On The Scene with Tracey Stones

Lucky as my life is, my dear friend Jim Kohler is the best he has ever been, offering music and sharing sounds around town and beyond. This week we grooved at The Brown Pelican for Blues Monday, on Wednesday they did it again at City Stage and before the week was over they rocked The Garage, last night in James City with their badass blues grooves. 

Weekday Jams to Garage Gigs 

Stormy Monday Blues

 

I can tell you what makes me happiest…this guy smiling and doing his thing! Big Jim is a fixture in my life for many reasons. Here is the first one: He gave this girl the keys to the highway, when he was offering his blues to our town in 2013. He’d been doing it since 2011 when he got here, but I met him in 2013 and I charted my course back to the blues.

Of course, I am not the only one he dragged out of music retirement. Fact is, I met bass player of the year Mike Sandvig at a gig in Swansboro, NC not long after I moved back to the area. After returning to health I took my mother to lunch on a day trip to Swansboro, and while walking into The Icehouse Restaurant, I noticed a sign advertising blues in the lounge on Saturday. March 23, 2013 I walk in with a couple of friends from New Bern that these guys play every Thursday, a club formerly known as Bambooz. 

A Story Worth Telling

It has been an amazing journey with these guys and Big Jim’s gem of a bride, Kathleen. She is like the pixie dust that shows up and really makes things sparkle with her golden voice and warm disposition. This band and the players that have been a part of it all are like family to me. I have enjoyed the journey and this is the story I have been tracking the longest!

We revved things up when I got a really smart phone and started recording bands. They were the first band I ever captured on film. 

Mid Week Blues Break

Now I catch them two and three nights a week and it never gets old. We might be growing old, but the good news is that we are doing it together and have some fun along the way. 

This week the boys got together and jammed as a trio, wrapping up the week at The Garage in James City last night. This is the new hot spot with a family-friendly atmosphere and something for everyone. From virtual games to live music and home-brewed beer, this is a new and fun option for all!

The one thing I can tell you, we are not playing games about Big Jim laying down some tracks. The blues-man is ready to hit the studio and then the road with some new material. We are asking for your help. If you have just $30.00 to offer, you can be a part of the gifts that come with being a Kickstarter contributor! Be a part of the next chapter of big Jim’s Journey by donating here:

Big Jim Kohler Kickstarter

The goal is to raise another $2800 before the end of April! If we meet the goal of $4,000, May is going to be glorious for the blues and blues fans alike!

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Honky Tonk Tuesday At The Brown Pelican

Michael Watkins loves country music and has made it a point to play it each week at The Brown Pelican. Not long after we started offering blues night, Watkins got the idea that there should be a honky tonk night too! 

 

He invites all his friends and country players from near and far, to come out any Tuesday to share songs and croon country favorites.  Live music starts at 7 pm and plays until all the jammers have jammed.

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Tuesday Also Means Music with Tiffany Elaine and Friends

Talk about watching stories of singers and songwriters, I met this girl right here in New Bern back in 2016, when she came out for the open mic night at The Brown Pelican. She shared her original songs in a shaky voice and had no idea some blogger would be sharing her story too. But that is what happened and since then this girl has risen like sunshine over the Crystal Coast.

Now she is taking charge of life with the help of her dear friends, and creating sounds with her band Now or Never. When they are not playing gigs they are sharing time at and singing songs at open mics along the Crystal Coast. 

Hosting Open Mics and Having Fun

Besides hearing most of these players offering their grooves together and alone, I also had the pleasure of hearing a few new acts too.

When I walked in it was Bryan who was on stage offering songs for the crowd. He hails from the Raleigh area and visits the coast often. 

Next up was the amazing Deanna on piano offering familiar songs from popular ’80s acts. She had everyone moving to the grooves and singing along! 

The last band I was on hand to catch really got me going! This act is known as Smoke N Oakem, featuring a wife on vocals and husband on guitar, the group keeps growing to now include friends on horn and strings. They are new to the scene and I already have people interested in bringing them closer to our area. 

I learned a couple of things while hanging with my sweet friend Tiffany Elaine. She told me how she has been able to improve her work thanks to the work I am doing. That was a powerful conversation. I never really considered the fact that my work in and of itself can coach players to tune up their own performances. That is the reward of this work I never quite considered. 

I also noted that we are all our own worst critics. I mean case in point, this bright star hosting this event. She thinks she is not doing well these days with managing life, but judging by the clipboard she is aspiring to do great things for all those she touches.

For fans and friends of Now or Never, you can find them grooving tonight live at The Carolina Wine Mixer. Music starts at 7 pm.

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Fridays are Full of Fun From James City to Around Town 

Sometimes you can do something for years and years on the same circuit before you finally meet other people. That is a true story for me and this next player. I have been promoting Tony Lefavi dates for nearly as long as I have been writing this blog, and last night we finally met for a brief music encounter. Offering a bit of country flavor to the night, this stringer is fun and fabulous. 

I was glad to catch him giving up the grooves to the folks that gathered at BrUtopia. To keep up with the singer and stringer check him out on Facebook at Tony Lefavi Music.

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Rocking Around Town

Marron Chaplin Rocks 

The incredibly beautiful and talented rocker chick Marron Chaplin, was giving up her best rock songs at the Dirty Bird last night. Making herself at home on the carpet of The Brown Pelican, she offered three packed sets of rocking tunes for fans and friends that gathered. She has an amazing voice and she can play one hell of a guitar too. Working on new roads out of here, the singer spends much time plotting her trail to Nashville, where management is working on good things for the glam rocker.

If you missed her last night don’t fret, she will be hitting the frets on Evelyn tonight at BrUtopia, with sounds being shared from 7-10 pm.

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The Wannabees Bring the Classic Rock Party

The Wannabees is one of the classic rock staples here in New Bern. They always have a great time entertaining fans with the familiar music we all love. Offering the classic rock of the 60s and 70s they groove the crowds of all ages at each stop along the way.

The band features Larry Swinson on guitar and vocals, Tod Stilley on guitar and backing vocals, Michael Bass on the bass and behind the kit the busy Jason Patterson.

Tonight the band will be sharing grooves in Greenville, NC when they bring the party to AJ McMurphy’s. Music rocks at 8:30 pm. Then next week, the boys return to Vegas to play at The State Theater.

 

The boys will be opening for a fun night of rock, that will close out with Pegasus Plus. For more on that event follow the link: Pegasus Plus & the Wannabees- State Theater Greenville NC 4/6/19

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Head Bangers Unite on the Bridge to Breakdown

 

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Hailing from Jacksonville NC, the young and talented Bridge to Breakdown made their way to town last night. This talented band features the young and fresh talents and energies of Talyn Detmers front and center on guitar and vocals, Malcolm Matthews also offering some serious licks on guitar and killer vocals also. Taylor Cefalo tries to sit behind the kit but often stands to plays the drums and Ethan Goecke gives them the bottom they need on bass.

 

 

They have a show coming up next week in Fayetteville. For anyone looking for a rocking good time, this is a hard band to beat! For more info on that show, I have attached a link,

Eve to Adam + Artifas at The Drunk Horse | Fayetteville, NC

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~ Live Music Options ~

Saturday, March 30, 2019

Saturday Night Specials

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On the James City Side of that Confounded Bridge

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BrÜtopia

BrÜtopia offers the freshest brewed beer and the rocking grooves of Marron Chaplin, 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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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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Broad Street Christian Church

Broad Street Christian Church hosts a once monthly open mic. Tonight the talented players will gather. Sign up starts at 6 pm. Music plays from 6:30 pm until 9 pm. All levels and players are welcome to participate.

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The Brown Pelican

The Brown Pelican hosts the live music of The Dust Parade, who will be rocking the grooves at the Dirty Bird from 8-11 pm. Free music is never free, so be sure to tip the players that move you!

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Blackbeard’s Triple Play

Blackbeard’s Triple Play Restaurant, 415 S Front St. The party comes courtesy of the Greenville, NC based Stairwell. This should make for a fun night. Music plays at 7:30 – 11 pm. For more info please reach out and call the club at 252-635-0322.

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City Stage New Bern

It’s going to be a Parrot Party tonight sweet people! The City Stage New Bern. is calling all Jimmy Buffet fans to come out and enjoy the Island Time Band. This awesome act travels around our state bring joy and music. Tonight it is our turn. Music plays at 8 pm and the cost is $10.00 per person at the door.

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Cruising the Crystal Coast

 

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Emerald Isle, NC

E-Club Emerald Isle

E-Club Emerald Isle will bring my buddies from The BiPolar Express to the beach to rock you tonight. For anyone looking to throw back to the ’80s hairbands and ’90s grunge rock, be sure to make this your final stop of the night if you are along the coast. It will be a rocking fun time for sure.  Free music starts at 10 pm.

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Morehead City

Promise’ Land Market

Driftwood is an acoustic duo that will be offering the grooves and rocking the stage at Promise’ Land Market, with music being shared from 8:30-11:30 pm.

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Off The Hook

Off The Hook will host the good grooves of El Dub tonight starting at 10 PM. This local band will offer a great variety of original grooves, blended with songs you know. They will be rocking the deck until 1:30 am. Come dance and Spread the love!

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Beaufort, NC

Cru Bar & Wine Store/ The Beaufort Coffee Shop

Cru Bar & Wine Store/ The Beaufort Coffee Shop  

Beaufort Blues Project, Sat Mar 30th, 8:30-11:30, $3 Cover charge

BBP back at Cru Wine Bar, come on out for some great live music and dancing fun!

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Southport, NC

Fishy Fishy Cafe

 Fishy Fishy Cafe, 106 Yacht Basin Dr., Southport, NC, (910) 457-1881. Music will be served from 6:30 -10:30 pm. Come enjoy the grooves of The Other Guys and good food too. 

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Wilmington, NC

Palate

Palate says:

Pete Pawsey offers a bit of the blues infused rock grooves with folk and hints of soul offered as well. Come enjoy a groovy night of great music with this talented artist. Music starts at 8 pm.

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Rocking Around the Region

Greensboro, NC

Craft City Sip-In

 

Craft City Sip-In has the best music plus beer, wine, and whiskey!

The Jahnks offer the music tonight with tunes beings shared until 10:30 pm. Tonight’s show starts at 7:30 pm.

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Seven Springs, NC

Roadies Road House

If you have not been round Seven Springs this year, then tonight is a good night to get out of town and check out some Country living, complete with some fine country music. Blake Kearney will be giving the grooves to the boot scooters who gather tonight. Break out the cooler and call your friends, Roadies Roadhouse is a great place to see a live show, with a great sound system and an awesome lights display. Come out tonight. $20 to get in, and you bring your own beverages.  Not a bad deal for a band out of Nashville!

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Crossroads Grill & Bar

Wood & Steel Band will be live offering the music from 9 pm, until they turn out the lights at 2 am tomorrow morning! Come out grab a bite, have a beer, shoot some pool and groove to the beats to make it a night to remember. 

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Goldsboro, NC

Heroes Sports, Oyster Bar and Grill

Jan Michael Fields Band will be bringing the party to Heroes Sports, Oyster Bar and Grill. Serving the tunes from 10 pm until 1:30 am, it is advised that you show up early for the tasty treats on the menu and stay late to dance the night away!

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Greenville, NC

Trollingwood Taproom & Brewery.

 

XTALS // Tsu Nami // Tymellord // Trikeri

👋👋MARCH 30th 2019👋👋
🕰 9:00pm – 1:30am 🕰
🎟 $6.00 Pre Sales (Limited Amount)
🎫 $10.00 Day Of

🔊🔊🔊 BASS MUSIC 🔊🔊🔊

✨The Liquid Vision Light Show ✨
LVLS is an innovative provider of lighting and visuals based in Eastern NC. LVLS delivers an immersive experience for event goers through a tactical combination of visual tactics and technologies.

💎 XTALS 💎
Yo! I’m XTALS, I reside on the East Coast and produce experimental bass music. I love taking sounds and shaping them into something totally new and making melodic textures that totally immerse the listener. If you like what you hear I’d love to hear from you!
🔊https://soundcloud.com/xtalsmusic

🔮 Tymellord 🔮
Emerging from a deeply rooted zeal to transform the dance floor, Tymellord taps into senses we didn’t even know we had. With an inherent knack to mix music that is just as vibrationally potent as it is alluring and inviting, the N.C. raised Dj/producer evokes enthralling sensation through each set, entrancing all that cross his path.
🔊https://soundcloud.com/its_djtyme/tymetraveling

🌊 TSU NAMI 🌊
Tsu Nami is an up and coming DJ/Producer that is making serious waves in the local scene. She will submerge you with a fluid mixture of experimental bass and sounds from the future, while delivering a high energy performance. Tsu Nami is sure to please any crowd with her unique track selection and intoxicating stage presence. she’ll be crashing into your shores soon.
🔊https://soundcloud.com/tsu_nami

🤷‍♂️ Trikeri 🤷‍♂️
Adrift in the Nuldrums.
🔊https://soundcloud.com/trikeri

🎫 TICKET LINK 🎫
https://seventhcirclepresents.ticketleap.com/xtals-w-tsu-nami-tymellord/dates/Mar-30-2019_at_0900PM

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AJ McMurphy’s

The Wannabees will be bringing it to Greenville tonight, rocking fans and friends that gather at AJ McMurphy’s. Get there early to enjoy some great food and stay late to dance dessert off the hips! Music starts at 8:30 and they rock you until 11:30 pm.

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Farmville, NC

Pour Haus Pub

Pour Haus Pub welcomes Adam Hill solo and singing. This original artist from Pink Hill will offer a mix of rocking tunes you know and love! But he also gives you a glimpse of classic rock hits of the future, when he sings his own songs! Making their debut appearance in the area tonight, they offer live music from 10 pm until closing!

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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.

 

March 25 at 4:54 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.

Thanks so much for helping me reach the people!

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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 each blog week. 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. 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 feature advertising. The opportunities are truly endless.

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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~

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