Jared Michael Cline performs at Seawitch Cafe & Tiki Bar on October 16th from 6pm to 9pm.

From the website:

Driven by a passion for music and performance, Jared Michael Cline always delivers, and when he does, it usually involves a simple, yet honest, performance. As an active performer, musician, and songwriter in Wilmington, NC, Jared Michael Cline aims to connect with his audiences on a level that digs deep below the surface of each and every person in attendance. Citing his influences as “life, love, and pain”, he has no problem using his pen to address thoughts and feelings that are essentially taboo, or plainly, unspoken.

In 2012 he moved to Wilmington, NC to pursue schooling, having fallen in love with the local art and music scene. Since being in Wilmington, he has worked to become a better songwriter and performer, as well as a vocalist, and has slowly matured and continues to carve his way as an active member of Wilmington’s music community. Continually growing and developing, Jared Michael Cline shows immense promise as an artist and songwriter and will certainly be one to touch even the hardest of hearts through his music.

An Evening with Cris Jacobs takes place at Bourgie Nights on October 17th from 9pm to 10:30pm.

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From the website:

https://www.crisjacobs.com/

From Baltimore comes Cris Jacobs—an unexpectedly gritty soul-blues singer and guitarist withoutlaw country ethos. Blending a variety of musical traditions, Jacobs creates a distinctive voiceand sound of his own punctuated by emotive songwriting and explosive guitar playing. Equallyat home playing heartfelt Americana ballads or funky blues rockers, Jacobs is known for hismesmerizing live shows, where his improvisational guitar playing, powerhouse band, and deepreservoir of songs make each night a unique experience.Named one of Rolling Stone’s “10 New Country Artists You Need to Know” in 2017, Jacobs hascollaborated with the Grateful Dead’s Phil Lesh and Dumpstaphunk’s Ivan Neville, and earnedopening slots on tours with Sturgill Simpson and Steve Winwood.With three solo albums to his name, a collaborative record with Ivan Neville aptly titled “NevilleJacobs”, songwriting credits that include bluegrass artists Audie Blaylock and Frank Solivan,New Orleans funksters Dumpstaphunk, and gospel legends Blind Boys of Alabama, Jacobscontinues to evolve and display his wide range of writing and performing prowess. “No matterthe song”, he says, “I just like to keep it soulful and let the music speak for itself”.

Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert takes place at Wilson Center on October 18th at 7pm.

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From the website:

Disney Concerts and AMP Worldwide present “Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert,” a cross-national tour where Encanto lovers of all ages have the opportunity to sing along with their favorite GRAMMY®-Award winning songs performed by the live band, “Banda de la Casita”, while watching the full film.

Produced by AMP Worldwide, “Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert” will include all the music of the Academy Award®-winning film, including iconic hits like “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” and “Surface Pressure” performed live. Live characters do not appear in this event.
Fans are encouraged to dress up as Mirabel, Luisa, Isabela, or any of their favorite characters from the film and to use their voices to transform each venue into one big celebration of the Madrigal family.

An Evening with Henhouse Prowlers takes place on October 18th from 8pm to 10pm. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 on the day of the show.

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From the website:

Founded nearly two decades ago with the simple desire to play original and powerful bluegrass, this Chicago-bred quartet now finds themselves at the intersection of performance, diplomacy, and education.

Onstage, the group’s enthralling performances give audiences a sense of how much they love what they do. On record – including their latest offering, 2023’s Lead and Iron, released via Dark Shadow Recording – the band explores their collective life experiences through songwriting and intricate instrumentation. While bluegrass is the undeniable foundation of the Prowlers’ music, the band bends and squeezes the traditional form into a keenly developed sound all their own.

Working with the U.S. State Department and under their own nonprofit, Bluegrass Ambassadors, the Prowlers have toured over 25 countries across the globe. The group’s experiences with people and musicians across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East have shaped the band’s worldview and broadened the group’s direction towards bridging cultural gaps with music, educational programs, and workshops. Using traditional American music as a foundation, connecting folk music, customs, and history the world over, the Prowlers incorporate international elements into their already robust repertoire of unique traditional American music.

Whether playing live or presenting seminars, wherever they are, the Henhouse Prowlers find and spread the commonality we share as human beings through the universal language of music.

You can feel it at every show.

Artikal Sound System performs at Bowstring Burgers & Brewyard on October 18th from 7pm t0 10pm.

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From the website:

With the release of its debut LP, Welcome to Florida, Artikal Sound System defines its daring and eclectic, alt-rock-reggae, R&B-inflected sound. Fronted by the vibrant sun-kissed chanteuse Logan Rex, and flanked by accomplished instrumentalists Chris Montague (guitar), Fabian Acuna (bass), Christopher Cope(keyboards), and AdamKampf (drums), this colorful South Florida ensemble carves out the slinkiest of rhythms amongst deep grooves and evocative lyrics. The group delivered a slew of scintillating turns onstage, appearing with an array of talent including dates with Stephen Marley, festivals with Slightly Stoopid, a national Fall tour iteration, and a guest appearance with Andy Frasco, not to mention a signature headlining run-The ‘WTF’ Tour-that continues into 2024. As their latest single, “Batshit Crazy,” featuring up-and-coming alt hip-hop duo, Little Stranger, continues to make noise in tastemaker circles, A.S.S enters the studio to begin production on their forthcoming LP slated for release in 2024.

House of Hamill performs at Live at Ted’s on October 18th from 8pm to 10pm. Tickets are $20.

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From the website:

House of Hamill owes its existence – almost entirely – to a series of cancelled flights.

Rose Baldino and Brian Buchanan first found themselves onstage together at the 2014 Folk Alliance International conference in Kansas City.

Rose’s band Burning Bridget Cleary was scheduled to perform, but inclement weather prevented two of her bandmates from flying. Desperate to salvage the showcase, Rose approached Brian, who she knew fronted Canadian celtic rock band Enter the Haggis. She thrust a guitar into Brian’s hands, pulled him onstage, and the two just clicked.

Four years and hundreds of shows later, the duo was booked to play a closing slot at a Colorado festival, so they hired a bass player and drummer to fill out their sound. By the oddest of coincidences, their hired bandmates’ flights were canceled the day of the show. A frantic Facebook post introduced Brian and Rose to local musician Caroline Browning, who joined them on bass for the weekend. Once again, the chemistry was undeniable, and House of Hamill became a trio.

The band’s upcoming release, “Wildfire,” marks House of Hamill’s most compelling work to date. Featuring their strongest and most exciting songwriting, “Wildfire” is filled with lyrical depth, sophisticated vocal and instrumental arrangements, and hooks that are simply irresistible. This album captures the vibrant energy and creativity that have become the hallmarks of a House of Hamill live show.

Whether they’re ripping through a set of original jigs and reels, adding lush three-part harmonies into traditional folk ballads, or cracking up an audience with stories from the road, House of Hamill puts on a show that captivates audiences from the very first note.

Website: https://www.houseofhamill.com/home

Video: https://youtu.be/eAsFJiAUbBA

Soul-R Fusion performs at Live at Ted’s on October 19th from 8pm to 10pm. Tickets are $10.

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From the website:

Soul-R Fusion is Tim Koehler (acoustic guitar / vocals) and Alex Goodell (fretless bass).  They started collaborating as a duo in 2015 and developed an original sound by blending diverse musical influences and unique approaches to their instruments and to songwriting.  Perhaps best described as modern bluesy-folk with a touch of singer-songwriter storytelling, Soul-R Fusion’s music highlights ethereal fretless basslines and rhythmic acoustic guitar, that together complement intelligent, heartfelt lyrics.

Based in Wilmington N.C., the duo are focused on writing and performing their own original music.  Soul-R Fusion’s songs and live performances are uplifting, positive experiences that pull people in and make them feel good.

Soul-R Fusion’s large repertoire of original music ranges from the humorously quixotic Slack Cat Blues to the elegant poignancy of Simple.  The duo has three studio album recordings, all recorded in Wilmington, NC: their eponymous debut Soul-R Fusion, (2016) with drummer Roger Manning, a double CD Like a Circle ‘Round the Sun, (2019), and their newest release, Everybody Knows, (2023).  And they have a whole new batch of songs that they are looking forward to recording soon!

Website: https://soulrfusion.wixsite.com/website-2

Soul-R Fusion performs at Live at Ted’s on October 19th from 8pm to 10pm.

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From the website:

Soul-R Fusion is Tim Koehler (acoustic guitar / vocals) and Alex Goodell (fretless bass).  They started collaborating as a duo in 2015 and developed an original sound by blending diverse musical influences and unique approaches to their instruments and to songwriting.  Perhaps best described as modern bluesy-folk with a touch of singer-songwriter storytelling, Soul-R Fusion’s music highlights ethereal fretless basslines and rhythmic acoustic guitar, that together complement intelligent, heartfelt lyrics.

Based in Wilmington N.C., the duo are focused on writing and performing their own original music.  Soul-R Fusion’s songs and live performances are uplifting, positive experiences that pull people in and make them feel good.

Soul-R Fusion’s large repertoire of original music ranges from the humorously quixotic Slack Cat Blues to the elegant poignancy of Simple.  The duo has three studio album recordings, all recorded in Wilmington, NC: their eponymous debut Soul-R Fusion, (2016) with drummer Roger Manning, a double CD Like a Circle ‘Round the Sun, (2019), and their newest release, Everybody Knows, (2023).  And they have a whole new batch of songs that they are looking forward to recording soon!

Website: https://soulrfusion.wixsite.com/website-2

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?

The Conspiracy perform at Seawitch Cafe and Tiki Bar on October 19th from 8pm to midnight. $5 cover.

From the website:

The Awkward Silents perform at Live at Ted’s on October 20th from 4pm to 6pm. Tickets are $10.

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From the website:

SHHH… HEAR THAT?

IT’S THE AWKWARD SILENTS.

This self-described super group uses an assortment of mildly eclectic instruments to play an equally mild, somewhat eclectic song list. The duo of Jim Ellis and Doug McFarland musically jump from 2024 to 1941 to several other years in between – all while literally jumping nowhere. While they perform as solo singer/songwriters and in other groups, this project is a chance to go in some new directions and explore the auditory atmosphere in creative ways… play around with whatever instrumentation suits the song. In any given selection you might hear a cajon, shuitar, keyboard, guitar, bass, banjo, shaker, looper, kazoo, vocals and who knows what else. You might hear all that at once or you might not hear anything at all. That would be The Awkward Silents.

Arguably one of the three most influential kazoo players in the history of Western music, Doug McFarland inarguably is a singer songwriter and guitarist as well. He is known far and wide for acoustic awesomeness and sincere (occasionally clever) songwriting. He plays locally upwards of 110 dates per year and has released multiple CD’s in the last 15 years.

Jim has been on the Wilmington area music scene since 1996. He and his piano have been featured on many local recordings and in live performances of artists like Catesby Jones, Jeff Reid, John Fonvielle and others. His own discography includes the album release Long Goners, which features legendary slide guitarist, Sonny Landreth and his band. This rhythm section has backed up John Hiatt as “The Goners” since the late 1980’s, and Sonny’s slide guitar can be heard on recordings from Jimmy Buffett to Dolly Parton. Jim performs solo and with other local projects like The Awkward Silents.

Video: https://youtu.be/Qja6oNghBrc?si=Ipia2hlDnx1VWrrs

The Warped Tour Band, the ultimate tribute to emo and punk, performs at Bowstring Burgers & Brewyard on October 25th from 7pm to 10pm.

From the website:

Remember your first -me at Warped Tour? The bands, the heat, meet & greets, and merch tents as far as the eye could see. The inflatable slide, halfpipe, and of course the lineup board…. Trying to figure out how you were gonna see every band you wanted to that day? It was always the best day of summer when we were younger. Grab your eyeliner and black skinny jeans… sunscreen up and get ready for a high-energy throwback experience. The Warped Band brings you the ultimate tribute to Warped Tour. From music to theming the venue, to even some-mes hos-ng local openers. This is the only tribute approved by Kevin Lyman (Founder of Warped Tour). THIS IS A TRIBUTE TO THE BEST SUMMER EVER! Performing songs by ar-st such as Blink 182, Green Day, Paramore, Good Charloe, Taking Back Sunday, Papa Roach, Less Than Jake, NOFX, Fall Out Boy, and many many more… even ar-st who only played a single Warped Tour such as Linkin Park, Rage Against The Machine and Katy Perry even! This is truly the ultimate tribute to Warped Tour.

Carlos Rising performs at Live at Ted’s on October 25th from 8pm to 10pm.  Tickets are $15.

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From the website:

Whether he’s solo or with his band, Carlos Rising creates an unforgettable experience for all listeners with his soothing tone and diverse repertoire of original music. For the past 10 years Carlos has been playing shows and releasing songs that reach a plethora of audiences, including fans of Soul, RnB and Pop. In 2023, Rising was a featured contestant on Season 23 of NBC’s the Voice, where he showcased his vocal ability, artistry and genre versatility on Team Blake. Not only does Rising have the ability to connect with large audiences on a national scale, but also can thrive in intimate small environments where he encapsulates audiences with his original songs. Now based out of Wilmington NC, Carlos continues to play shows and write music, all in an effort to make his songs make a difference the lives of his listeners.

Website: https://www.carlosrising.com/

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfXmr89VCSw

Illiterate Light brings its “Arches Tour” with Palmyra to Bourgie Nights on October 25th from 10pm to midnight. Tickets are $20.

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From the website:

lliterate Light

https://www.illiteratelight.com/

It’s dangerous to put Illiterate Light in a box, especially with the release of their new album, Arches. Are they a guitar-driven indie rock duo? Kaleidoscopic neo-psychedelia? Synth-kissed, harmony-laden folk? What does one do with an album beginning with “fake tits and diet coke,” then pivoting to train derailments in rural Ohio and never-ending black holes? These prolific farmers-turned-rockers have captured the energy of their live shows—fans crowd-surfing, moshing, crying, and crooning—and infused it into their latest release.

“We’ve always been shape shifters, moving between heavy, dark distortion and gentle sweet fingerpicking, writing aggressive songs, introspective songs, and love songs, exploding and embracing,” reflects singer-guitarist Jeff Gorman. “Smashing it all together used to feel strange, but now there’s a glue between everything we do. Our fans get it. They care less about genre. All they care about is feeling. And that’s all we care about. Are you alive or not?”

Illiterate Light’s third album, Arches, is not a passageway but an arrival. “We’re no longer striving to define a sound,” said drummer Jake Cochran. “We’re leaning into sides of ourselves that have felt off-limits, sticking to what feels right rather than concerning ourselves with comparison.” Out November 1 via Thirty Tigers, the record is bursting with thunderous anthems, biting lyrics, and lush harmonies.

The band originated in the Shenandoah Valley in 2015 when multi-instrumentalists Gorman and Cochran began playing music together while working on an organic farm. Eventually, they left the farm to focus on music, adopting the moniker Illiterate Light from a Wilco lyric. After several years of non-stop touring, they signed with Atlantic Records and released their eponymous full-length debut in late 2019. Two years later, they signed with Thirty Tigers and, in 2023, issued their critically acclaimed LP, Sunburned. Shortly after, they released two additional EPs, making Arches their fourth release in two years.

Arches was recorded in two very different locations: small-town Appalachia at Gorman’s home studio and Hollywood, CA at Sunset Sound with producer Joe Chiccarelli (The Strokes, Beck, The Killers). “We wanted the best of both worlds,” says Gorman. “We spent several days with Joe at Sunset. To record vocals in the same live room as so many of my heroes—Neil Young, Paul McCartney, Dylan—was unreal. I knew I was in a holy place.” The LA session was paired with sessions in Virginia, where Gorman and Cochran co-produced the bulk of the record with longtime collaborator Danny Gibney. In their hometown, they experimented with soaring instrumental journeys and had friends sit in on the sessions to keep things lively.

“Having our community stop by the sessions kept us on our toes—we haven’t been able to do that in the past. It helped connect us to the feeling of our live show,” recalls Cochran. Illiterate Light’s live performances, described by the Washington Post as “massive,” feature Gorman on one foot, hammering bass on a foot-pedal synth, shredding big guitar riffs, and spitting out song after song while Cochran matches Gorman harmony for harmony, dancing with his standing drum kit, teetering on the edge of the stage only to dive head first into his next solo.

Arches is the closest you can get to their live show, with heavier songs like “I Ride Alone” and “Bloodlines” encapsulating the best of the writhing, uninhibited front-row experience. The keystone of the album, “Norfolk Southern,” crashes in with Gorman belting, “Here comes the Norfolk Southern / It’s off the tracks / and heading for you,” with Cochran chanting, “break, break, break, break” to the ghost of the train that derailed in 2023 in East Palestine, Ohio, releasing 10,000 gallons of hazardous materials into the atmosphere. The song also serves as a metaphor for Gorman’s own turbulent feelings. “I certainly wanted to shine a light on the environmental catastrophe. But strangely, some days I feel just like that Norfolk Southern, barreling out of control at warp speed.”

Gorman lets the lyrics take control. Showing up relentlessly, day after day, to his home studio dubbed “The Bookhouse” (a tribute to David Lynch’s Twin Peaks), he can’t predict what will arise. For the album’s first track, “Payphone,” the opening lyrics were a surprise to Gorman: “Fake tits and diet coke / Full of undefeated hope / You are the only one I trust.” The jangly and groovy album opener is a pep talk between a woman named Big Red and her man as he faces crippling self-doubt and is self-medicating. She comforts him during a time of despair on a phone call that continues to drop.

Another relationship study, “Montauk,” is a cold beachside dance under the full moon inspired by the central question in Gorman’s favorite movie, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. “Do we go for it again—even though we’re destined to fail?” he asks. “For me, the answer is a resounding yes.”

“All the Stars Are Burning Out” continues in that reflective vein. “It’s a throwback song, about getting high, going for a drive, dreaming up your future. You’re looking at that wide open black sky of bright stars, and they’re so beautiful and inspiring, and they make you want to follow your dreams. And yet all those stars eventually burn out. It’s a song about going for it even though life is impermanent and full of change,” Gorman said.

The saying goes, “arches never sleep.” Designed to distribute weight evenly, arches naturally rebalance as the structure around them shifts over time. Illiterate Light’s Arches exists within this metaphor in many ways. The album marks a period of artistic strength, a balancing act of identity and possibility. To listen to Arches is to plant yourself within the arch, to stand in the threshold between two worlds and gaze into Gorman and Cochran’s constant motion forward.

w/ special guest

Palmyra

https://www.palmyratheband.com/

Jay Killman performs solo at Live at Ted’s on October 26th from 8pm to 10pm. Tickets are $20.

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From the website:

Jay Killman has been a professional musician for eleven years.  He performs with a wide array of acts including jazz ensembles, singer songwriter acts, hip hop groups, and fusion bands.

Over the years Jay has studied and played with numerous greats including Keith Ganz, Joey Calderrazo, Ralph Bowen, Branford Marsalis, Isaiah Sharkey, Peter DiCarlo, Jerald Shynett and more. He has acheived a BA in Music from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and a MM in Jazz Composition from North Carolina Central University.

Jay has released 2 albums of original music – Rene & Jay Nice Sounds Collection no. 1 and Jay Killman Cycles.  https://open.spotify.com/album/0yDP6i7ajTd2RtadJejFyF

In addition to performing, Jay is an avid composer, arranger and teacher.

Website: https://jaykillmanmusic.com/

Electric Enclave presents Jantsen at Bowstring Burgers & Brewyard on October 26th from 9pm to 1:30am.

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From the website:

Get ready for an unforgettable night as Jantsen brings his electrifying beats to Bowstring in Wilmington, NC, on October 26th. This highly anticipated event promises to be a thrilling experience, with local support acts to be announced soon. The show kicks off at 9 PM and keeps the energy pumping until 1:30 AM, ensuring a night filled with non-stop dancing and unforgettable memories.

Jantsen, known for his unique fusion of bass-heavy sounds and captivating melodies, will take you on a musical journey that transcends genres. His innovative approach and dynamic stage presence have earned him a dedicated following and a reputation as a must-see performer in the electronic music scene. As he takes the stage at Bowstring, you can expect an immersive auditory experience that will keep you moving all night long.

Adding to the excitement, the venue will be powered by Funktion-One Sound, renowned for its unparalleled audio quality and clarity. This state-of-the-art sound system ensures that every beat, drop, and melody resonates perfectly, creating an immersive environment that enhances the overall experience.

With the show falling just days before Halloween, the night will be infused with spooky vibes, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event. The venue will be decked out in eerie decorations, setting the perfect atmosphere for a pre-Halloween celebration. Whether you’re a dedicated Jantsen fan or simply looking for a fantastic night out, this show promises to deliver an evening of high-energy music and festive fun.

Mark your calendars for October 26th and prepare for a night of unforgettable music, top-notch sound, and spooky vibes at Bowstring in Wilmington, NC. Get your tickets early and stay tuned for the announcement of local support acts that will set the stage for an epic night!

An Afternoon at Ted takes place at Live at Ted’s on October 27th from 4pm to 6pm. Tickets are $10.

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From the website:

A new series in 2024 – we’re giving Ted the reigns again! Come join us for an evening of music all decided on by our former owner, Ted (Kelly Jewell). He’ll play us some tunes and have some special guests join him. Whatever Ted decides, goes for this show!

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcxLnrfVjXM