The Profiler

The Suspect: Mia Borders

In 2010, USA Today called Borders one of New Orleans’ Jazz Fest’s “hidden surprises,” and her debut there was nationally broadcast. She wowed the crowd in Asheville at last year’s Blue Ridge Pride with her soulful voice and her songs, which range from sensitive singer-songwriter to funky blues.

Can Be Found: Pisgah Brewing, Thursday, July 7.

RIYD: Tracy Chapman, Macy Gray.

You Should Go If: You’re one-sixteenth Cherokee, so no one should be hating on your hair feathers; though you haven’t kissed a member of the opposite sex since the prom, you still describe yourself as bi-curious ; you majored in feminist studies yet you can’t stop watching The Bachelorette and Say Yes to the Dress; you might lose it if one more tourist asks you … how you can afford to live here.

The Suspect: Dark Star Orchestra

This Grateful Dead tribute band has been truckin’ since 1997, sometimes playing 250 dates in a single year, though its co-founders, the late Scott Larned and John Kadlecik, are no longer with DSO. This tour sees Jeff Mattson (who’s played with Donna Jean Godchaux band and Phil Lesh & Friends) performing Jerry Garcia’s role on lead guitar and vocals.

Can Be Found: Pisgah Brewing, Friday, July 8.

RIYD: Grateful Dead, Phish, Further.

You Should Go If: You woke up Tuesday morning realizing there are $200 worth of S.C. fireworks still in your trunk; you stopped going to Tourists’ games because you can’t keep up with the action; when memory loss is accompanied by hearing loss, near-sightedness and an abundance of free time, it’s actually really kind of far out; you might lose it if one more tourist asks you … if you’re a living statue.

The Suspect: Jack’s Mannequin

Andrew McMahon, frontman for the band Something Corporate, started this alt-rock band in 2004 as a side project. The following year he was diagnosed with acute lymphatic leukemia, and the band’s second album, The Glass Passenger, is a meditation on his crisis and recovery. Rolling Stone says “he’s already made a much more honest album than many of his emo peers.”

Can Be Found: The Orange Peel, Saturday, July 9.

RIYD (Recommended if You Dig): Ben Folds Five,

You Should Go If: Though you haven’t written so much as a postcard since your first summer at camp, you’re still filled with hope every day when the mail comes; you view standing in line at the DMV as an opportunity for growth; it takes at least four tries for you to break up with someone; you might lose it if one more tourist asks you … if you were part of their LaZoom tour last night.