The Suspect: Carolina Chocolate Drops
It all started at the Black Banjo Gathering; three young musicians committed to weekly jam sessions at the Mebane, N.C. home of old-time fiddler Joe Thompson. Five years later, the band is truly an international success, having just spent most of November touring (and selling out shows) in Europe. They have a new EP they recorded with NYC’s Luminescent Orchestrii set for an end-of-January release.
Can Be Found: The Orange Peel, Thursday, Dec. 9.
RIYD (Recommended if You Dig): Guy Davis, Chatam County Line
You Should Go If: You’re taking 18 hours of classes (and auditing two), and doing Rosetta Stone for Mandarin Chinese in your free time; you were a conscientious objector in gym class; you keep a blog about your allergies; you must keep dressing like your grandfather or the terrorists have won.
The Suspect: Christabel and the Jons
They’ve played Bonnaroo and Bele Chere and opened for the Brazilian Girls and the Be Good Tanyas, winning crowds with their style of folky swing. Lucid Culture says, “… (they) alternate between upbeat country shuffles, torchy, sophisticated, retro jazzy pop and occasional indie folk.”
Can Be Found: The Grey Eagle, Thursday, Dec. 9.
RIYD: Ditty Bops, Old Crow Medicine Show, Erin McKeown
You Should Go If: You harbor a major cartoon crush on Linus; you take pride in completely overdressing for any and all occasions; you are the first to start dancing at any party, even when it’s not a dance party; you must drink a dirty martini with breakfast every morning or the terrorists have won.
The Suspect: Campaign 1984
This band was born and bred right here in the mountains of North Carolina. Their style of Southern rock has been called aggressive, down and dirty, and even downright obscene. Don’t believe it? Chris Henderson of the band 3 Doors Down says that “It (Campaign 1984’s music) just makes me want to take a shower.”
Can Be Found: The Grey Eagle, Friday, Dec. 10.
RIYD: Nickelback, Linkin Park.
You Should Go If: You plan on eating an entire Turducken by yourself this Christmas; a carefully tied bandana works well to disguise your unusually small forehead; you are always stopped at airport security for at least 45 minutes; you must look at porn on your work computer or the terrorists have won.
The Suspect: Justin Townes Earle
You may have spotted him earlier this year performing with his dad, Steve Earle, on an episode of the HBO series, Treme. His third album, Harlem River Blues, released in September of this year, has been earning praise. The Guardian called it his most accomplished effort yet, with “… echoes of Guthrie and Springsteen.”
Can Be Found: The Grey Eagle, Tuesday, Dec. 14.
RIYD: Wilco, Ryan Adams, Johnny Cash.
You Should Go If: You’ve always wanted to be a cowboy but you’re kind of afraid of horses; you only eat places that serve R.C. Cola, Sundrop and Cheerwine; a 40-gallon garbage bag does triple duty as your dresser, suitcase and laundry sack; you must keep sneaking Nyquil out of your parents’ medicine cabinet or the terrorists have won.
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