Highlighting artists and events throughout North Carolina
Dynamite Brothers, Crank Stallion, Megayacht
May 15, 2026, Local 506, Chapel Hill, NC
Dynamite Brothers have always injected a fun bit of 70’s soul into their rock. Hillsborough’s Crank Stallion leans into a groovy, jazz-funk vibe. And Chapel Hill’s Megayacht embraces the halcyon days of 90’s alt rock with catchy riffs and clever lyrics. This lineup is definitely Kenny Powers approved. Doors: 7pm
Neon Ruins, Fledglings, Heavy for the Vintage
May 16, 2026, Yonder, Hillsborough, NC
Chapel Hill’s Neon Ruins offers a melodic melting pot of soulful vocals, reverb-soaked guitars, and American mysticism. Hillsborough duo Fledglings creates groovy, spaced-out folk excursions. And Heavy for the Vintage opens with their brand of dank and danceable synthpop. Doors: 8pm
Sluice
May 23, 2026, AyurPrana Listening Room, Asheville, NC
As one of the handful of NC bands working to make the “alt country” tag cool again, Durham’s Sluice has definitely made some positive strides. Doors: 7pm
The Salt Creeps, The King Teen
May 25, 2026, Slim’s, Raleigh, NC
Put a lime in that PBR and let Raleigh surf rockers The Salt Creeps take you away on a groovy, instrumental vacation! Durham’s rockabilly balladeer The King Teen opens with a plethora of fun, narrative-laced tunes. Doors: 8pm
John Howie Jr. and the Rosewood Bluff
May 29, 2026, The Kraken, Chapel Hill, NC
John Howie Jr. continues to be North Carolina’s finest songcrafter of original country music. And The Kraken’s vintage, roadhouse vibe offers the perfect setting to experience Howie and company’s music. Doors: 7:30pm
Lynn Blakey: A Celebration of Her Life and Music
May 30, 2026, Cat’s Cradle, Carrboro, NC
Chatham County Line, Tift Merritt, Caitlin Cary, John Howie and many more come together to pay tribute to beloved NC musician Lynn Blakey. Doors: 7pm
Southern Culture on the Skids
June 5, 2026, The Premier, Hickory, NC
Chapel Hill’s SCOTS bring their southern fried surfabilly to Hickory. Even after 30+ years, they continue to put on one of the most fun live shows out there. Doors: 7pm
Subvertigo, Snowblinder, Cold Summer II
June 10, 2026, The Milestone, Charlotte, NC
The 20’s shoegaze revival shows no signs of slowing. This lineup, featuring two Charlotte gaze-adjacent acts (Subvertigo and Cold Summer II) and Durham’s reverb-drenched Snowblinder, should cover all the bases for those looking for that particular wall of sound. Doors: 7pm
Dex Fest 2026
June 26-27, 2026, Cat’s Cradle, Carrboro, NC
This two-night event celebrates the music and legacy of rockabilly/garage luminary Dexter Romweber. Notable NC artists performing include Certain Seas, Dynamite Brothers, Entrez Vous, John Howie Jr. and the Rosewood Bluff, as well as a few imported acts from across state lines. Doors: 6pm