Monday, April 13, 2015

Shovels & Rope, Mississippi Allstars among Friday Live acts

The NC Music Factory announced its 2015 Friday Live lineup today. The annual concert series begins May 8 with Robert Randolph and the Family Band. Chris Cook and the Heartless Road Band will open.

The after work early summer concert series continues to evolve its lineup. What started as a mostly nostalgic `90s rock lineup now includes Americana and roots music, indie rock, and tributes as well as tried and true returning acts like Cracker, who ride the fence between `90s radio hits, nostalgic alt-rock and power pop, and roots-rock.

The popular Michael Jackson tribute Who's Bad, which does a great job of covering Jackson's career, will headline May 15.

Cracker follows the next week, May 22, with local opening act Temperance League.

New York indie-pop band MisterWives headlines May 29 followed by Charleston's Shovels and Rope, who sold out the Neighborhood Theatre earlier this year. Union County Americana quintet Flatland Tourists also play.

Another big blues and Americana name - the North Mississippi Allstars - head up the June 12 bill with the Josh Daniel and Mark Schimick Project opening up.

Friday Live regulars and longtime live favorites Cowboy Mouth return June 19 with roots-reggae band Of Good Nature.

Indie rock band Surfer Blood closes out the series June 26 with Knoxville's the Black Cadillacs.

Tickets have risen from $5 to $8 this year, but given the caliber of eclectic acts the price hike is warranted. Plus you'd pay way more to see all of these bands elsewhere. A season pass is available for $50. Proceeds also benefit the Greater Charlotte SPCA.

Tickets are on sale now at www.ncmusicfactory.com. Friday Live takes place at the Fountain Plaza outdoors at NC Music Factory. All ages welcome, although note that not all neighboring Factory restaurants and clubs are family-friendly.