & Cindy Floyd Party Prophets Show

Sunday, November 11
10 AM Tee Fantastic Shakers
11 AM Bells of Peace with Swansboro Historical Association
1 PM Ryanhood provided by the Seaside Arts Council
3 PM – 6 PM – Liquid Pleasure Supershow

To accent the meaning behind the festival, the Swansboro Rotary serves fried Mullet throughout the event. Parking and shuttle services are offered from behind the Hampton Inn at Ward Farm.

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Cedar Point, NC

The bluesy surf trio from Wilmington, NC, known as The Dusty Trio will be rocking the Treehouse Beer Company this evening. Offering the live music from 7-10 pm, this talented trio features the guitars and vocals of Hank Barbee, Jim Durham on sax and Matt Henderson on bass. Walk into the weekend with a cold beer and great music by one of the regions most talented trios.

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Rocking Around The Region

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Charlotte, NC

John Parker II recently recorded a new effort and will be hosting a concert tonight for the new EP release. You are invited to attend the show tonight at Eastside Church. Music is offered from 7-10 pm.

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Durham, NC

James Armstrong Band is on the schedule to offer the live entertainment, on stage at Blue Note Grill this evening. Tickets are $10.00 and can be purchased at the door. I always recommend arriving early for a great meal and staying late for the great music. Wear the dancing shoes and get ready to boogie. The Blue Note Grill is located at 709 Washington St., Durham, NC. For more information, call the club at (919) 401-1979.

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Clayton, NC

Clayton Beverage will bring a double bill of rock to the stage tonight. On tap for your entertainment is the Dave Schneider Band, who will open the night. Closing things out will be the Lenoir County rockers, The Adam Hill Band rocking the stage from 10 pm til closing. Doors open tonight at 7 pm. Music kicks off of 8:30 pm.

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Kinston, NC

The Red Room welcomes Mac & Juice Quartet to the stage tonight. Doors open at 9 pm. There is a music charge of $5.00 payable at the door. Music plays from 10 pm until closing. Please support live music, pay the cover charge and show your support for this band, with a long history of grooving fans on the NC music scene. Offering great jams, they will send you smiling into the rest of your weekend.

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On stage, at North Street Live you can enjoy the music of The Wicked Shimmies. The Kinston based band is full of some wicked talent, offering sounds you love as you dance the night away. Come out early for a good meal and stay late to enjoy the outdoor patio, drink specials and fun music.

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Washington, NC

For those in the Washington area looking for some good rock to groove you, GEN-X will provide you with the rock sounds of the 90’s and beyond tonight, from the Pebble Beach Stage at Backwater Jack’s Tiki Bar & Grill, located at 1052 Main St., Washington, NC. Live music plays from 7-10 pm. Come early for some great grub then stay late to rock the night away!

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Ayden, NC

The Switch will be rocking Ayden tonight. You are invited to join the fun. Come out to The County Line Bar, located at 9527 Hwy 903 N
Ayden, NC. Tonight to enjoy a fun night of rock, pop and party songs that get you in the mood for a fun weekend. Please pay the music charge at the door and feel free to tip the band too. This is a fun life, but it is a hard road traveled, so please show your love and support for the bands you love and enjoy! Music starts tonight at 10 pm.

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Greenville, NC

The band, The New Hillbillies, will be offering the sounds to fans and friends that come out tonight to The Crossbones Tavern, 114 E 5th St., Greenville, NC. Doors open at 8 pm and music plays at 10 pm. In a recent band page post, the band stated: “The New Hillbillies are headed to Greenville, NC to play at the famous Crossbones Tavern and we are bringing southern jam and hillbilly rock on a bluesy, buttery biscuit!” Sounds pretty tasty. If you are in the area, it sounds like this band from New Hill, NC will offer a fresh set of sounds for music fans.

Thanks 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 Facebook event created.

I am dedicated to making sure you know where to go to find it. 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 by sharing this page on your social media pages. To the many bands and clubs, thanks for keeping me informed!

Take kindness with you today, tip those that serve you and the music makers that rock you and hug people often and share the love. Don’t forget life is short and could end in a moment. Make sure you take time to enjoy the dance. Please party safely people! We love having you here with us! Rely on your sober friends, call a cab or sign up to Uber around!

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