Western
Carolina favorite Acoustic Syndicate headlines the USNWC’s 2012 finale concert
with the always entertaining and skilled David Mayfield Parade and Virginia’s Sons
of Bill, who are becoming a sort of R.E.M. of rocking country.
Swing
Jazz Series
8
p.m. Saturday, October 13, McGlohon Theatre, 345 N. College St. $29.50-$39.50. 704-372-1000.
This
new concert series debuts with Grammy winning trumpeter and film scorer Terence
Blanchard with Durham’s John Brown Big Band, which is led by Duke University professor
and bassist, Brown, who helped conceive the series.
The
Holmes Brothers
The
Blues Music Award winning trio encompass the term Americana (blending gospel,
blues, country, R&B, soul and rock). Its revered work includes
collaborations with Joan Osborne and Peter Gabriel. It headlines Shelby’s Art
Council’s 10th Annual Art of Sound Festival.
Ana
Egge
For
the Steve Earle-produced “Bad Blood,” Egge tackled mental illness (which she’s
experienced through family members) with simple arrangements, sleepy delivery
(like a chiller Kathleen Edwards) and lilting melodies that lets you forget the
heavy subject matter.
Flobots
The
politically active Denver outfit draws on progressive messages and Occupy-like
movements as it bridges alternative hip-hop and indie-rock. Its paired with
Astronautalis, who is often described like a hip-hop Beck.
White
Panda
Remember
those homemade mix tapes where you’d cobble Prince, L.L. Cool J., and the
Ramones into one track? This mash-up duo has turned that bedroom practice into
an artform splicing Notorious B.I.G. and Tom Petty or Kanye and M83.
James
McMurtry/Joe Pug
Contemporary
songwriters don’t come much more revered than this pair. It must be in McMurtry’s
blood (he’s the son of author Larry McMurtry). Pug is a newer voice on the
scene, but one that’s been met with much praise.
Indigo
Girls
Thursday,
October 18, McGlohon Theatre, 345 N. College St. $39.50- 704-372-1000.
The
duo returns but this time its shaking up its formula backed by Atlanta rock
band the Shadowboxers on electric versions of classic songs and some from its
new album, “Beauty Queen Sister.”