The Suspect: Turtle Island Quartet with Mike Marshall
This dynamic string quartet has been pushing the envelope of chamber-music innovation for more than 25 years. They won the 2008 Grammy for Best Classical Crossover, and Yo Yo Ma calls the group "authentic and passionate — a reflection of some of the most creative music-making today."
Can Be Found: Diana Wortham Theatre, Friday, May 6.
RIYD (Recommended if You Dig): Kronos Quartet, string quartet music.
You Should Go If: You use the term “power walk” without a hint of amusement; everything you needed to know you learned from watching the Professor on Gilligan's Island; you know exactly where your Phi Beta Kappa key is; for Mother's Day you're getting Mom … the entire DVD collection of the original PBS series (Upstairs, Downstairs).
The Suspect: Chase Rice
This Fairview, N.C., 25-year-old is living the dream. His resume so far: a linebacker on UNC's football team, a member of a NASCAR pit crew, a Survivor: Nicaragua finalist, and now an aspiring country music star. With one full-length album under his belt, he released the EP Country As Me in late 2010.
Can Be Found: The Orange Peel, Saturday, May 7.
RIYD: Toby Keith, Trace Adkins.
You Should Go If: You are related to three or more people who own used-car lots; “Direct TV or Charter,” that is the question; you enjoy the outdoors most when burning large qualities of fossil fuels; for Mother's Day you're getting Mom … butterfly seat covers for her jeep.
The Suspect: The Love Language
This band out of Raleigh (not to be confused with the movement to help married Christians understand each other better) is pure pop pleasure; the group's lo-fi style is full of infectious, foot-tapping energy. The band’s second release, Libraries, came out last summer. Pitchfork calls frontman Stuart McLamb "a fantastically talented pop songwriter."
Can Be Found: The Grey Eagle, Tuesday, May 10.
RIYD: The Walkmen, Vampire Weekend.
You Should Go If: You refuse to cut your bangs even though they probably caused both of your scooter accidents; every essay you wrote this semester was inspired by something you watched on The Learning Channel; you tape all "Best Places" lists that Asheville makes to your fridge in an attempt to make yourself feel better that there's nothing in it; for Mother's day you're getting Mom … nothing. Your mom makes you call her “Mia,” and tells everyone that you're sisters.
The Suspect: Mac Miller
Born Malcolm McCormick, this 19-year-old rapper from Pittsburgh has released a steady stream of mix tapes over the past two years, and he dropped his first EP, On and On and Beyond a few weeks ago. Hip Hop Weekly says Miller has the winning trifecta of skills, authenticity and fun: "It's just really a matter of when and not if Mac blows up."
Can Be Found: The Orange Peel, Tuesday, May 10.
RIYD: Wale, Wiz Khalifa.
You Should Go If: You can't wait until you turn 18 so you can get your first piece of C.L.B.A. (Career-Limiting Body Art); your first words to your girlfriend were yelled out the window of a moving car; your make-up technique could be described as “Elvira in training”; for Mother's Day you're getting Mom … a pit bull.
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