Best of 2008...Live Music Shows, Part 1

I've wanted to do this for ages, but for the past two years that inspiration would come and go by the wayside...or at least would not get 'recalled' until the proper time for such posts had long since past. This year, I'll maybe get some of this down at last. It's still unknown how many parts this will be.

Best shows from this year (in no particular order, and I've thrown in pictures where I could...and please forgive if they are repeats from the slide shows):

AC/DC at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, December 18. I've expounded on this at length to anyone within earshot, so I'll spare you non-heavy-metalheads another plug for these legends' Black Ice world tour. Still amazed they're as good as they were (esp as they've been doing this for 35+ years), and still do not regret a cent spent for my rather highly-priced (for me, $100+) ticket. Would enthusiastically still do it again, although not on the backside of a 24-hr-long beach vacation.

AC/DC performing "You Shook Me All Night Long", Time Warner Cable Arena, Charlotte, NC, December 18, 2008.

St. Patrick's Day celebration featuring Hercules Mulligan and My Three Kilts, and a host of other acts before and after, at Tir Na Nog, Raleigh, March 15 weekend. Not only music and beer, but quite easily the most agreeably drunk lot of Irish, Irish-descendant, and Irish-wannabes I've ever encountered in this neck of the woods. I will not put up pictures of such event on here to protect the innocent, however let me just say I'm frankly not sure who was the more 'memorable': Chris King (lead singer of the Hercs), the combined talent of My Three Kilts (who had the difficult job of directly following the Hercs), or my beloved Wise Ricky, who reduced himself to banging in rhythm on the table with the silverware, scaring all of the neighbouring table guests, and then somehow remembering his Virginia upbringing by calling his Irish mother to wish her a happy holiday...all the while banging away on said wooden tables.

Great Big Sea at Fletcher Opera Theater in The Progress Energy Performing Arts Center in Raleigh, October 29. A strong runner-up to Best Show (Period) this year...Alan Doyle and Company had the audience eating out of their hands from the outset and kept it going all night long. My first Great Big Sea concert down here and I did not leave disappointed. I've seen Mr. Doyle before...but with another band and on mostly on another continent...and was more than pleasantly surprised with his easy demeanor and friendly style (the other arrangement did not let him speak much). The show wasn't so much a concert per se, but more a singalong party atmosphere among an earnestly devoted group of fans --- fans who knew every word, and to every song, for the most part. Standing room only from the first chord to the end, too (at least in my section).

And dispute the complaints of the reviewer linked here (calling it 'a ridiculous distraction'), I thought the 'fan jumping on stage to declare her love for her now husband and children' bit was more than a bit welcome, and actually very well received, by most in attendance. (C'mon, people, have a heart.) I found out post-concert that the 'she' (and her husband) in question are Friends of this Blogger (and great friends and supporters of the Hercs as well), aka Mr. and Mrs. Pat Young. Well done, everybody.

Great Big Sea performing in the Fletcher Opera Theater at The Progress Energy Performing Arts Center, Raleigh, NC, October 29, 2008.

Barleyjuice at The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in Linville, July 12. While I've been on the fence about who the Kings of the Mountain are, so to speak, in the past, I do think that Barleyjuice slightly nudged out the Scottish lads of Albannach this go-around (at the Highland Games, anyway...it's a friendly competition). I love their energy, I love their instrumental work, I love the happy-go-lucky rumble of their characters. Given the especially difficult task of getting this year's Saturday Night Concert going (previous acts had lulled some of the audience into a bit of a nap), the Barleyjuice lads more than took on the challenge and won. Additional shows at the Williamsburg Scottish Festival later in October only cemented my appreciation of them.

Barleyjuice performing in one of the morning grove stages at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, Linville, NC, July 12, 2008.

Reckless Kelly, Nashville Pussy and The Reverend Horton Heat at the Lincoln Theatre in Raleigh, November 6. I hate to say this, but I all but missed Reckless Kelly this show (and, yes, I know I shall burn for this, as RK is a damn fine band). I've seen RK do several other shows over the years, and I guess I saw it as a reasonable sacrifice in terms of things to come. The last time I saw the Rev at the Lincoln...last year in a memorable trifecta that had Nashville Pussy opening (something seems so wrong when typing that), Hank Williams III/Assjack in the mid-show, and the Reverend closing...I had the misfortune of (a) being a bit body slammed into the side walls (courtesy of the 'hillbilly mosh pit' that occurred during the Assjack set), and (b) losing out on getting an additional beer later on, and (c) seriously wondered if I was getting too old for this fan base.

So armed with that knowledge this year, I deliberately set out to get the beer rations in advance and also a handy T-shirt work shirt. Reckless Kelly almost-miss aside, the Nashville Pussy show was absolutely top-notch and the RHH (especially my favourite bassist ever, Jimbo) showed, once again, why they deserve to be headliners anywhere they go. (And while we're speaking of headliners, I fully expect Pussy to be doing just that next year...they consistently get, and keep, a show going.) And I didn't once miss the body slamming into the outside wall.

The Reverend Horton Heat at The Lincoln Theatre, Raleigh, NC, November 6, 2008. All-time crowd pleaser Jimbo is on the stand-up bass to the right.

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More wonderful mentions as time allows tomorrow night...

Music, Beer, and Laughter: The Markings of the Weekend

Yes, folks, I still am alive. And, yes, folks, I still blog here...but admittedly it's become a struggle time-wise as of late with extra struggles at work, some out-of-town social events, and a few other projects going on. I am trying, although it may look otherwise at the moment.

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This weekend, in my desperate attempt to let off some steam and maybe even actually escape from work-related things seven days a week, it's a trifecta of entertainment. I need the escape, I need to spend time with good friends and share a few chuckles. And I desperately need a vacation, but the chances of that happening is very dim indeed. So, I'll take what I can get...and (to quote Meatloaf, which is a first even for me I think) 'two out of three ain't bad'.

Friday: Long-time blog favourites Hercules Mulligan will be playing at the Tir Na Nog in downtown Raleigh from 7-9 pm. The newly-improved lineup, which features long-time members Dave Cauthorn on guitar and Chris King on vocals, whistle and drum, have been recently joined by Julie Ross on fiddle and concertina and Mike Baranski on banjo. It's a slightly different sound than the 'original' group that I adored at first sight a couple of years ago now...but I like where this newer creation is now going, too. And as I have said many times to friends and complete strangers in public (and think I have here, too), Chris King is quite arguably one of the best vocalists in the area and he has an easy rapport with his audiences. It will be good to see the gang again tonight.

Saturday: This is a bad day for me, as once again, I am double-booked for two things I really love and, unless an "Star Trek"-like transporter suddenly becomes safe and available to me, I'm going to have to choose between the two. Over in Raleigh, again at the Tir Na Nog, Elroy, North Carolina's finest, My Three Kilts, takes the stage from 7-9pm. Like the Mulligans, they also do a Celtic-inspired set, but with a rowdier/rockier tone and approach (the one liners can come at you fast and furious, and their 'R' rated sets are not to be missed). The Kilts were the wonderful hosts of Oktoberfest, which a slideshow is available for viewing in a previous post.

Over in Carrboro at around the time MTK are finishing up, (you see where the transporter would be so great with this, don't you?), cult favourite and banana puddin' eatin' and chicken throwin' icons, Southern Culture on the Skids, will be taking to the stage at the Cat's Cradle. (If you are not familiar with their sound or with the heavy audience participation at their shows, check out their "TV Room" for full-song clips. That and the recipes...and the recipes are real, some are damn tasty even...are great little features from their site.) The SCOTS are always a blast no matter where they play, but especially so in and around town here as they truly are local people. (As our the great Squirrel Nut Zippers, who had a show/art exhibition at the ArtsCenter on December 3 that regrettably I was unable to make. Another (part-time) local resident, comedian Lewis Black, got my attention in Durham that night instead.)

(Inserting small plea here: I know I say this practically every time and, yes, I also acknowledge that the economy has a lot of us hurting right now (self included), but if, at all possible, please come out and support live music shows and your local musicians. Countless hours of rehearsals and travel for some of these folks make any 'pay' they do get from venues practically non-existent. Local bands play for the love of playing and the hope of connecting with an audience...and, in good times as well as bad, they need audiences to come out and support them. If they've got merchandise and you can skip a fast food meal in the week to come, make the sacrifice...those few bucks are someone's new guitar strings or gas to/from the shows. As much as you can, I urge everyone to take up the challenge and go see a live music show somewhere that's convenient.)

Sunday: the Wise Ricky and I make beer. Now that he's gotten the 'I want to make cider' stage out of his system (and apparently it needs a few tweaks), we're back to what we know how to do best: beer, glorious beer. Our best batches, still, have been the Australian-like blends, although I'm hankering to try up a replicated batch of the English-brewed Fuller's London Pride (which is, thankfully, still made the correct way and its great taste shows it). I have an English patient from work who I have to thank for this great recommendation, and now that I know I can somewhat readily get it through an importer here, I have developed a deeper (and new) appreciation for this exceedingly pleasant and mellow gem. I still prefer my Carlton Crown Lager from Oz, mind you, but hell it's been two years+ since I've been able to indulge in any of that as it's sadly not sold over here...and a girl has needs, ya know?

And finally on Sunday, we get to pop Ricky's cherry a bit movie-wise. After the next great batch of homebrew is done and happily in creation, we're whipping out the popcorn and other necessities for what I hope will become a monthly tradition: Movie Night. (Or maybe Movie Day, as Ricky needs and enjoys his sleep far more than I do.) We're starting with a couple of comedy classics that, inexplicably, Ricky has somehow avoided in his 40+ years so far in being the smartest man I've ever met: "This Is Spinal Tap", and "Best in Show" (the latter especially as Ricky's job and love for dogs is well-known). Dear Ricky is not the world's biggest movie fan by any means...and it is one of my deepest passions, so it's an area where little discussion between us takes place...but amazingly he has finally relented to this exercise. I'm just hoping he likes the "Stonehenge" and "Big Bottom" sequences from "Spinal Tap" as much as I, and many many others, always have. And the ventriloquist hunter from North Carolina, and Parker Posey really in need for some Prozac from "Best in Show"...

Smell the glove, indeed.

Music and Mayhem for the Weekend

A very quick post, as I'm already running late for work...

Tonight, over in downtown Raleigh at Tir Na Nog, Friends of Blog and great musicians extraordinaire Hercules Mulligan will be doing their usual lively set. Wonderful night is forecast for this evening...clouds to move out later today and sunshine in for tomorrow...so come out and join us for a late summer treat. The show starts at 7 pm.

© Carolina Rollergirls, Raleigh, NC, 2008

Tomorrow, over at the Dorton Arena at the State Fairgrounds also in Raleigh, the Carolina Rollergirls (our local womens' flat track roller derby team) takes on the Tucson Saddletramps (which sounds suspiciously like a new team to the league, but I did miss a couple of games from last year, too). A truly fun and lively night of action, as the CRG team is always competitive and draws an enthusiastic crowd. If you've not been, it's time to finally come see what you've been missing. If you've been and haven't made plans already for tomorrow, come out and cheer to the rafters again. The doors open at 5pm (plenty of free parking around the Arena, too, by the way), and the bout starts at 6pm.

Hercules Mulligan, Tir Na Nog, tonight at 7:30pm

Quick post, friends, as I'm off to work before the wildfire drift smoke invades our fine locale again...

(Yes, we are still in a dense smoke/code red air quality alert for this morning at least, a situation that really showed up in Chapel Hill late yesterday afternoon. I went out for lunch at 2:45pm and it was still a hazy Chapel Hill; I came back close to 4pm and I could have sworn I was in a burb in Los Angeles...that thick, that enveloping, that heavy in your lungs. I'm 3 hours+ away from the Pocosin Lakes Wildlife Refuge Park where this massive wildfire is actually raging, yet you'd think it was just a few miles away by the haze and smoke quality here. I can't even fathom how much worse it must be east, and especially northeast, towards the Virginia state line.)

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A friendly reminder from our good friend, and Friend Of Blog (FOB), the wonderful guitarist Dave Cauthorn:

Just a reminder. HM will be @ Tir Na Nog this Friday the 13th, playing as a quartet:

* Chris King: vocal, whistle, bhodran
* Dave Cauthorn: guitar
* Lisa Wolff: fiddle
* Mike Baranski: banjo

Hercules Mulligan on MySpace

The scheduled band lineup for the Nog tonight is as follows:

* Gerry McCrudden: 6:30 - 7:30
* Hercules Mulligan: 7:30 - 9:30
* The Prodigals: 10:00 - close

Hibernian Hercs Celebration

Quick post this morning, as I'm still a bit sore from doing too much recycling this weekend and then got a tad bit too much anesthetic yesterday from receiving new fillings at the dentist. So, I'm a bit cranky because my shoulder muscles are still sore, and I'm starvin' because I couldn't eat anything last night because I couldn't feel my face...let alone control the whole eating, chewing, and non-slobbering processes. And this was from standard dentistry nerve-numbers, I can't even fathom what Botox® must be like afterward the injections...

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My favourite Irish bluegrass instrumentally gifted faves, Hercules Mulligan, will be back on stage tonight for their fortnightly set at The Hibernian in Cary. The show starts at 8pm. Get there a bit earlier to enjoy the beer and the food, as both are good (and the menu has been slightly updated...and also unfortunately that includes a bit more in the price area, but only minor changes...recently).

Additionally, in what I hope will be a developing trend, the Hercs will be playing this weekend in downtown Raleigh at Tir Na Nog. (Yes, in case you haven't guessed it, there aren't a lot of paying venues in the area...yet...for Irish bluegrass instrumentally gifted musicians. My other Celtic-related faves, Albannach, blew threw Tir Na Nog on October 24...same night as the Hercs show in Cary...damn it, need better scheduling for these guys...arghh. This 'not being able to be at two places at once' thing sucks.)

The Hercs did a very well-received show there on October 27 (complete with a birthday and engagement shout-outs to the crowd, some of whom came dressed in their best Halloween attire), so it's fabulous to see them back there for a weekend gig. (It's tough to truly appreciate the beauty of Irish drinking songs if you have to limit your consumption of the drink because you have to work in the morning...weekend gigs for Irish music are fabulous.) The Tir Na Nog show (I'm guessing) will start at around 7pm this Saturday, November 10. Get there early, if you can, for the show due to possible increased parking considerations...I know of at least 3 live shows (including this one) that will be bringing in fellow party-revelers all around the area that night.

And remember to tip your bartender/wait staff!

Hercules Mulligan Redux

Well, for what seems like ages given my 'under the weather' state, their fortnightly playing schedule at The Hibernian in Cary, and a slight change in the music due to vocalist Chris King's schedule the last go around, the WR and I made it last night to see the mighty Hercules Mulligan play again last night and I could thoroughly enjoy it without pain or fatigue. It was a very nice tonic for me, especially since I've been sort of 'hit and miss' lately with my multitude of wellness issues and I've really missed them, really felt I wasn't giving them their proper attention. I admit it: I'm a Hercs groupie and I need my biweekly fix. Good music and good friends can be the cure to what ails you.

I will have a much more detailed review (complete with brief note on a very drunk 'Beverly Hillbillies'-type wanker who added some ahem colour to the night), but I'm off to work right now. (Preview highlight: I thought I was going to have to enact the 'he's not gay, he's my boyfriend/husband' routine with Richard to get this guy to move. Said wanker was an overachiever at three and a half sheets to the wind. Unfortunately, when I went to fetch beer and occasionally afterwards, I saw something a bit worse...and probably a first for a Hercs set, I'll presume even. Although, in the process of discussing said wanker, Richard clarified to me what can/cannot be done by straight people in a bar versus gay guys in a gay bar. Good to know...LOL. I'm telling you, the things one can learn while listening to a great band play Irish and bluegrass music...now you understand why Richard is known as 'Wise' Ricky/Richard.)

Here are some pics from last night, enjoy:

The very entertaining and 'too hard on his own singing' Chris King (left) playing the boudrain (Chris, in addition to the lead vocal duties, does one mean whistle, too) and Dave Cauthron on guitar.

The multitasker bluegrass pros, who play 2-4 (more?) instruments every gig (and personally Zack's knowledge would probably scare me if I knew the extent of his musical talent): Zack Mondry on the left and Chris Mankoff on the right.


While I can remember Dave doing some singing around town at some of the many bluegrass gigs he's performed at, I can't remember him singing lead for a song before with the Hercs. Dave, who is normally 'on the dark side' of the stage at The Hibernian, actually got some 'camera time' with this song.

Probably one of my favourite pics ever of Zack and Chris, and I don't care if the flash didn't go off. And, yes, they play on a stage which also reflects the college football games in the background. Great music and great sports, tough to beat at The Hibernian. Oh, yeah, the beer is pretty damn tasty, too.

That said, the Hercs have their MySpace page up and going (and has been for awhile, I've just been a slacker here (on that and so many other things, I admit) and also has some samples from live performances to listen to, too. (Although truthfully the musicianship can't be praised enough and one has to really see Chris King carry on to understand his repartee with the crowd.) Their next gig is at The Hibernian on October 23, and then again at Tir Na Nog in downtown Raleigh on October 27. Please come out and see these pros work their magic. (And, yes, I am an uncompensated endorser.)

More show review and updates at 11, or whenever I get home this weekend...whichever comes can be accommodated first.

Most Places Just Have Soap...and Other Sightings

So when I haven't been home working on resurrecting Frankenputer's connections, I've been out trying to enjoy the summer. Namely, that means enjoying good music and even better friends with some hot food and cold beer.

Saw the dear boys, Hercules Mulligan (complete with sample now!), over at the Hibernian in Cary again (after a one month respite due to my Spanish classes) last Wednesday. Chris M and Zack were dragging a bit, having survived the previous weekend's Fiddlers Convention in Mount Airy. (And, yes, non-locals, Mount Airy is the town associated with the TV classic, "The Andy Griffith Show".) Something about dead strings and all...LOL...per 'the celloist'. The fellas have incorporated some new songs into the set and are progressing along well. It was great to see them again after missing their two previous gigs. They play again at the Hibernian next Wednesday, June 20, and with any luck around 8pm.

The previous weekend, WR and I met up for a lunch and brew near NC State University over in Raleigh. Sadlack's, to be exact...a site which also houses its share of live music. (WR and I missed that night's gig, but did spot the 2-3 15 year olds setting up to play, with their parents in tow.) While WR and I discussed the defeating effects of second mortgages, employer mismanagement, and the aborted proposed light rail system for the area over some tasty sandwiches, Nature called. Although it might also have been the Shiner Bock.

Upon entering the ladies' room, two things of genius in this little sandwich shop stood out: (a) blackboard paint on the walls (why this is not used in super-popular and graffiti-prone bathrooms everywhere I'll never know), and (b) an ode to Fire Alarm Woman (not to be confused with The Cult's "Fire Woman" song). We stood there, this other female patron and me, and stared at the old girl. Unashamed, she was, but also fitting in with all the miscellaneous phone numbers scrawled around elsewhere in the room. Whereas I don't take my camera everywhere with me (amateur photog or not), I did feel compelled to go fetch it from its bag and then make a second trip to get the Woman's pose. And, despite the artist's take on it, I can only agree about the buggy eyes...her nose isn't that red, nor that big, at all. That, or Santa has different motives...

The Hottie of Sadlack's Lav, Fire Alarm Woman

Hercules Mulligan's Irish Boat Tour, St. Paddy's Celebration at The Riviera

Well, that's what I would call the new listing of Hercules Mulligan events, but I'm just a fan (excluding immediate family, one of the original non-blood-related fans) and fellow beer drinker. The 'boat' reference comes from the band's love for Irish boat-themed songs...and I'm actively searching for more Irish, Scottish, and Celtic songs to add to the 'fans suggestions list'.

The Hercules Mulligan mascot, with standard issue Guinness in hand.
I have no idea if the fellas even have a 'tour name' yet (you gotta think big, if nothing else), but they are getting some more regular bookings around here. Thank Heavens other people have gotten clued in onto their talent. Today, regular gigs. Soon, weekly gigs that pay good money (well, as good as this area will support anyways.) Soon after that, weekly gigs that pay good money and gets them even more recognition. One step at a time, one step at a time. In the buildup to superstardom, though, they seem to take well to chicken strips, Guinness as mentioned above, whiskey shots, and tips in the tip jar. Much to my chagrin, though, they Chris King (lead singer) isn't too keen on my Irish fave, "Molly Malone". Still I love seeing them play, as they do a good job and seem to be enjoying themselves, too. By popular request, I finally got a decent picture taken of them 'in the act' the other night and have it included it here.

(Hercules Mulligan, left to right) Chris Mankoff (vocal, fiddle, mandolin, spiritual advisor); Zack Mondry (upright bass, mandolin, underpaid sound guy); Chris King (lead vocal, whistle, bodhran, fearless leader & comedian extraordinaire); and David Cauthorn (guitar, part-time underpaid sound guy). (Descriptions taken from their MySpace profile...I would have included more colourful adjectives.)
Additionally, the fellas have taken the plunge and joined MySpace. I understand from Dave (guitar) that he's updated the site with all the future gigs, but they do have a 'rotating' schedule now at The Hibernian Pub & Restaurant in Cary. The next Herc gig is at The Cary Hibernian on March 14th and starts at 8pm.

The WR and I got a chance to take them in this past Wednesday at The Hibernian (which has really great fries and burgers, as long as you tell them to hold the salt). It was one of those nights that hint at an oncoming spring and summer, where some warm southerly breezes drifted in and one had a burning desire to fire up a grill somewhere. Or go to Goodberry's next door and load up on a chocolate concrete with black cherry topping, all served up in a waffle cone. (C'mon, summer.)

It was a good night...a bit more subdued and laid back than expected perhaps...but we're all storing up energy for the big St. Patty's Day weekend. (Oh, if the State Parks people would let us temporarily dye Jordan Lake or something for the day.) This year's big St. Patty's blowout will *not* be at King's Barcade (which will soon be demolished to make way for yet another parking lot of concrete and asphalt...not progress), but instead will be at The Riviera Restaurant and Lounge, located on Wilmington Street in Raleigh, on the 16th. There's a $5 (USD) cover charge for the gala, which is more than fair. Pat, the celebratory ringleader, says it's okay to post this info for all local readers...he believes that no one's a stranger on St. Paddy's, but instead 'just drunks we haven't met yet'. Tentatively, the start time is scheduled for 9pm, but get there earlier for food and to mingle. (And judging by the size of the mailing list, we may need something larger than the Riviera to hold us all.) Pat does recommend parking at the Alexander Square parking deck. The Hercs, God Bless 'em, headline this singalong fiesta on the 16th...to only then turn around and do 3 more gigs around town the next day.

Two of the bluegrass die-hard devotees in Herc (namely Zack, who plays upright bass *not* cello, and Dave) also do the local Bluegrass Jams, too. (And Lord only knows how much else, as they seem to always be playing somewhere...a sure sign of the love they have for the music.) These are the same jams that were recently moved from Hideaway BBQ (and in my opinion, was a bad decision on Hideaway's part) to Helios Coffee on Glenwood Avenue in downtown Raleigh. Their next Bluegrass Jam, by the way, is this Tuesday, March 6, downtown at Helios from 7-10pm. It's an open jam, by the way, folks, and local musicians and singers are encouraged to come participate. Helios has fabulous acoustics, too, and a pretty good wine selection. Parking is handily next door (rare for that area of town).

So come, have a beer, sing a song, heckle Chris King a bit, meet new friends, and just enjoy yourself. Support the fellas and the live music scene!

Last Hideaway Bluegrass Jam, Tuesday, February 6...Hercules Mulligan at Tir Na Nog on Friday, February 9

Unfortunately, folks, I have bad news from Hercules Mulligan guitarist, Friend of Blog, (and all-around bluegrass music groupie), The Mighty Dave Cauthorn: the twice-monthly Hideaway Bluegrass Jam (which has been held recently at the same-named Hideaway BBQ club in Raleigh) is ceasing performances there and the parties involved will be moving their jams elsewhere soon (new location not yet known as of this posting). (I'm presuming the name will change, too.) Dave informs me through email that the performers who make up the group (an extremely talented and professional lot of locals) will be having their last Hideaway Bluegrass Jam tomorrow night, Tuesday, February 6th, starting at 7:30 p.m.. I strongly encourage those who have missed these pickers and singers before to come out and take in the group. WR and I will most definitely be in attendance, and I'm trying to call in some reinforcements (c'mon, it's not that cold). The food, bar and wait staff from the restaurant side are also top notch. I'm sorry to see the move, but am hopeful that the new location (wherever that is) will give these great people a greater audience for which they so absolutely deserve.

On the flip side, though, Dave and the Most Famous Acoustic Irish Band Singing Songs About Boats...none other than my personal local fave, Hercules Mulligan...will be playing this Friday (February 9) at Tir Na Nog Irish Pub & Restaurant in downtown Raleigh from 7 to 9 p.m.. By all means, people, come and see the boys, and enjoy some beer and/or spirits. To those of you who have been dissuaded from ordering food there because of poor service and/or lackluster taste as of late, keep in mind there are plenty of other eating establishments very nearby. Their beer selection, however, is very good and WR and I highly recommend several. Eat where you want, but come drink at the pub...and just don't be late for the Hercs.

For information on both of these venues' upcoming events (bluegrass, Irish, or anything else), check them out on the sidebar to the right...which I updated this weekend so as to be more 'user friendly' (a fairly frequent complaint I was getting about the links). I welcome feedback about the changes, as always.

And finally, the announcement about tomorrow's Last Jam at Hideaway:

Hideaway BBQ – 2210 Capital Blvd. (inside the beltline) 919.828.5226
Tues., Feb 6th @ 7:30 pm

Bluegrass musicians, enthusiasts, and spectators are welcome!! Jam is for acoustic bluegrass instrumentation. i.e., guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, upright bass, & dobro. All skill levels are welcome, though it's primarily geared towards intermediate / advanced players. There will be a PA system and it will be an 'open mic' - type environment (i.e. folks will rotate on and off the stage). The event organizers have formed a little house band to play a short set to kick things off and to fill in instrumentation (as needed) throughout the evening… Stop by for some bluegrass pickin' and tasty BBQ.

http://www.myspace.com/hideawaybluegrass for more details!

Hercules Mulligan announces Holiday Tour

Although The Holiday Tour is a bit limited by geographical range this season, we devoted supporters and 'Americana-influenced Irish band' groupies are always hopeful for world domination. These guys are very talented musicians and mesh well together...it's always a very good, and very entertaining, show!

(from the your pseudo-professional PA monitor's and Irish and Scottish band groupie's email LOL)...

Hercules Mulligan, the hardest working Americana-influenced Irish band in the Triangle will be playing two dates on their Holiday Tour 2006. The Herx will first ply their trade at the Cary Hibernian on Wednesday, December 13th, (ed: TONIGHT!)from 7-9 P.M. Then, after a 48-hour respite, they will reappear at Tir Na Nog Irish Pub (in downtown Raleigh) on Friday, December 15th, also from 7-9 (ed: P.M. as well, just in case anyone has a hangover...these fellas have day jobs, too).

Come take a break from your hectic holiday planning for two nights of fun. If you know us, bring a friend. If you don’t know us, bring a friend as well so you’ll have something to listen to if you find you’d rather not listen to us. If nothing else, come see what Irish music sounds like when driven by an upright bass. That’s worth the price of admission right there, which, incidentally, is free.

To close, a couple of quotes to up the ante:

“Hercules Mulligan is a splendid blend of The Pogues, The Chieftains, and Bill Monroe and his Blue Grass Boys. Add a splash of The Three Tenors and just a kiss of The Stanley Brothers, and you’re pretty close to the magic that is Hercules Mulligan.” – Anonymous

“Well I’m not sure how to respond to that. It’s all very flattering, really. The Pogues and Bill Monroe? Gosh, and a splash of the Tenors and a kiss…wait a minute, dude, was that Anonymous? He's always saying whatever he thinks we want people to hear. He's still not in the band.” – Dave Cauthorn, Hercules Mulligan

As a point of clarification, your faithful blogger here would like to unequivocally deny that I am 'Anonymous'. Yes, dear longtime friends, I know that's what the old band setup with myself and Johnny K and a host of others used to be called. However, somewhere after that messy musical divorce and my carpal neuropathy, all fun and games with that inside joke/name ceased to exist. The lovely blokes with Herx were NOT aware of their unintentional (albeit intentional to them in their context) joke as above. I'm very fond of them, like several other bands I make a determined effort to go see, but much to their benefit, I do not play with them. Those days of playing are far done.

Just come out and see these guys!