Newspapers/Magazines
Up And Coming Magazine
Fayetteville, North Carolina, USA
August 2001 - Present
Weekly Rotation of Live Music
November 30, 2005
Restaurant Hosts Benefit Show
October 12, 2005
Community Reflections on 10 Years of Print
June 22, 2005
Paddy & Bill Live and Uncut
March 16, 2005
Blues Legend B. B. King Brings Six Decades Of Experience To The Crown Theatre
December 8, 2004
Best of Fayetteville 2004
Best Local Performing Artist
September 7, 2004
The Scene One Year Later
August 25, 2004
Summer Preview 2004: Music
May 27, 2004
Irish Imports: Five Reasons to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day
March 3, 2004
Festival exposes art and music at Huske Hardware
December 17-23, 2003
The Beat Goes On
September 24, 2003
2003 Best of Fayetteville Winners
August 27 - September 2, 2003
Glory Days Cranks Up as Festival of Flight Winds Down
May 21-27, 2003
Don't Believe the Hype, Fayetteville Has Life Seven Nights a Week
May 21-27, 2003
Everyone's Irish on St. Patrick's Day
March 5-11, 2003
"Voices in the Pines" Sheds Light on Domestic Violence
October 9, 2002
Best Local Performing Artist
August 26 - September 3, 2002
Music Community Honors
Fallen Hero
May 22, 2002
Everybody's Irish on St Patrick's Day
March 11, 2002
Absolutely Brilliant
March 04, 2002
Best Local Performing Artist
August 30 - September 12, 2001
Live-Love-Now
August 15-21, 2001
Midsummer Sun Arts Festival Arrives
June 13, 2001
Valentine's Day Heats Up at Bowties
Voodoo Moon On the Rise
Sunday on the Square Promises Good Sounds, Good Food, Good Times
Weekly rotation of live music: where to go, what to see, who to listen to By: Brian Dukes, Up & Coming Weekly, November 30, 2005
There's no excuse for boredom in Fayetteville if you love live music. The following is a breakdown of the week, Monday through Sunday, and a sample of what live music offerings are available each day. This is
by no means a complete list, but rather a general guide to what's going on. To get the full scoop on the who, what, when, where of live local music, be sure to check Up & Coming Weekly's Concert Connection
or call your local favorite music venue yourself and ask them what's going on. Some nights include commentary on that evening's particular happenings.
.....Tuesday Night
.....Thursday Night
.....Friday Night
© Up & Coming Magazine
By: Brian Dukes, Up And Coming Weekly, October 12, 2005
After three months of planning and promotion, Chris Eichele's work is almost done. He's got his benefit show ready to go - the 10 bands are lined up; the site is set; and the cause is worthy.
Now, he just needs some compassionate people.
MOTOR STUFF
Eichele, better known as DJ Shadow, will host the Rock for RAINN benefit at Chrome Bar & Grill on Oct. 15, from noon - 2 a.m. The show will raise money to benefit the Rape Abuse Incest National Network,
giving 100% of the door to the organization, which seeks to combat rape, incest and abuse by raising public awareness of the many factors that cause it.
With so many benefit shows and worthy causes to choose from, Eichele said he made his choice from personal experience. "Abuse is something that has touched my family," he said. "Before I was able to get
full custody of my daughter, she was in an abusive situation. But I've got her and she's okay, and that's why I felt like I should do something. Everyone is trying to help Katrina victims or help fight cancer, but few
people think about victims of rape, incest and abuse."
From personal tragedy, Eichele has triumphed - his months of hard work have earned him the gratitude of many. "Since I've begun planning this, a lot of people have said 'nice job' or 'thank you' because I'm
bringing attention to an issue that's very dark," he said. "Abuse, rape, incest ... these things are very hush, hush in our society. No one wants to talk about them. But we have to, and we have to help people
who are the victims of these things."
Tickets for the Rock for RAINN are $10, and all the ticket sales will directly benefit the organization. "It's an amazing thing that Chrome, where I deejay, and all these bands are doing," said Eichele. RAINN
helps provide funding for more than 30 North Carolina agencies, battered women's shelters, rape shelters and various hotlines. The proceeds will help victims purchase needed, day to day items, such as
clothing, toiletries, etc. "A lot of times when someone has to get out of that situation, they just leave in a split second," said Eichele. "They have nothing with them ... they don't have time to pack up, they
have to leave, get out."
The 10-band lineup, which will kickoff their performances at noon, include a lot of local bands, and a few regional ones as well. Performances will be given by Unspoken, Paddy Gibney, Lockstep, Automag,
Out of Orbit, Dionysus, Wake, Stronghold, Crush N' Run, and Stereoside.
Eichele said the became familiar with many of the bands because he was able to book them through his work at Chrome. "I'd heard them and seen what they can do live," he said. "These are some really
great bands that will be performing, some of the best in the area."
Chrome is actually a great setting for such an event, according to Eichele. "They've been building a following for live music as they've built that outdoor stage," he said. When the bands aren't playing, Eichele
will take the reins as deejay and spin some tunes in between sets. "It's a great place to hear some great bands play for a great cause."
© Up & Coming Magazine Community reflections on 10 years of print By: BRIAN DUKES, Up & Coming Weekly, June 22, 2005
In honor of our 10th anniversary, we asked some friends in the community to reflect on the publication after 10 years on the newsstands.
Paddy Gibney
"Up & Coming Weekly is a very important part of the community for a ton of reasons. Speaking as a musician, you guys really give a damn about me and Bill, and what we do. You get into the nooks and crannies of our society and our culture here - and no one else does that."
"Unfortunately, I think a lot of times Up & Coming Weekly gets overlooked for what it provides. When I point out to people what it is about this town that I love, without question, Up & Coming Weekly is one of the things I mention."
"I've told Bill that I love what he's been trying to do - he's got a love for this town, and he's always trying to improve things here. Up & Coming is the standard bearer for that kind of thing - you're a voice for things we need to hear. It's like I said just the other day ... you can stick up tower after tower after cultural tower around Fayetteville, but they won't have the cultural impact that Up & Coming Weekly does."
© Up & Coming Magazine By: Brian Dukes, Up & Coming Weekly, March 16, 2005
Local bards Paddy Gibney and Bill Ayerbe were born, I think, a couple of centuries too late. I can easily imagine the duo traveling around the European countryside as wandering minstrels - bringing smiles and
cheer to all ... oh, and a few dirty drinkin' songs as well.
Recorded live at Wheeler's here in Fayetteville, Uncircumcised is the latest release from Paddy and Bill, and the title says it all. If you've never heard or seen the duo perform, then not only are you missing out,
but you've got no idea what you're in store for. Suffice it to say that the pair have enough dirty Irish drinkin' ditties in their repertoire to wail the night away without missing a beat.
But Uncircumcised isn't just about beer, women, heartbreak and ... fake breasts ... it's about some artistic growth (no pun intended). When not covering traditional Irish tunes by Flogging Molly and John Valby,
Uncircumcised finds Paddy and Bill covering Coldplay's "Clocks," Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes," U2's "New Year's Day," A-Ha's "Take On Me," and even Snoop Dogg's "Gin and Juice" - you just gotta hear this
to believe it, trust me.
While covers may be what the duo are best known for, that doesn't take away from their stage presence or ability, or even the fact that they test a couple of original tunes every now and then, like "Foreskin"
and "F&*k You I'm Drunk." Again, folks, this isn't an album, or material, for the kids.
Taken altogether, the live album delivers the best of what Paddy and Bill offer as artists. They get into what they do, and are unafraid of making fun of themselves, or others, all the while doing it with a smile on
their face and a sense of humor. If you can't have fun at your own expense in the middle of a crowded bar with these two guys, then either you're dead or your from Bosnia (that's an inside joke you'll find out
about on the CD).
At any rate, with so much of their tongue planted firmly in their collective cheeks, it's easy to dismiss Paddy and Bill as talented entertainers, but not serious musicians. Nothing could be further from the truth.
You don't consistently win Best Of Fayetteville honors because you're half-dedicated to your music or to your fans. Furthermore, while Paddy may be the front man (and have the larger instrument-- as he'd claim)
and better vocalist between the two of them, Bill is by far the better musician as illustrated on track 11. Entitled "Palladium & Allegro," by Fritz Kreisler, the classic tune is by far the album's highlight, and it's
entirely thanks to Ayerbe's superb talent. Believe me, you know you've got the crowd's attention, and won their hearts when you can't hear them. Imagine a loud, rowdy group of perhaps 200 folks, mostly
male G.I.s, that suddenly becomes silent and attentive when Ayerbe begins to play his violin. It's just a powerful moment and it shows that the crowds do appreciate what Paddy and Bill have to offer beyond
the drinkin' songs.
Support your local music scene and snatch up a copy of Uncircumcised. You can also make plans to attend the CD debut party at Coach's this St. Patrick's Day, which will feature Paddy and Bill bringing the
house down and promoting their CD.
© Up & Coming Magazine Blues Legend B. B. King Brings Six Decades Of Experience To The Crown Theatre
By: BRIAN DUKES, Up & Coming Weekly, December 8 - December 14, 2004
Beyond argument, B.B. King is the king of blues. For more than a half century, the performer has been a prolific force in blues music and in the music world in general. And, at the ripe age of 76, King shows no
signs of slowing down, thus crowning him a living legend.
It's King's relentless passion for playing that brings him, and Lucille, of course, to the Crown Theatre for a rare Fayetteville appearance on Dec. 17.
For the uninformed, who may have only seen King as part of a commercial ad or in a movie as "that guy with the guitar," B.B. King was born Riley B. King in Mississippi (much like all great bluesmen), and
started performing in the 1940s. His timeless quality has led him to a successful career, including releasing more than 50 albums and winning accolades too numerous to list.
After relocating to the burgeoning music scene in Memphis in 1947, King spent time honing his craft with his cousin Bukka White. His first break, according to King's website (www.bbking.com), came a year
later when King performed on Sonny Boy Williamson's radio program on KWEM out of West Memphis. This led to steady engagements at the Sixteenth Avenue Grill in West Memphis, and later to a 10-minute
spot on black-staffed and managed Memphis radio station WDIA. King's Spot became so popular, it was expanded and became the Sepia Swing Club. Soon B.B. needed a catchy radio name. What started out
as Beale Street Blues Boy was shortened to Blues Boy King, and eventually B.B. King. The rest, as is said, is history.
A Woman Named Lucille
It was early on in his career that King met Lucille. Actually, it was a meeting he almost didn't make. In the mid '50s, King was performing a show when a few fans got into a scuffle. Their fight knocked over a
kerosene stove, setting the joint on fire. It was only after everyone had raced out to safety, King as well, that King realized he'd left his guitar (a $30 acoustic) inside. King rushed inside and got the guitar before
the fire consumed it, at no small risk to his life. When he found out that the pair of men had been brawling over a woman named Lucille, he decided to name his guitar after her - as a reminder to never do
anything as stupid as to fight over a woman, and thus another piece of music history was born.
Legendary Influence
Aside from the legends and myth surrounding King as both bluesman and musician, more concrete examples exist of his profound influence on the world of blues. For local musician Paddy Gibney, King's music
inspired and found a home in his Irish heart.
"I first saw B.B. King when he was on tour with U2," said Gibney. "I remember it well because it was Dec. 31, 1989 - the dawning of a new decade and it was quite an experience. As a young Dublin kid, I'd never
heard much of B.B. King. I knew who he was, but I didn't know much about him or his music." Gibney explained that it was one of Bono's songs, which was written in dedication of B.B. King, that initially drew
his attention to the bluesman.
It's within the spirit of King's music, however, that Gibney found an unexpected connection with the performer. "There's a certain spirit ... a soul ... that King has in his music," said Gibney. "A lot of great black
performers have it and it's something that, strangely, feels very Irish. There's a certain love of life from both cultures - a kind of kindred spirit - that transcends music. I never thought that B.B. King's music was
so ... I don't want to say Irish ... but there are characteristics about it that are very appealing to Irish people."
While Gibney plays a different style of music, he said it was the craft itself and King's incredible work ethic that he admired most. "Bill and I play four shows a week because it's our livelihood - we have to. No
one else I know works that kind of schedule. But with B.B. King ... here you have a guy that works as hard as he does and he doesn't have to - he plays more than 200 shows a year," said Gibney. "He does it
out of the sheer love of what he does. Now that's the kind of musician I aspire to be. What a great example and role model for kids and musicians. It's too bad more kids are gravitating towards musicians with
fast cars and big breasted women. B.B. King is a musician's musician - he's out there working his butt off and he's a grandfather," Gibney exclaimed.
With an apparently insatiable desire to tour and perform and further entrench himself in the collective consciousness, it's clear that the "Thrill" is certainly not "Gone" for B.B. King or his fans.
Tickets are $38-$43 and are on sale now. For more information, call 323-5088, 223-2900 or go online at www.crowncoliseum.com.
© Up & Coming Magazine
If you don't know who Paddy Gibney (and his partner in crime, Bill Ayerbe) are by now, then you're either new to the community or you've been staying inside entirely too much.
"This is a tough town to play in, so you've got to make a connection with your audience right away," said Gibney, who quickly passes the credit for his success to Ayerbe, whom he called the
better musician. "I'm terrible, but Bill's great."
"We want to touch people and communicate with them. Bil and I take pride in getting to know our fans - a lot of our fans are also our friends. Seeing people we know and having fun with them,
that's what really makes this worth it."
© Up & Coming Magazine
The Scene, One Year Later By: Brian Dukes, Up & Coming Weekly, August 25, 2004
While it still has areas of growth, the local music scene appears to be heading in the right direction. Thanks in part to new local venues and young talent like The Answers.
Last year, the Local Music Guide 2003 began an annual examination of the local music scene - a sort of "State of the Union Address." This year's installment revisits those who spoke up about the challenges facing the scene and seeks answers to the
new (and old) obstacles that local bands, club owners and promoters face in bringing the scene where it needs to be.
"There's not that many venues for people to play here ..." - Dan Speller (Sept. 23, 2003)
Local bluesman and classic rocker extraordinaire Dan Speller checked in with his comments last year, citing that the lack of venues was one of the greatest challenges facing the local scene. The good news, according to Speller and others, is that Fayetteville
has indeed created more venues - some coming overnight it seems.
"In the past year the scene has improved because more venues have opened up to live music," said Speller. "At one time there was this big karaoke craze and club owners were coming out cheap, but they began to understand that people want to hear live music,
so they started booking a lot more bands." Speller added that both new and old clubs have opened their doors to live music. "You can see about three or four new places have come out - Gotham Blues, Crossroads, Adrianna's - but some old clubs have warmed up
to live music again as well."
A musical chameleon, Speller can play just about any genre, and it's this flexibility that has helped keep him a viable choice for club owners, he said. "Since last year, I've been getting a lot more consistent work at local clubs ... like at Big Harry's," said Speller.
More than just playing the same old open mics, Speller said some clubs are even inventing new attractions. "At Big Harry's they have 'Twisted Tuesdays,' where they'll let one solo artist come in and play a while, and I've been fortunate to do that. The scene has
really improved and things have opened up a lot more for local musicians."
Co-host of both the Down Home Blues Show (Fridays at 7 p.m.) and the Local Music Showcase (Saturdays at 4 p.m.) on 91.9 WFSS, Peggy Mitchell agreed with Speller's assessment. "I think things have gotten better - the venues are trying to get more local
music out there," she said. "It's not changed as much as I would like to see, but it's changing nonetheless. It's getting better, but it's slow.
"Our community doesn't fully utilize the venues it has at its disposal ..." - Peggy Mitchell (09/23/03)
Mitchell, who hosts the pair of shows with Ronny Todd on 91.9, said the past year has seen an explosion in the number of venues that (now) play live music.
"I do like what they've got going on down by the river at Campbellton Landing," she said. "There's also that stage at Rowan Park and that other place in downtown Fayetteville, too. But, we have all these great places that are just wasting away, and no one's using them ... why?"
Mitchell pointed out that several community venues, which have been historically free to access or inexpensive to use, go untouched and unused by both local show promoters and bands. "We have this great Coliseum and yet no one is using it. You hardly see any great shows at all come through there musically, much less any local bands. Why doesn't someone do something with these great facilities?"
"Venues don't want to pay the bands what they're really worth ..." - Tip Iullucci (09/23/03)
For local promoter, and former jazz and bluesman, Tip Iullucci, the economics of the local scene haven't changed much in the past year.
"I don't see the bands making much more money," said Iullucci, general manager of Cream Dreamz Entertainment/Records, and part owner of Blind Armadillo Records. "Is there more traffic in the venues? Well some of them yes, and some no. But that doesn't translate directly into more money for the bands."
Speller added, "I think club owners are starting to see the light, as far as the economics of having live music, but I think they're putting it in the context of what you can do for their club, what you can bring to the table."
Both Speller and Iullucci agreed that the bands that are making more money are the ones that put in the work of promoting themselves, in addition to making sure their act is polished.
"There might be some bands who want $400 or more a night, and the club owner takes a loss because they didn't pack the place," said Speller. "But they've got to understand that if they don't develop their craft they won't get better. I believe, however, that there are a lot of new bands that have been putting in the time to rehearse, which is why they feel like they're not getting what they're worth."
Mitchell seconded that emotion. She said that when she worked in the local music scene in the 1970s, she was in a position to know what most bands were being paid - and that the amount they're getting now isn't much better. "Bands here make nothing," she said. "They're making the same thing now playing clubs that they made in the '70s. I used to work in that business and I knew what a lot of talent was being paid locally, and it's not changed since then."
"The lion's share of promotion should fall on the venue ..." - Iullucci (09/23/03)
One of the sticking points to many a local music scene argument is pinning the tail on the promotional donkey. The debate rages as to who actually bears the burden of putting butts in seats - the bands or the club owners. The answers aren't well-defined, black and white areas of responsibility, but instead a hazy gray, wherein most opinions fall.
"I still think this is true," said Iullucci, "especially when you consider that club owners have so many free avenues to use - there's various free publications (like Up & Coming Weekly), and the Internet also provides several sites where people can list their information."
Speller agreed, saying "clubs have got to advertise live music so people know where to go and what's going on. I email as many people as I can and I bring flyers to the club, but that's the most I can do. Most owners will schedule a band to play, but you wouldn't know that until you walked in the front door - and that's what's hurting a lot of these venues."
As a promoter, Iullucci said the most successful venues he's seen are the ones that consistently advertise, but that there's still many resources club owners aren't using to get the word out. "It's sad that there are so many venues that don't take advantage of the free services that are out there," he said. "The venues have the most to lose by not advertising. The music business is no different than any other business - a venue that's going into live music and doesn't factor in advertising costs is doomed to failure."
Co-owner and operator of Jester's Pub, Mike Sarisky, finds himself strangely on both sides of this argument. "As a club owner, it's hard not to toot our own horn because we've been sticking to live music through the lean times," said Sarisky. "We've plodded through and kept putting on live shows (even at a loss sometimes) and that takes dedication. You can't tell anybody who hasn't been there 'to plod through it' if they've never been through it. I couldn't tell every club owner in town that 'oh by the way, if it gets sketchy one weekend, don't worry about it,' because unless you've been through those rough times, and known them up close and personal, then you just won't get it."
However, Sarisky added that bands have to share the burden too. "Bands have to realize that it's not as easy as it used to be to get in the door," said Sarisky. "You've got to work almost twice as hard as a band now. Sure, people say 'the club owners should have the place packed every night,' but I own a club and I wouldn't go out to my club if the music sucked. Bands have to look at themselves in the mirror and wonder 'why wasn't the place packed tonight?' and they have to consider the possibility that maybe they need to work harder."
"Bands don't 'entertain' any more ..." - Paddy Gibney (09/23/03)
Working hard and presenting an entertaining evening is something Paddy Gibney's famous for. Fayetteville's native son of Ireland has been a perennial "Best Of" favorite and has made a name for himself not only for his ability to connect with fans, but to shake them, as he says, "the hell up."
"You've got to play gigs, play gigs, and play more gigs," said Gibney. "You'll know you've done your job as a musician if the crowd leaves satisfied - which usually means soaking wet and with a CD of yours under their arm."
Although a different kind of musical creature, Gibney said he and Bill Ayerbe aren't exactly a band, but that the principle of performing is all the same. "You have to shake people up. You have to do whatever it takes to get in their heads and make them pay attention to you. I've been in a packed club before and felt like I was playing to five people. You don't get to be a Prince or a Van Morrison anymore," he said. "You've got to shake people up and connect with them ... or else they'll forget about you. You can't be afraid. Ever."
A tough town, musically, Gibney said Fayetteville isn't the place for the faint of heart. "Fayetteville is a musical gauntlet ... if you can make it here you can make it anywhere," he said. "It's tough. You've got to have some balls to work here - this is no scene for anyone who is a shrinking violet. You've got to be able to take it and give it and keep going."
Having to book talent every weekend, Sarisky said that part of his selection process included whether or not a band not only promoted themselves, but if they gave an entertaining performance. "There are a load of quality bands in North Carolina," said Sarisky, "and I have an intensive screening process to make sure that only the best bands get in to play."
"Bands don't self-promote enough ..." - Iulluci (09/23/03)
Although he felt the past year has been a better one, overall, for the music scene, Iullucci felt that in some cases, things were worse.
"I think self-promotion has gone down," he said. "And that's sad because there is so much information out there about what bands can do to be more successful. That's how we learned, when I was with The Heaters - we'd read as much as we can and talk to people in the business about what we needed to be doing to learn the ropes."
All parties - Speller, Iullucci, Gibney, Sarisky and Mitchell - agreed that it takes more than just a website, a neat flyer and a few phone calls for a band to consider having promoted itself. "Right now, I'm not seeing anybody who is doing anything groundbreaking as far as self-promotion," said Iullucci.
"It also seems like there are less 'take charge' kind of people out there who say 'you're going to do this and you're going to do that' when it comes to marketing themselves," he added. "And that's probably the biggest problem a band can face, by not having strong leadership. You should have one person who directs all the activity - you can't have all 'chiefs' and no 'indians.'"
"Crowds don't support local bands ..." - Mitchell (09/23/03)
Whether American Idol or karaoke and deejays are to blame for the lack of excitement for local music, Mitchell felt the real dilemma was in connecting with what fans want.
"I don't know why the younger crowds aren't supporting live music more," she said. "It seems like the middle-aged bracket is doing it more than anyone else. I'm not sure if it's because there's more distractions now than ever or that their style of music is changing. They're listening to everything now ... heavy metal to rap. You can't cater to them like you used to."
Gibney pointed out that, due to the community's transient population, bands here have a much more difficult time building and maintaining a fanbase.
"With the military, it's not uncommon for literally hundreds of new people to either move in or move out over the course of a month or so," said Gibney. The continuous influx of new residents is something bands have to battle with. "You have to always go out and win over the same crowd," he said. "It may be the same club, but there's new faces. You might think you've just established your fan base, but then half of them move away and you're back to square one."
Sarisky agreed, and questioned why it seemed certain fans of live music only supported "their" band and not the scene as a whole. "Things have changed considerably, but there are still certain markets out there that we're not going to be able to break into," said Sarisky. "It seems some people are just too inclusive, and I don't know why. Are people scared to let a new band into their life? I refuse to believe that the only thing in someone's CD player is just one band ... obviously people are listening to other things, so I have no idea why local fans aren't going to other band's shows."
"There's no radio promotion ..." - Iullucci (09/23/03)
Certainly, if nothing else, the past year's musical growth has brought with it a bevy of additional radio opportunities for local bands. "A lot of change has occurred, you can tell, because the radio is starting to embrace locals again," said Iullucci. "Rock 103 is doing a local show on Sunday nights, and 104.5 is very supportive of local hip hop artists, but they term it differently, they call them 'independent artists.' And I like that ... it removes any stigma."
Toss in Mitchell's show, and the various on-air showcases by Foxy 99, and it's obvious that radio does indeed promote local music ... for now. Critics have been suspect of radio's timing on their support, with phrases like "fair-weather" and "bandwagon" coming to mind.
"Our radio show is still a challenge," said Mitchell. "We're in a bit of a bad spot - Saturdays at 4 p.m. - and it's only an hour, but there's good news: We've got a Friday night show too, and we're going to try and promote local artists as much as we can on both shows."
"Fayetteville isn't New York City ..." - Gibney (09/23/03)
With such a diverse and mobile community, many fans of live music are used to bigger and better digs, said Gibney, who felt that comparisons of our local scene to larger ones were unfair and inaccurate.
"We do offer quite a bit for a town of our size," said Gibney. "Per capita I think we do well. You obviously can't compare us to New York, but those of us who work a lot in the scene here get a lot of praise (and work) from outside of it too."
Gibney said it's not uncommon to go to a show in another state, be successful, and then receive quizzical looks when asked where he's from. "We can go to other towns and cities both in state and out, and be successful," he said. "That fact alone tells me that we have a lot of great musical acts here in Fayetteville. I know it's happened to DL Token, The Fifth, Big Bertha - and a few others I'm forgetting - where they'll go out of town and play and people will ask them: 'You live in Fayetteville?'"
Proper perspective and attitude are key tools performers need to have, Gibney said. Those and an optimistic outlook.
"Having a positive attitude is a must for any performer," Gibney said, especially local ones. The alternative is unthinkable. "The mentality should be 'we're all here together to have a good time tonight,'" said Gibney. "You should make people feel welcome and that you're performing just for them. Musicians have to understand that - regardless of the crowd size or where you're playing - if they're going to be negative, then how the hell do they expect the audience to be optimistic and supportive and cheer you on?"
"No, we're not New York," added Gibney, "but for what we've got, we're doing pretty damn good."
"The local scene used to be so much better ..." - Sarisky (09/23/03)
Over the course of the last three decades, Fayetteville's music scene has gone through a de-evolution, many critics say. The zest and appeal of the 70's and 80's has been lost, with many sources cited as the cause. It's through rose-colored glasses that people wax nostalgic about the "old days," according to Sarisky.
"There was a much stronger party scene when live music was in its prime," he said. "Big-haired 80's music was pure showmanship, and the scene was sex, drugs and rock n' roll and that's what people went out for. They didn't bother with Pong and Pac-Man." Sarisky felt that today's music-loving generations have too many distractions to compete with, and this makes it all the more difficult for both bands and club owners to get people out to shows.
"Today, there's Nintendo, PlayStation, the Internet, etc ... you've got to bust your ass to bring bands in here and pay them decent and still make money at this game," said Sarisky. "No one back in the heyday of The Flaming Mug ever had to compete with the things we do now. Anyone who denies that is sitting in a room with no windows."
"And the beat goes on ..."
While all sides agree that the scene is at a much better place now than it has been in many moons, no one felt safe in saying they could rest yet. Bands must continually play out and club owners have to keep with the struggle that live music is as an entertainment choice. More advertising is needed, by both the bands and by the club owners; and certainly both sides need to more fully utilize (free) resources available to them. At the same time, however, when all these elements do come together, there's still no guarantee of a packed club - the community is picky and fickle to say the least. Bands have to go the extra distance to not only perform well, but to entertain and memorably connect with their audiences.
Sarisky, perhaps, said it best. "We can't rest on our laurels at all - every single day you could run into someone who has no idea that there's live music going on in Fayetteville. You can't rest ... ever."
While the local scene has taken several steps forward, there's no cause for celebration yet - not until club owners across the county are turning people away every weekend. Unfortunately, like the mythologic figure of Sisyphus, doomed to roll a boulder up a hill only to have it tumble to the bottom over and over again, our local scene must continuously rebuild and retool for an ever-changing local population. The local scene not only has to reinvent the wheel, but improve upon it - and that's a challenge that will separate the wheat from the chaff, and only make the survivors all the stronger.
© Up & Coming Magazine
Summer Preview 2004: Music By: Brian Dukes May 27, 2004
I was sitting in traffic recently and was disturbed as I watched my car's outside temperature gauge climbed steadily to 100 degrees. That's right, summer is officially here, and with its arrival comes the usual bevy of things to do - not the least of which is listening to live music.
This year, especially, is going to be a great year for live music. Several new clubs have recently opened their doors and include several nights a week dedicated to live shows, while several "old" clubs have come around and also started testing the musical waters with their patrons.
Both locally, and regionally, live music is everywhere to be heard and enjoyed. From Raleigh to Myrtle Beach, there are a myriad of venues to choose from, and all within a short driving distance.
To help guide you through the tough decision making process, I've included a list - albeit not a complete one - of several of the major venues you'll want to add to your "must-go" list of places to visit for live music this summer.
Our tour begins locally, as it should, where more and more clubs and venues seem to be sprouting up every month. It should be remembered, however, that due to North Carolina law, every club has to be a "private" club, for members and their guests, and you'll need a "membership" to get in. Most memberships are about $10 and can be bought at the door - though you can't "technically" use "your" membership the same night you buy it. Ahem, cough, cough ... hint, hint ... that's where the "guest" part comes in. But you didn't hear that from me.
(The Lineups are a sampling of upcoming performances. Please call or refer to the club's websites for additional shows.)
Fayetteville, Gotham Blues, 119 Hay St., 822-5299
Adriana's, Corner of Gillespie St. and Person St.
Kagney's, 944 Bragg Blvd., 483-5259
Huske Hardware, 405 Hay St., 437-9905
Jester's Pub, 655 Fisher Rd., 423-6100
Louie's Sports Pub, 2417 Robeson St., 323-3373
Mash House Brewery, 4150 Sycamore Dairy Rd., 867-9223
Wheeler's, 2606 Raeford Rd., 677-0055
Chrome Bar & Grill, 3049 Owen Dr., 323-2400
Fayetteville Museum of Art, 839 Stamper Rd., 485-5121
© Up & Coming Magazine
Cover Story
Irish Imports: Five Reasons to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day
When March 17 rolls around each year, every one celebrates by wearing green shirts and drinking green beer. On St. Patrick's Day, everybody's Irish and everyone gets to share that irrepressible Celtic spirit.
"I could not believe my eyes when I walked into Wal-Mart the other day and saw 'Happy St. Patrick's Day' cards and shamrock gift wrap on the shelves," said Heather York, a local resident of Irish heritage. Indeed, St. Patrick's Day is emerging as the latest gift-giving holiday with card shops and websites offering special green wines and teddy bears in green sweaters to commemorate the occasion. This year, however, keep in mind some of the real "Irish Imports" that have made American blood run green with Irish pride.
A Bit O'History
Sure, everyone knows about St. Patrick's Day, but does anyone really know why we honor the patron saint of Ireland? It actually has nothing to do with snakes leaving the Emerald Isle.
Here's the story: St. Patrick, whose given name was Maewyn, was born in 385 in Wales. At age 16, he was taken into slavery by a group of Irish marauders. While in captivity, he became a Christian. After six years, he escaped from slavery and fled to Gaul where his training led him to be called to convert the Irish pagans to his religion. Although he upset the Celtic Druids, he was remarkably successful in his campaign. He established monasteries across the country and set up schools and churches that would aid him in his conversions.
His work lasted for 30 years until his death on March 17, 461. Since then, St. Patrick's Day has been celebrated on that date. The holiday was first observed in the United States in Boston in 1737. "St. Patrick's Day is my favorite holiday. There's just something different about it," said local resident Justin Myers.
A Bit O'Beer
Ask any seasoned beer drinker (or any non-seasoned beer drinker, for that matter) about Guinness, and he or she will tell you that Guinness is practically its own food group. It is thick. It is syrupy. It has its own website. It is no wonder why aficionados deem Guinness as the drink of choice for the tavern elite.
"You are not a true beer connoisseur until you've had Guinness. It separates the men from the boys," remarked local student James Carpenter. His friend, Daniel Parker, did not agree. "I can't stand the stuff. Give me an ale any day!" Whether you prefer stout or ale, Guinness and other Irish beverages (think Killian's and Bailey's Irish Cream) retain the Irish heritage that they were built on.
A Bit O'Art
With their blend of traditional Celtic and modern flavors, the Irish have excelled at music and literature, and their art is accessible to people all over the world.
In music, the Irish span genres of rock, folk, and classical. They sell-out the world's largest and most prestigious venues, and they pack in the fans at Fayetteville's own nightspots. Of course, one of the most enduring presences in world music is U2. Not only is front-man Bono an amazing singer, he is a great humanitarian as well in his work with the United Nations. Here at home, Paddy Gibney is a celebrity in his own right. Along with his violinist Bill Ayerbe, Paddy can be found most weekends performing his show of original tunes, traditional Irish folk songs, and renditions of classic rock staples. Local resident Sarah Howell has been to Paddy's show a few times. "He's great. It's crazy, though. He's even got groupies!" she laughed. Other famous Irish musicians include The Corrs, The Cranberries, Clannad, The Chieftains, Sinead O'Connor, Thin Lizzy, and Boomtown Rats.
Irish literature has invaded American bookshelves for decades. What high school student has not plodded through Bram Stoker's Dracula or Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels? If you take a class with Methodist College English Professor Dr. Robert Christian, you might find yourself reading excerpts from James Joyce's Dubliners or the poetry of William Butler Yeats. Samantha Kirk is partial to Oscar Wilde. "The Importance of Being Earnest has to be one of the funniest plays in history!" she noted. "I think The Picture of Dorian Gray is fascinating, too."
A Bit O'Symbolism
The claddagh, the shamrock, and the trinity knot ... many have seen them, but few know what they mean. The claddagh is seen most often n sterling silver jewelry in the United States. The two hands holding a heart and a crown represent love, friendship, and loyalty.
"I wear a claddagh ring all the time. My best friend gave it to me as a symbol of friendship," Fayetteville resident Michelle O'Connor remarked about her Irish jewelry. The shamrock, with its three green leaves, is a representation of the Trinity. St. Patrick supposedly used the plant in his teachings to explain how the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit could be separate extensions of the same entity. The Celtic trinity knot, which has become a popular choice for tattoos lately, is also representative of the Trinity with its three extensions of a continuous, woven thread. And the next time you enjoy a bottle of Guinness, take a good look at the label. That harp you see is a traditional symbol of Irish nationalism.
A Bit O'Luck
Wouldn't it be nice if there really were a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow? If you are truly an adherent to the Celtic spirit, you must keep on looking for it. For centuries, the Irish have been believers in fate, and that is one of the aspects of their culture that make it so unique and interesting. The very thought of the misty, rolling green hills conjures up thoughts of magic. Even if fairies, leprechauns, and Lucky Charms make you scoff, you must admit that Ireland has a majestic atmosphere that cannot be matched.
So, when you are sitting in your bar and enjoying your pint of Guinness, take a moment to reflect on all of the contributions that the Irish have made to our world. Raise your glass and shout the Irish toast "Slainte!" (pronounced slawn-cha). And on this St. Patrick's Day, "wherever you go and whatever you do, may the luck of Irish be there with you."
© Up & Coming Magazine
Festival exposes art and music at Huske Hardware BRIAN DUKES December 17, 2003
Quincy Nimocks is a 20-something dreamer. While he's also a sculptor, and deejay, he's most notably making a name for himself recently as a promoter of local music and arts.
Nimocks' latest effort, the Winter Sight & Sound Festival, will host all of the above - combining the visual arts with the auditory ones. And, oh yeah, it's all for a good cause ... something else
Nimocks can attach to his resume.
Presented by Know Exposure - which consists of Quincy Nimocks and a pair of friends (Christian and Danny), and was created to help gain more exposure for local visual artists and
musicians, the Winter Sight & Sound Festival will not only have music, dancing, arts, deejays, and a skate demo, but it will do so to benefit the Fayetteville Urban Ministries. The event will take place at Huske
Hardware House at 405 Hay St. on Sunday, Dec. 21, beginning at 2 p.m.
"We (at Know Exposure) want to try to get those bands who don't always get gigs in here," said Nimocks, "and also those artists who aren't displayed as often at places like 4th Friday."
Gaining exposure for local artists is what inspired Nimocks in the first place, something he feels more of is needed in our community. However, Nimocks realized that he could address multiple
needs at the same time, and decided to charge an optional cover of either $3 or donation of a nonperishable food item or unwrapped child's toy, with all donations going to benefit the Fayetteville Urban Ministries.
"I chose (FUM) because they're local," said Nimocks. "I wanted to keep it local, and I wanted to benefit our area and knew that I would feel better helping one of these smaller organizations that
don't have the same kind of backing as a March of Dimes." Nimocks noted that early on he took suggestions from his mother and several friends, and that the choice of Fayetteville Urban Ministries came naturally.
The festival will feature something, quite literally, for everyone - something Nimocks aimed for early on. "I want to keep things as culturally diverse as I can," he said. "I want the event to be able to
appeal to everyone." The festival will showcase the works of several visual artists while at the same time providing live musical performances by local bands.
Among the list of artists scheduled to appear live are Dan Speller, Visually Impared, Paddy Gibney, Earth Tones, Blue Nebula Trio, Sweet Agony, and deejays Sabotage, Kgb and Twilight - all of
whom specialize in drum n' bass, house, progressive and tribal beats. Nimocks, who is a dj himself (his handle is QKNV), said the event will kick off with some of the more energetic music at first and then coast
into the blues and jazz styles later on.
"People will be able to walk around and enjoy the sights and sounds," said Nimocks. "They'll be able to enjoy the artwork and meet the artists and the bands as well."
Speaking of artwork, Winter Sight & Sound will play host to a wide array of works, ranging from two-dimensional works to paintings and photography, in addition to sculptures, graphic art, pottery,
illustrations, lithographs, and more.
Nimocks actually held a similar event in September during the International Folk Festival. "We were able to get some people in here and raise some money for charity," he said. "But then again,
there were already thousands of people downtown and we were one of a few places selling beer."
Though this is only the second time he's attempted to marry music and art within Huske Hardware House, Nimocks has found no shortage of support from both sides of the aisle. Musician Dan
Speller said the community needs more of what Nimocks is doing. "Music is a gift," he said. "And when you can entertain people for a good cause, there's nothing better you can do. What more could we give to
our community or an institution like Fayetteville Urban Ministries?"
The sentiment is shared by Fayetteville's native Irishman, Paddy Gibney, who was more than happy to lend his support to Nimocks. "Even though Sundays are usually a day for vegetation," said
Gibney, "I told Quincy we'd help out." Gibney commented that Nimocks was a "remarkable young man who's trying to make a difference ... to make our community a better place." He added that events like this
are the best of both worlds - he can contribute and be able to sit back and watch. "It's a good situation for artists who don't get a chance to play out in public as much ... unlike me," he said. "I'm going to hang out
and watch these younger people play and support them however I can."
The Winter Sight & Sound Festival will also feature a skate demo held outside of Huske in the early part of the day, performed by Duh Skate Shop.
"It's going to be a good show," said Nimocks. "There's going to be a variety of music and art ... and hopefully people. I just want to help get some people some exposure and raise some money
for a good cause."
© Up & Coming Magazine
The Beat Goes On By: BRIAN DUKES, Up & Coming Weekly, September 24, 2003
The screaming vocals, electrifying guitar riffs, brain-baking bass lines, pulse-jumping drum beats, the berserker-like fury of movement.
It's live rock n' roll in Fayetteville, and I love it.
And, apparently, so do a lot of other people.
The question becomes then, why isn't our local music scene a better one? The criticism has been aimed at and asked by bands, management agencies, club owners, fans, radio jockeys ... and the list goes on.
No one seems to have a definitive answer, but I thought I'd try to find one. It just doesn't seem to make sense that a city our size doesn't have more live music. And, more importantly, more support for it.
When compared to Raleigh and Jacksonville, Charlotte and Chapel Hill, the only category where Fayetteville appears to be at a disadvantage is in economics. For our population, Fayetteville has almost twice the
number of quality local bands than those communities. But who would know that? Not too many people, unfortunately, because whether it's apathy or poor promotion, the local music scene has wallowed in
obscurity, with no immediate end in sight.
Who cares? You should. Why? Because a healthy, vibrant live music scene means several things. Live music, like anything else, is an industry. And the better an industry is, the better the community that
surrounds it. Imagine the economic implications if Fayetteville were to become another Seattle. There are at least a dozen quality local bands that can kick with the best of them, and we as a musical community
should support them. And that's not even mentioning the dozens of duos and single act performers that dot the local musical landscape.
Opportunity
For longtime musical veteran and virtuoso Dan Speller, the issue is one of opportunity. "There's just not that many venues for people to play here," said Speller, who is a bluesman by trade with his own band,
Dan Speller and his Bluespell. "And to make it worse, it's nearly impossible for entirely original bands to make it here," he said. "The majority of venues prefer bands to play covers as opposed to original music,
and often pay much more for this."
The argument of originals versus covers is one that can make or break a band here, Speller said. "I admire bands that steadfastly refuse to play covers, but they have to realize they have to work that much harder
to take things to another level," he said.
Speller recommends that bands find a happy medium between originals and cover tunes in order to get their foot in the door and then build their fan base, something Tip Iullucci - frontman for The Heaters and
manager of Blind Armadillo Entertainment - agreed with. "Bands that try to reinvent the wheel are really in for a tough time," said Iullucci.
Iullucci has found success in the local music scene by living by the cover/original ratio, but noted that the scene's major issues have to deal with economics and marketing ... and what's fair to pay a band.
"Specifically here, the venues don't want to pay the bands what they're really worth and what they'll make in Raleigh, an hour away," said Iullucci. "It's a consequence of local economics. A band can make $300
here for one night and $600 in Raleigh ... it trickles down the line to where bands have to do twice the work to market and promote themselves here, as opposed to other markets."
However, for Iullucci, marketing and promotion is something that cuts both ways. "It's not just the band's responsibility to bring in a crowd," he said. "The lion's share of promotion should fall on the venue's
shoulders," a point he feels is often missed. "I think venues miss the boat constantly on marketing opportunities that would help the whole scene. If they're not sending their members something once a week to
tell them what's happening, they're blowing a huge opportunity. They must advertise and take advantage of free stuff and get their shows out there."
Iullucci has seen what can happen when marketing and promotion work hand in hand to put on a good show ... and he's been there when good efforts have gone unrewarded. "It's unpredictable here," he
said, "because the diversity of the community ... and the economics ... make this a very unique scene."
SUPPORT
One oft-lamented blight on the local music scene is the lack of local radio support. "What radio support?" asked Iullucci. "91.9 has an afternoon show that features local bands, but other than that there's nothing.
They've done everything they can, but even now their station has axed them down to just one hour of local music."
Iullucci does, however, have some sympathy for corporate radio - because it's exactly that ... corporate. "Consultants are programming radio these days and they respond to what's popular," said Iullucci. "Bands
that are calling (Rock) 103 to get their stuff on the air are seeing their efforts go to waste ... and I know the deejays are as frustrated as we are because they probably want to play a lot of stuff that they just can't.
It's a decision I think is made for them at a corporate level."
For Rock 103 Assistant Programming Director Al "the Van Man," nothing could be closer to the truth. "We don't do anything with local music, and that sucks," said Al, "but we'd like to ... the decision is out of our
hands."
For Al and his radio pals, doing live remotes is about the extent of what they can do. That, and as Al said, "give bands a shout out during something like the 420 Buzz." But even then, those efforts are viewed
through suspicious eyes. "It seems like the only time they come out is when a place like Jester's is getting successful at packing in the crowds and attracting bands like Buck Cherry and Anthrax," said Iullucci.
There are other untapped resources that Al felt could be used to better the scene: "I know that places like the Rowan Street Park is perfect to have a show." He added that if local bars and clubs would begin to
capitalize on their space, and open up their stages one night a week, this could help solve the lack of venues problem at least.
He noted, however, that although the scene - at least from a rock n' roll standpoint - seems to be developing, several local bands are in need of a reality check. "A lot of bands seems to come off that just because
they got a cool name and a website they deserve a record deal," said Al. "There has to be talent there first, and then they can start pushing their sound."
Pushing the buttons that deliver the sound of music at the speed of light is something Peggy Mitchell and Ronny Todd have done for a year as hosts of the Local Music Showcase on 91.9, WFSS.
"We've been doing the show for about a year, but it wasn't actually just a local show at first," Mitchell explained. "It was called Free Flight and for three hours we showcased bands that were both local and from
across the state."
Recent programming changes have trimmed two hours off the program's length, as well as dumped the show into the Saturday 4 p.m. slot. Mitchell and Todd - both volunteers that do what they do for no
pay - aren't discouraged, though. Nothing other than the love of music and self-satisfaction are offered in the way of reward, and they'd have it no other way. "We don't do this for money, we do this because we
think local bands don't get heard and don't get enough support," said Mitchell.
As for the current state of the local music union, Mitchell can only shrug her shoulders. "I don't know why there's no support for music here ... maybe karaoke's to blame," she said. Mitchell felt the overall scene
was in decline years before, but that it's picking up somewhat. She, too, noted that more places should open up for live music. In particular, Mitchell wished the Crown Coliseum would get "a really good group here."
Mitchell said that if a local band wants to get on the show, that they need to contact them at www.wfss.org; (email) pegron@nc.rr.com; 672-2650 (studio line). "There isn't anything we 'won't play," said
Mitchell. "I work with bands to get a demo and play it, as well as have them visit us in the studio."
OPTIMISM
Whether it's Dublin or New York or Fayetteville, perennial Best Of Fayetteville winners Paddy Gibney and Bill Ayerbe feel that the local music scene can hold its own.
"The music scene here is comparable to any scene anywhere ... but too many people talk out of hand about Fayetteville," said Gibney. "They think it's New York City! They moan and groan, but Fayetteville is a
town that has a very good scene for its size." He added that the musicians and events that are going on at places like, "Louie's would be great no matter what city you put them in."
"Fayetteville has all the musical bases covered, from rock n' roll to folk to blues and jazz, and there's a whole lot of people out there that fill in the cracks in the meantime," said Gibney. He and Ayerbe's music
hangs more around the folk, rock, and slightly blues corner of things. However, the duo have found several places open their doors to them because they appreciate live music, as well as the band's small size
and set up. Because of this, the pair are playing smaller venues than most bands can, which gets them into more of the bars visited by men and women in the service. "We have a lot of military fans," said Gibney, though he noted that a lot of those fans have been deployed. "The deployments have shown a steady stream of new faces, and sometimes fewer," he said. "But, because you have people from so many different places that make up the heart and soul of this town, you have many different attitudes towards music. It's hard to get them all on the same page ... unlike a college town."
Gibney felt that a good attitude is one step toward making things better here musically. "The cure is that we've got to be more optimistic," said Gibney. "We don't need to look at it as the glass is half empty,
but that it's half full. People will only respond to your enthusiasm. You're only as good as your audience ... if you're going to be dour and down, then guess what - so are they."
For younger bands, Gibney had three things to say: "Play gigs, play gigs, play gigs." He added, "you can be whatever you want, but if you're sitting at home on the couch, then you're not going to be
anything." Gibney is a victim of his own advice, he said, after having to get used to getting up in front of an audience and falling on his face. "Even if you do that, you've got to keep it up and play
anywhere ... playing gigs is where I found I grew musically and as a performer."
PROMOTION
When he's not arranging the music lineup at Jester's Pub - much like the insane juggler that has become the club's logo - Mike Sarisky is listening to the music. If you've not spent a weekend night or two at
Jester's lately, then you've missed the musical boat. Recently the club has played host to several second stage Ozzfest bands, as well as minus.driver and doubleDrive. And in case you're not keeping score at
home, Jester's will bring in Anthrax (Oct. 22) and Buck Cherry (Oct. 3).
Sarisky has found that the local music crowd can sometimes contribute to the scene's problems. "The crowd is there .. but it's like each band has its own following," he said. Apparently there are some die hard
fans that love live music and will come out to a show no matter who is playing. But according to Sarisky, it's the separate fan bases that don't intermingle that hurt attendance. "The odd thing is that these people
are obviously live music lovers - to be into 'their' band as much as they are," Sarisky said. "But the ironic thing is that you won't see them come back when their band isn't playing. If all the fans of live music,
from each fanbase, would come out to support the scene every week, then it would be standing room only no matter where you went. But you only get it in piecemeal here."
Like a jigsaw puzzle, the local music scene question has several parts and as many differing answers. If one thing is certain, it's that there isn't any one single-shot cure. Bands and venues need to market
and promote themselves more, and more clubs need to have a consistent showing of live music - opening their doors to more bands, as well as having more all ages shows. Fans need to support not just
their favorite band, but their friend's favorite band, in addition to touting their favorite music spot. Local radio needs to give some time - any time - to local music. It doesn't matter if it's two hours a week in the
middle of the night ... anything is better than squat.
At the end of the day, all that matters is the music - and Fayetteville's got plenty of it. Whether or not we can capitalize on this tremendous resource is something that only time will tell.
© Up & Coming Magazine 2003 Best of Fayetteville Winners PADDY GIBNEY
A transplant from Ireland, local musician Paddy Gibney has lived in our community for a few years now; and this was all the time he needed to quickly become a perennial winner in the Best Of Fayetteville
in both these categories.
"It's great, that's great news," said Gibney, "especially when you consider how tough it is here." For local musicians like Gibney, the area's music scene can be a bit unforgiving at times, and maintaining a
solid fan base can be quite the challenge in a transient community like this one. Despite these difficulties, Gibney, along with his partner in crime Bill Ayerbe, have become quite the musical pairing.
"Bill is one of my best friends as well as one of my colleagues," said Gibney, who attributed his success to his partnership with Ayerbe. "It's really a team effort - and Bill is a much better
musician than I am. I'm terrible, but he's great."
As for he and Bill's continual presence in the minds and on the ballots of Best Of voters, Gibney was a big chagrined. "I honestly find it a little embarrassing," said Gibney. "I think that what people enjoy most
about Bill and I is that we communicate well and that we care about people," he said, "and that's why I think they like us."
Indeed, Gibney and Ayerbe's stage show is as memorable as it is hilarious and diverse. The duo play cover tunes, original material and even the occasional drinking song. "We're not in this to be rock stars,"
said Gibney. "We want to touch people and communicate with them. Bill and I take pride in getting to know our fans - a lot of our fans are also our friends. Seeing people we know and having fun with them,
that's what really makes this worth it."
© Up & Coming Magazine
Glory Days Cranks Up as Festival of Flight Winds Down Brian Dukes, Up & Coming Weekly, May 27, 2003
While Memorial Day will mark the end of the Festival of Flight for thousands of tourists, visitors and flight enthusiasts, it will also be a time for memories and new beginnings.
The Downtown Alliance, in cooperation with the City of Fayetteville, will present the third annual Glory Days celebration on Monday, May 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event, which will kick off with opening ceremonies in front of City Hall featuring guest speaker General Hugh Shelton, will serve to honor and officially welcome home returning troops from both Afghanistan and Iraq.
"Basically what Glory Days has turned into (and the whole Memorial Day itself) is the City's official recognition of the troops coming home," said Susan Daniels, chairperson of the Glory Days Committee, and owner-operator of Fascinate-U Children's Museum. "The timing is right and the parade is going to recognize the fact that our community is grateful to those men and women in uniform."
After General Shelton's address, the opening ceremonies will conclude as the Fayetteville Independent Light Infantry will lead a processional down Hay Street. Daniels said the entire downtown area will be transformed, providing visitors with plenty of entertainment as they await the Festival of Flight's official Memorial Day parade, which will then conclude the entire festival.
"What we try to do with Glory Days, and what we've tried to do in the past, is just to have a nice day downtown and provide an old-fashioned atmosphere," said Daniels. "This year we're not focused on any one era of time, as years past. We just want to bring people downtown and give them something to do prior to the parade and to welcome home our troops."
Daniels said that, while there will be two main entertainment venues downtown, the entire area would be filled with things to do, making for a collaborative Glory Days effort. "We'll have the Spectrum building and the Arts Center, both inside and out, available for entertainment," said Daniels, who added that local favorites Paddy Gibney and Bill Ayerbe, along with The Paul Reichle Band will be the featured musical artists at the Arts Center. The Paul Reichle Band will perform inside the Arts Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Paddy and Bill, from noon to 2 p.m. outside the Arts Center.
The rest of the Glory Days entertainment will be spread across downtown, Daniels said, from Maxwell to Hay St., and will include performances by The H.O.M.E. Youth Choir and the Stars and Stripes Singers, which will perform on the sidewalks between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
More than just music, Glory Days will celebrate with art, as, in following with the theme of flight, Cape Fear Studios will host "Flight Visions," which is an all-pastel exhibit featuring works by the Pastel Society of North Carolina. Furthermore, the Cape Fear Scale Models Club will display models of various World War II era planes with painter Bob Rector's paintings providing the backdrop at the City Center Gallery.
"The artwork will tie in with the music," said Daniels, who added that in addition to art and music, Glory Days will turn Green St. into a parking lot of days long past, as the Cape Fear Classics Car Club will display more than 30 vintage vehicles. "We want to take people back in time with Glory Days, and this is one way we can do that."
More than just fun for the adults, children will have plenty to do downtown, including rocket making at Fascinate-U Children's Museum. "The kids will make rockets out of film canisters and Alka Seltzer," said Daniels. "They go like 20 feet." Additionally, there will be face painting at Cape Fear Studios and visits throughout downtown by the official Festival of Flight mascot, and Snoopy, and the SwampDogs mascot as well.
For history buffs, the FILI Armory and Museum will be open, at 210 Burgess St., from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., which features preserved documents, uniforms and artifacts as old as 200 years. Established in 1793, the FILI is the oldest southern militia unit in continuous existence in the nation.
The Festival of Flight's closing ceremonies will be held directly after the parade on Green St. The Memorial Day parade will begin at 2 p.m., beginning on Hay St., at the Airborne & Special Operations Museum, and ending at the Courthouse, with General Shelton as the Grand Marshall.
For more information about Glory Days or the Festival of Flight's closing ceremonies, call 222-3382.
© Up & Coming Magazine
Like a bad rumor that persists in being passed mouth-to-ear from one person to the next, time and again it's said that "there's nothing to do in Fayetteville."
Phooey.
Whether a longtime resident of this community, or a newcomer, people from all areas of the city of Dogwoods should take issue with this oft-bemoaned proclamation that, far too often, is accepted as gospel. Not only is there plenty to do in Fayetteville, much of it is free and open to the public.
It's true. A quick list reveals the following places that daily offer a serving of culture and art for free: The Fayetteville Museum of Art, the Arts Center downtown, the Museum of the Cape Fear, the Airborne & Special Operations Museum, and the Main Headquarters Library on Maiden Lane.
Additionally, the museum of the Fayetteville Independent Light Infantry, the oldest southern militia unit in continuos existence, offers tours by appointment. Then there's the FTCC Rose Gardens, in addition to the numerous city and county parks (Clark, Mazerik and Lake Rim, to name a few) that are open daily, as well as the YMCA.
There is also seasonal entertainment, as well as year-round activities to consider. Every fourth Friday of the month, downtown Fayetteville becomes the hotspot for arts and culture, as the 4th Friday series continues to enliven our city's center. There are numerous free art galleries, musicians, and parties going on all throughout downtown, from Hay St. to Green and beyond. It's a lot of fun, and it's free.
Speaking of free, the Fayetteville After Five concert series at the Fayetteville Museum of Art takes place every third Thursday of the month at the museum's Stamper Rd. location, which brings cool beach music, dancing, food and drink to Fayetteville fun-lovers. The food (catered by Texas Roadhouse) and drink (by Harris Wholesale) aren't free, but they are affordable, and are sold as part of the After Five series which seeks to raise money for the programs and exhibits that the FMA presents throughout the year.
When you add 4th Friday and Fayetteville After Five to the International Folk Festival and the Dogwood Festival and the Greek Festival, there's no end of seasonal and ongoing things to do. And this doesn't include the month by month (or so) productions put on by the Cape Fear Regional Theatre, which offers Broadway-quailty plays at very affordable ticket prices.
However, when you wake up in the morning and wonder what you're going to do that night, the following are some thoughts and suggestions that could run through your mind. But, before proceeding it must be noted that North Carolina has a wacky membership law thing that requires an alcohol serving establishment to be an exclusive type thing, thus it's a members and guests only type place. This can be extremely frustrating and annoying to nonmembers, but is easily dealt with by finding "friends" who have a membership and can sign you in. Furthermore, and more Fayetteville-specific, the majority of clubs in our area have a "curious" dress code. What this often translates to is: No baggy jeans, baseball caps, shorts, sports jerseys, or untucked shirts, etc. Though it's understandable why this code is enforced (though relatively at times it may seem), the end effect can be misconstrued as not an attempt to keep out the "wrong element," but rather as an effort to merely insure that only a specific clientele are admitted.
In either case, it's irrelevant to argue or discuss it. Just accept it or, better yet, don't spend your money there, as there are a few establishments without such clothing-restrictive codes. What's more troublesome, it seems, is the anti-under-21 attitude that clubs and bars possess here. Certainly it goes without saying, though it's going to be said, that if someone can't buy alcohol, why would a club owner want their business? This is made even clearer when owners consider the dangers of losing their liquor license if they sell to someone under 21, so their stance is, again, understandable. Although annoying, the practice of charging a $20 cover to someone under 21 is also, somewhat, understandable, since that's how club owners deem they'll make their money back for lost alcohol sales that this person isn't making.
However, what doesn't make much sense, and doesn't foster good customer service (regardless of age), is the policy of forcing under-agers to buy a T-shirt as part of their cover entry. It would be one thing if the shirt were neat or cool ... but they aren't. Most of these shirts either have the establishment's name on them (which only makes the wearer look like a staff member) or they say something like "I'm Under 21!" This, while funny at first to those of legal age, can't be inspiring future generations of potential customers to come back, nor does it flatter the physique of some wearers.
At any rate, dress code - no dress code, T-shirt - no T-shirt, cover - no cover, here's a look at what Fayetteville nightlife has to offer Monday through Sunday. This is meant as a guide, not a complete list of everyting to do. If you have something you'd like to add, email us and we'll include it a future guide.
Monday
The prevailing thing to do seems to be to head to It'z for the live Brett and the Bad Boy radio show, which is then followed by the Nelson and Nelson Coach's show at 7 p.m. It'z serves up delicious hot wings for a quarter ($.25) and the live taping of the show is just cool. Locally, the Coach's show airs on Pax-TV, channel 9, so you can see yourself on TV ... perhaps.
After It'z, and before the night slips away, the cool kids all migrate to Bennigan's for Monday night karaoke. Whether you can sing like a songbird or if you can't carry a tune in a bucket, karaoke is just funny to watch - and participate in - especially when alcohol is involved. You may, in fact, need a few beers to be able to stomach the singing, which can be, at times, quite indigestible ... but funny nonetheless.
If you'd rather hear good music than torture your ears, then perhaps you should head over to Huske Hardware on Monday nights for their Monday Jams sessions at 10 p.m., hosted by Daniel Nieves and Ernesto Cristobal. This musical open mic event features musicians of all skills, genres, and ages. An endless variety of acoustic instrumentalists, singer/songwriters, and bands await audiences and Huske faithful with an intense mix of blues, jazz, rock, alternative, and world beat music.
Tuesday
"T" is for "Trivia" and that's where Tuesdays find their home in the hearts and pocketbooks of Fayetteville fun-seekers. Tuesday is, in fact, NTN Trivia night at Bennigan's, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Sports USA on Fort Bragg. NTN Trivia is an electronic trivia game that has a national level following where anyone can join and collect points to compete for prizes. Aside from being fun just for its own sake, it's great to be the best at the bar, though a few drinks (and there are plenty of drink specials this night) can rapidly change the tides of fortune.
At any rate, after showing up your friends at trivia (or getting shown up), it's a great departure to head over to Huske Hardware, where Fayetteville's native Irish son, Paddy Gibney, and his partner in crime, Bill Ayerbe, perform live. The duo has won more "Best Of" and "People's Choice" categories than you can shake a leprechaun at with their infectious drinking songs and brand of humor. These guys are a lot of fun and the best way to round out the night.
Meanwhile, at the Coffee Scene, Danie Jones, local musician and host to the Scene's acoustic Tuesday night interludes brings a wide variety of talent to the second floor of the coffee house for an open mic and impromptu jam session.
Musicians of all skill levels are invited. While most bring their six-strings, the evening also has seen its share of violins, flutes, drums, harmonicas, and others. The highlight is the Strum Circle, in which several of the musicians will form a circle and jam amongst themselves, displaying and sharing techniques, exchanging chords, and exposing ideas for new music.
Wednesday
Hands down, Wednesday night belongs to South Beach/Palomino. The two-in-one dance club and bar makes Wednesday night home to "Dollar Night," where everything is ... well ... a buck. From entry fee to the price of imports and domestic beers, the fun costs a dollar, and there's no value to beat it. If you're a people person who enjoys the crowds, there's no better place where you can get entry to two different clubs for the price of one.
However, if you're not a fan of throngs of people and crowded dance floors, there's karaoke night at Pyrates in Spring Lake, if you're not karaoke'd out for the week.
Wednesday nights at Louie's Sports Pub offers blues music, in the form of their "Blue Connection," hosted by Bob Steele, local musician. Featuring a great collection of local artists like Russ Gurney, Willie Lockett, "Pancho" Kennedy Atkinson, Jan Petty, Robbie Reid and Dan Speller, Louie's is a great stop, musically, on Wednesday nights. Along with these aforementioned artists, it's not unusual to bear witness to an impromptu concert by the Heaters, Rhythm Tide or Big Bertha.
Thursday
This is a busy night in Fayetteville, offering plenty to do at a variety of places. However, one stands out above the rest, as Broadstreet's Billiards lays solid claim to being "the" place to be on Thursdays. Featuring great drink specials, lots of people, pool table specials and a live dj spinning some great dance tunes, Broadstreet's is at the head of the class.
However, there are other places to be, namely, Luigi's, which has a free fine wine tasting every Thursday, beginning at 6 p.m. or so. Five or six wines are offered for sampling, and, when combined with the delicious smells coming out of the kitchen, it makes a nice dinner destination.
After you've imbibed and digested some of the best food and wine in Fayetteville, you can head over to Bowties at Holiday Inn Bordeaux for free salsa dance lessons from Roland's Dance Studio. The lessons begin at 9 p.m., ending at 10 p.m. Afterward, Bowties opens up to its dj and the dancing can continue for a small cover charge.
Once you've danced, you can stop over at either Player's Billiards or Fat Daddy's to shoot pool, where they've got some great tables and some good specials on drinks. Or, if you like the more musical route, you can take the drive down Strickland Bridge Rd. to Jester's Pub for their Open Mic Jam Session. Furthermore, there's Paddy Gibney and Bill Ayerbe at Coaches, which is home to the Fayetteville/Fort Bragg/Pope Air Force Base Rugby Team, and these guys know how to party on Thursdays, believe me.
Friday
If you've managed to survive the week thus far, then you're doing well, and Fridays offer some relief, though limited. Fridays are the redheaded stepchild of the week, it seems, as there's no clear-cut, dominant place to be. It's wide open. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, as you can catch a movie or go to any club or bar without fear of being drowned by the crowds. Hot spots to hit include South Beach/Palomino, Kagney's (which has an all-male revue until 11:30 p.m. for the ladies - who also get in free for the rest of the night), It'z and Carolina Live. A lot of club-goers actually hop from one to the other on Fridays, looking for which club has the most going on.
However, if you're looking for something "outside the box" to do, then you won't want to miss That Improv Show! at the Stage Door Theatre on Cambridge Rd. An entire evening of improvisational comedy, That Improv Show! is a funny, family-oriented show that's well worth the $7 ticket price for comedy fans.
After you get your laugh dose, you can head over to Wheelers for more Paddy Gibney or over to Jester's for live music. You can also visit It'z which always has something cooking at their patio or you can head over to the Mash House which has some great food, amazing beer, and lots of up-and-coming bands. Toss in the usual pool suspects, like Broadstreet's, Fat Daddy's and Player's, and Fridays are as wide open as you can imagine.
Saturday
This is it, you're almost through the week, and Saturday is the night where anything goes. From Kagney's to South Beach to It'z, the clubs are all hoppin' and so are the bars. If you thought Friday was wide open, you ain't seen nothing yet. Saturdays are notorious for dancing, drinking and then hitting the Waffle House at 2 a.m.
If the movies are too packed, That Improv Show! has two shows on Saturdays that can tickle your funny bone. Furthermore, the Cameo Art House Theatre in downtown Fayetteville offers the latest independent and foreign films - before they hit the major theaters, if at all. And, while you're downtown, you can visit Huske Hardware or Yakkety Yak or Rude Awakenings for some coffee or a meal. And, if you want to hear live music, The Mash House and Jester's Pub are great destinations, offering local and regional bands.
Sunday
Sundays are a weird fit to the week's worth of fun. There's really not a whole lot going on, as everyone is still recovering from the past two days. However, there are a few notable standouts, including the comedy club at It'z, which brings in local and national standup comedy acts quite frequently, and for a great price.
Further up the road, on Bragg Boulevard, Coaches lays claim to Sundays as a great place to be. They usually have some food as well as some drink specials, but more than that it's the Sunday, Cheers-like, everybody-knows-your-name atmosphere at Coaches that makes spending Sundays there so much fun and well worth the wait during the week. It's a cozy, not overly-smoky, setting, which becomes more of a hangout the more time you spend there.
Last, but not least, beginning at 7 p.m. or so, local poets and artists begin gathering at The Coffee Scene for their open mic night. Anyone and everyone is invited to read their favorite poetry or their own works, play a tune or sing a song. It's the ultimate expression of self, as the night showcases some of the area's most talented poets and writers, as well as some of the best brews.
Whether you want to entertain or be entertained, wine and dine, shake your "groove" thang', take in the arts and culture or hear live music by great cover and original bands, Fayetteville has far more to offer than you may suspect. The list given here is, again, far from complete, and if you know of something that we don't, then feel free to let us know so we can better inform the community.
Regardless if your favorite thing to do is contained herein, this goes far and beyond proving that there's something to do in Fayetteville, you just have to look. And, failing that, if you're still a complainer, then just stay at home and rent videos, and stay out of the way of the rest of the fun-seekers and partygoers.
Additional info provided by Neil Ray
© Up & Coming Magazine
When you toss aside all the unfair caricatures and demeaning stereotypes that Irish people suffer under, it has to be said that, bottom line, every March 17 the Irish know how to throw one heck of a party.
This year won't be any different, and will, in fact, have more to offer area party-seekers (both Irish and non). From great food and drink specials at various restaurants to live music and dancing, Fayetteville will have more things to do than you can shake a shamrock at this St. Patrick's Day.
Traditionally known for their celebration of Irish heritage - from the food to the brew - it's no surprise that this year's St. Pat's party central will be at Bennigan's - as it has for several years now.
"In Tune Entertainment will be outside in our big tent, and we'll also have DJ Tommy King on the inside, and at least one band playing live music," said Steve Latchford, general manager for Bennigan's.
"We'll have DL Token as our headlining music act," said Bennigan's Sales and Service Manager Jesse Johnson. "We're going to have the big tent party like we did last year, but this year's will be bigger and better." She explained that the St. Pat's celebration at Bennigan's will focus on a one-night party this year, instead of trying to spread the fun over the course of two days (as they did last year). "We're going to focus on one day ... and make it a big blast," she said.
The festivities will start at 7 p.m., and Bennigan's will still be open for regular business as well. Johnson said, however, that the party won't get into full swing, most likely, until 9 p.m. - so show up early if you want a parking space.
"It's going to be a good time... the entire parking lot will be barricaded off, and we'll have stuff going on inside the tent, outside the tent, in the parking lot, in the restaurant, in the Beer Garden ... all over."
Not just beholden to one beer selection, the brew on tap at Bennigan's for St. Patrick's Day will feature Irish tastes, as well as some non-Irish brands. "We'll still have Killian's and a lot of other drinks available, both outside and in the tent," said Johnson, "but year after year, people come to Bennigan's for the green beer." Johnson explained that any brand of beer can be turned green - with a touch of Irish magic, of course. "People ask us for a green Bud Light, and we say 'okay - no problem.'"
Outside of the party favors, music, food and fun, Bennigan's partyers will also be encouraged to log on to Bennigans.com and register to win a free trip to Ireland as part of St. Pat's festivities. There will be a cover charge, though at press time it had not been finalized.
No Irish celebration, however, would be complete without an actual Irish icon - and that's where Paddy Gibney comes in. Gibney, who comes as close to a native Irish son that Fayetteville can lay claim to, will be performing live at Coaches on St. Patrick's Day along with his notorious partner, Bill Ayerbe.
Both Paddy and Bill have been voted the area's "Best" in several entertainment categories over the years, but agree that despite where they are - or where they've come from - Fayetteville is where their hearts bleed Irish green.
"It's a gig we look forward to every year," said Gibney. "It's our busiest time of year - and it's special for us ... being Irish and living in Fayetteville is a little different, and we get a real eclectic mix of people to party with us on St. Patty's day."
Gibney added that, this year, he and Ayerbe will try to get things going a bit sooner at Coaches. "We're going to try and have the show a bit earlier - to try and accommodate those people that have to get up for work the next day."
One thing that won't change from years previous, however, will be the great time party-goers will have, according to Gibney. "We do a lot of Irish stuff, and we give it the best shot we can to give everyone a great night," he said. "This town has been good to us and we love it here. We love the people here, and there's no other place I'd rather celebrate St. Patrick's Day than Fayetteville."
Be sure to call Coaches at 485-2049 to see if there's a cover.
Not to be outdone, It'z Entertainment City will mix in two shots of comedy with a "fifth" of rock n' roll to attract St. Pat's partyers over the course of two days. Beginning with a special comedy show at 7:30 p.m., on Sunday, March 16, featuring Rick Roberts and Pat Dixon, the St. Pat's celebration at It'z will have it all - food, beer, fun and music. After the comedy show, local hard rockin' band The Fifth will take the stage to rock the rest of the night away.
"It's going to be a great time," said It'z Marketing Director, Joy Feagin. "They should change the name of the holiday to 'Saint Party's Day.'" Feagin added that throughout the events on both days, various door prizes will be given away.
But don't burn your party senses out too early, as It'z will keep the celebration going on Monday, with more drink and food specials and, of course, more music by The Fifth.
Voted Fayetteville's "Best" band in Up & Coming Weekly Reader's Choice poll, The Fifth is led by frontman, and local homegrown, Roy Cathey.
"It's going to be a really big show," said Cathey, who added that the band will be debuting a lot of their own original music that will be featured on their upcoming CD release. "We've been in the studio recording a lot," Cathey said, "and several labels are interested in us. We've been hard at work, and a lot of positive things are going on for us."
When not rockin' out at It'z on the patio, The Fifth can be caught (or taken) at various hot spots across town. Their St. Patrick's Day performances will be a great chance to hear your Fifth favorites and some new material as well. "This will be a great chance (for us) to keep tuned and we're excited about it," said Cathey.
© Up & Coming Magazine Editorial
She thought she loved him - or at least that's what she told herself.
Even as the tears - and sometimes blood - streamed unchecked from her face; even as the number of bruises and welts and broken bones mounted - she loved him ... or at least that's what she told herself.
"After a few years, it's surprising what you can get used to," she said, having convinced herself to remain in an abusive relationship that began "a lifetime ago."
Her story reads like a Lifetime For Women script: met the "perfect" guy in college; fell in love; moved in together; began planning the rest of their "perfect" lives together ... but that's where the fairy tale ended for her, as it does for a lot of women.
The next chapters in her life's story changed drastically. She got pregnant and dropped out of college, ashamed of herself and fearing disappointment from her parents; moved away with her "perfect" guy - now fiance - who promises a new life in another state. Alone, unhappy, jobless and without any family support, she is powerless, vulnerable ... and an easy target for him and his frustrations.
He drinks ... a lot, and with every sip and empty bottle, before long, the man she loved has disappeared, his kisses and hugs now replaced instead by kicks and punches. He blames her for everything - despite her obvious innocence. His broken-down car: her fault; his being laid off: her fault; this unwanted child: her fault.
A voice inside her head pleads desperately with her to escape ... but she loves him, and he'll change ... it's just the alcohol talking.
The beatings continue, each successively worse than the one before. She doesn't even recognize him anymore - he's become something else now. It dawns on her one night, after a particularly savage attack, that he's trying to kill her unborn child. And slowly, yet undeniably, rage builds within her. The voice inside her head howls with anger, crescendoing with a fury of motherly instinct that cannot be ignored any longer ... she must protect her baby.
"I knew what I had to do," she said. "I had to escape."
He comes home to find her cooking dinner - for the last time. He eats and gets drunk, yelling at her - for the last time. He gathers his liquid courage and lays his hands on her - for the last time. His energy spent, he passes out in their bedroom - for the last time.
Lightning quick and mouse quiet, she gathers her pre-packed clothing and all the money she could scrounge. It's not much, but enough to take her back home via a one-way bus ticket.
Her sunglasses and long sleeves and overcoat garner her much unwanted attention at the ticket booth, and from passengers-to-be in the station lobby. It's night time after all. But she doesn't notice - and wouldn't care even if she had. She is free now.
The Greyhound rolls out. The moon lights the highway, as her new future speeds towards her.
Her name is "Elizabeth." She is a survivor of domestic abuse.
While not every case of domestic abuse centers around women - men are also victims, though often silent ones - more times than not women find themselves in situations similar to "Elizabeth's."
Speaking on condition of anonymity, "Elizabeth" illustrated her story - one whose setting, time and place unfolded nearly three decades ago. And while victims of domestic violence didn't have many avenues of assistance 30 years, they do now, including some help of an artistic nature.
An organization known as Artists Against Domestic Violence in Our Community (AADVOC) is advocating the awareness and prevention of domestic violence and abuse. The group hopes to accomplish this through artistic events and programs, informational workshops and volunteering.
"These artists are dedicated to motivating and inspiring a community to respond against domestic violence and abuse by providing assistance to the groups and organizations that work with battered and abused women and children, and their service partners," said Neil Ray, a local poet and AADVOC organizer.
Ray and other organizers have put together a month-long series of artistic events and performances, called "Voices in the Pines," which will speak out against domestic violence and abuse in our community. According to Ray, the project is being held in October to coincide with National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and will involve all facets of the community.
"These events and performances involve not only the members of AADVOC, but local businesses, churches, groups, clubs and organizations from both the civilian and military domains," Ray said. "A community speaking out against domestic violence and abuse is a strong statement of a people who care, and know they can make a difference."
The Fayetteville/Cumberland County and Fort Bragg/Pope Air Force Base community is still recovering from recent deadly domestic violence incidents concerning the deaths of four women at the hands of their husbands. This has, unfortunately, brought a lot of national focus on the problem at our very doorstep. "Investigative teams from the government, and other agencies appeared on our doorsteps, asking all types of questions, pondering the reason why?" said Ray. "There is no reason we cannot feel the need to help and protect each other. We do not have to be silent."
For Ray, the "Voices in the Pines" events will help to keep the message about domestic abuse alive and working on a daily basis. "As an artist, I know we have the ability to present issues to many areas of society, in a unique form. It is our duty not to be silent. Art has always changed cultures. And it remains as true today, as it did then."
"Voices in the Pines" will feature artists of various genres, performing at various locations throughout the community. Most of the events will involve poetry, art, and music, and will include some of the region's finest artists. Among those scheduled to participate are Paddy Gibney and Bill Aycock, Russ Gurney, Danie Hope, Mandela, Richard Way, Sam Silva and Betty Lockey.
From Friday, Oct. 18 to Sunday, Oct. 20, there will be "A Celebration of Healing," which will be a weekend dedicated to the poetry, music and art of those who have suffered from domestic violence.
On Friday, Oct. 25, a "black tie" affair will be held at the Bordeaux Holiday Inn. Featured guests will share testimonies of survival of domestic violence, along with civic, business and government officials. Final details are pending.
On Oct. 26, "The Night of Essence" will feature poetry and music from a female perspective (time and location to be announced.)
"These are just some of the things taking place in October," said Ray. "There will be other events, and many of the artists will be performing weekly at venues, such as The Coffee Scene, The Market House Café, Huske Hardware, and Louie's."
For more information on domestic violence and abuse, contact the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence at www.ncadv.org. For more information about AADVOC or "Voices in the Pines" contact aadvoc2002@yahoo.com.
© Up & Coming Magazine BEST LOCAL PERFORMING ARTIST
Fayetteville's very own native Irish son has been a multiple Best Of winner for several years now. An import from Ireland, Gibney is best
known for his humor and charm both on and off the mic. His hilarious lyrics compliment his Irish point of view on life - which most often
involves solving all difficulties with a pint of Guinness.
Gibney has carved a niche for himself musically and his following is large and widespread. Fans come out of the woodwork to watch him
perform locally at Huske Hardware, Babe's, Coaches - and even in various Raleigh and Southern Pines clubs.
However, Paddy will be the first to tell you that he's at his most dangerous (and fun) with companion Bill Ayerbe, a past Best Of winner as
well in addition to one serious violin player.
For more information on Paddy and where he's playing, check out our Concert Connection or log on to www.paddygibney.com.
© Up & Coming Magazine
MUSIC COMMUNITY HONORS FALLEN HERO
A Hero is, by definition, one who is admired for their great qualities or achievements. While Frank Hardwick would probably not have ever termed himself as much, to his friends and fans, and the musical
community that embraced him, Frank was, at the very least, an inspiration and a gifted performer who gave more of himself than he ever received.
Hardwick passed away in January, 2002, due to complications from an accident.
On Sunday, June 2, there will be a concert held in his honor at Huske Hardware House restaurant on Hay St., from 2-10 p.m. The tribute will be presented by some of Hardwick's musical brothers-and-sisters-in
arms - the same spirits and minds that alternately touched, and were touched by his selfless talents. "Frank was always willing to help other artists," said Tip Iullucci, long-time friend of Hardwick's and frontman
for The Heaters, a local blues band. "This is our way of giving back."
All proceeds from the tribute's $3 donation/ticket sales will go entirely to the Cumberland County Band Fund, a decision which, according to Russ Gurney, "Frank would have liked," as Hardwick was a longtime
supporter of the fund.
Gurney is one of the event's organizers and lead singer for his band, Blues On Tap, which once featured Hardwick amongst its cast. He hopes the money raised will inspire music students to appreciate the art.
"At the very least," said Gurney, "there will be some much-needed new instruments for high schoolers to play."
Hardwick, who passed away in January, 2002, helped organize the Cape Fear Songwriter's Guild (serving a term as its president), as well as some of the early jam sessions at Our Place - one of Fayetteville's last
vestiges of live music before it closed its doors.
The tribute will feature two stages inside Huske Hardware - one forward and one to the rear of the establishment. The rear stage will showcase several musicians, while the front stage will be used by local poet Neil
Ray to present Hardwick's poetry.
"There will be a 10 to 15 minute break between musical acts," Gurney said. "At this time Frank's poetry will be presented to the audience."
Ray, long considered the "Godfather of poetry" in Fayetteville, knew Hardwick not only had a musical soul, but a poetic one. "Frank Hardwick was a 'Bohemian,' an outstanding musician, an excellent writer and
poet, and a wonderful spirit," Ray said. "I met Frank when he was president of the Cape Fear Songwriters Guild. While attending a Guild meeting, I heard him perform two of his own compositions, and I knew I was
experiencing something unique."
"The event, with a few exceptions, will be a coordinated jam session," said Gurney. "It will feature a lot of bands and individuals who loved Frank and his music." Among those currently scheduled to perform are, of
course, the Bow Street Runners (Hardwick's last band), Bob Steele, The Jan Pettey Band (whom Hardwick was a member of as well), Russ Gurney's Blues On Tap (featuring Issabella Gordon, Dennis Lee, Lisa Ray
and Henry Neives), Jeremy Struthers and Guy Unger (of DL Token), Keith Norman, Puncho Forest, Robbie Reid, Cornell Young, Dave Lathem, Randy Holiday, Bob Baily, Heather Brooks, Paddy Gibney and Bill
Ayerbe.
Special guest, local actor and Best Of Fayetteville winner, Mike Brocki will give a special presentation on Hardwick, as throughout the event friends and family will share their memories. "Frank could always make
you laugh," Gurney reflected. "His song about being a Boy Scout and 'being prepared' (with a condom) was hilarious."
However, one of Hardwick's most creative and entertaining performances would have to be when he played Hendrix's "Purple Haze" to the tune of "Green Acres."
"He was the closest thing to a genius I've ever met," said Gurney. From poet to musician and back again, Hardwick was many things. "He tasted every element of life ... but most importantly he was a teacher."
Hors d'oeuvres will be served at the onset of the event, provided for free by Huske Hardware and The Legacy restaurant. A special door prize will be given away towards the end of the evening, donated by Edwards
Music. There will also be drawings for various other prizes throughout the event. For more information, contact Russ Gurney at 630-3809.
© Up & Coming Magazine
Everybody's Irish On St. Patrick's Day By: Janice Burton, Up & Coming Weekly March 11, 2002
"It's going to be a great time," said Jessica Johnson, Bennigan's sales manager. "We'll have a tent party set up outside again this year featuring bands Midnight Justice and the Fifth; and DJs Tommy King and In Tune Entertainment."
What exactly is a "Blarney Blast" anyway? According to Webster's, 'blarney' is a noun for "smooth talk used in flattering or coaxing;" and a 'blast' is, of course, another way of saying you're going to have a great time. For Fayetteville party-goers, however, Bennigan's won't need to do much smooth talking to get you out to enjoy great music, good spirits and a good time. In fact, Bennigan's has been throwing their "Blarney Blast" since around 1983, according to Johnson, which is a party track record that's hard to beat!
The tent party will be set up outside of Bennigan's and will feature live rock n' roll as well as dance music. Just as "Blarney Blast" is a St. Patrick's Day tradition for many, the headlining band for Sunday's performance, the Fifth, is fast becoming another Fayetteville staple.
Headed by frontman Roy Cathey, former vocalist for MCA Records' Cold Sweat and Gibraltar, the Fifth is becoming known as Fayetteville's hardest rockin' band, as they launch an all-out assault on your senses. The Fifth will kick off the St. Patrick's Day festivities at Bennigan's on Sunday, March 17. Currently recording with Big Time Productions, the Fifth promises to rock you to the core, and make you 'plead the fifth!' For more information, call Bennigan's at 864-5558
Once you've sampled the party at Bennigan's, you won't have far to go to check out the next bash. The Mash House will be celebrating St. Patrick's in fine style with a parking lot party on Saturday, March 16. The Mash House party will last all day and will feature a lot of good music, good food and, of course, green beer!
"This is the first really big promotion we've held at the restaurant," said Dean Ogen. "We're praying for beautiful weather and planning on a lot of fun."
He said the St. Patrick's Day party is going to be a very unique event for a lot of reasons, but he pointed out that it was a great excuse to drink beer and have a good time. "Of course, you can never have enough excuses to drink good beer," said Ogen.
And he knows what he's talking about. The Mash House is known for great beer and during the St. Patrick's Day celebration they will be offering three great Irish beers: The Mash House Green Lager, the Irish Red and the Irish Stout. The Mash House will also be the only restaurant serving its own Green Beer. "The ABC will only allow it if you are a brewery and distributor," he explained. "We're both."
But while you're sampling some of your favorite brews, you can also sample some great food. On the menu for the event is Corned Beef and Cabbage, Grilled Filet with Leeks and Chive Butter, Baked Trout with White wine and Fresh Herbs and Cataplana, which is a shellfish with spicy chorizo sausage in a fried garlic and tomato sauce.
Once you've filled your tummy and quenched your thirst, or while you're doing those things, you can listen to three great bands. Fayetteville's own Big Bertha will be playing from 2-5 p.m. Captain Cook and the Coconuts will bring the sound of the beach to the party from 6-9 p.m., and The Drive will play good ole' rock n' roll from 10 p.m. - 1 a.m.
If all of that still isn't enough, you can register to win some great prizes, to include a trip for two to Charleston, including two night hotel stay and dinner; a trip for two to Myrtle Beach, including two night hotel stay and dinner; and a trip for two to Carrowinds, including two sets of tickets and overnight hotel accommodations.
Across town at Coaches, the St. Patrick's Day celebration will kick-off on Saturday, March 16, as well. The event will be celebrated with the release of Irish rocker Paddy Gibney's new live album, One Drunken Night. In addition to the release of Gibney's album, the bar will be hosting a fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The fundraiser is sponsored by Emma Patterson and Kristy Griffths, two visiting foreign teachers who are raising money to compete in the society's triathalon in May. "We've had such a wonderful experience here, we wanted to give something back to the community," said Griffths.
If you cross over Bragg Boulevard to Legend Avenue, you can check out the festivities at It'z. The club is going to be hopping. Like Bennigan's and The Mash House, It'z will also have a tent set up with bands performing throughout the evening.
According to event organizers, last year's event was packed and a good time was had by all. Zen Archer, a Top 40 coverband from Myrtle Beach, will be headlining the event. There will also be drink specials throughout the night.
In the Hope Mills area, Jester's Pub, which is quickly on its way to becoming the hottest live music spot in town, will host 4 Bean Soup. The band played at Jester's in February and area music lovers are looking forward to their return. The band plays a mix of classic rock in the Aerosmith vein mixed with Creed-style modern rock, spiced with influences from Ozzy Osbourne to the Doors.
But, no matter where you choose to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, celebrate it safely, have a designated driver.
© Up & Coming Magazine
Janice Burton, Up & Coming Weekly 3/6/02 March 04, 2002
"Brilliant" is the word Emma Patterson uses to describe her stay here in Fayetteville. Brilliant is also the word that describes the English-born teacher's smile as she talks about her students and the intense
training she is now undertaking to compete in a triathalon in May.
Patterson, along with Australian Kristie Griffths, are teaching in Fayetteville as part of the Visiting International Faculty program. VIF, a Chapel Hill-based organization, brings foreign teachers to American for a
cultural exchange. Last year there were more than 2,000 foreign teachers in the United States, and about 60 are currently teaching in Cumberland County.
Patterson previously taught in the Middle East, but has traveled extensively. When she learned of the opportunity to teach in the United States, she jumped at it. "I'd never been to America and was looking forward
to the opportunity to live in a smaller community, as well as having the opportunity to travel to other states," she said.
The two teachers have embraced the community with a passion. They speak eagerly and lovingly of their students and their adopted schools. They both note that the school curriculum is very different here than
abroad. "There's a lot of testing and trying to fit a lot of work into one year," said Griffths.
While the teachers have had to adapt to the different curriculum, the students have had to adapt to their accents. "I'll speak and they'll sit and go, 'Huh?'" explained Patterson. "But they've been brilliant really, very
receptive to me. They are always hugging me and saying hi. But they have very trained ears. They've adapted to me. When I tell one of them to go put something in the 'bin,' they know I'm talking about the trash
can."
Both teachers have found themselves with "celebrity status." The students seem amazed that these fore
February 07, 2001
September 27, 2000
April 27, 2000
What: Paddy Gibney & Bill Ayerbe
Where: Huske Hardware, 405 Hay St.
When: 10 p.m.
Cost: Admission is free.
Info: 437-9905
Description: Once you're done at the Tuesday open mic at House of Brews, slide over to Huske to get a bit of loving abuse from Fayetteville's very own international duo - Paddy Gibney and Bill Ayerbe. While they are far more humble than sober, Gibney and Ayerbe are intrinsic pieces to the local music landscape. They are as Fayetteville as Iron Mike, the Crown Coliseum and pawn shops. In fact, it's impossible to imagine our community without these two stellar performers, who are as apt to entertain with their dirty Irish drinking songs as they are their one-line zingers. Whatever you do, don't heckle. They love that, and are more than adequately prepared to respond.
What: Paddy Gibney & Bill Ayerbe
Where: Coaches Sports Grill, 3004 Bragg Blvd.
When: 10 p.m.
Cost: Call for details.
Info: 485-2049
Description: If you've not yet had your fill of Irish drinking songs, Guiness or abuse by drunken, singing Irishmen, then wander down to Coaches Sports Grill - where local legends Paddy Gibney and Bill Ayerbe
first became famous. Indeed, it was at Coaches that Bill and Paddy cut their teeth locally. The bar became their second home as they held their first shows there, as well as recorded a couple of live CDs,
including their latest, Uncircumsized.
What: Paddy Gibney & Bill Ayerbe
Where: Wheelers, 2606 Raeford Rd.
When: 10 p.m.
Cost: Call for details.
Info: 677-0055
Description: More Paddy & Bill! These two redefine the term "working stiffs." I think everyone should test their drinking endurance against Bill and Paddy and see if YOU can still work your 9 to 5 job and stay
out "gettin' pissed." If only I had some musical talent. Seriously though, Paddy and Bill have got to be two of the hardest working men in local showbiz. Watch out James Brown.
Local musician
December 08, 2004
A transplant from Ireland, local musician Paddy Gibney has become an institution when it comes to being a perennial winner in the Best Of Fayetteville.
Combining Irish drinking songs with great cover and original material, Gibney and Ayerbe are a dynamic duo that are true showmen at heart.
Able to play to any crowd - and God help you if you're not paying attention to his show - Gibney takes his music and his performance very seriously.
The latest addition to the club and music scene, Gotham Blues is a place where "feeling blue has never felt so good," according to club owners Simeon Quick and Eric Bridges. The pair recently opened their doors on May 14, and were well received by the community - 300 people signed up for memberships that weekend alone.
With a spacious interior, Gotham Blues has more than enough room for people to dance, sit, drink and enjoy the music. Currently, the club features live jazz every Wednesday night, beginning at 7 p.m.; karaoke and local bands on Thursdays at 7 p.m.; live bands on Fridays beginning at 5 p.m.; and a "Grown Folks Party" on Saturdays, which kicks off at 9 p.m.
Described as a lounger's lounge, Adriana's specializes in letting you ... well ... lounge. Open since before the Dogwood Festival, and smoker-friendly, Adriana's lounge is about as cozy and comfy as one could wish to be, and has recently added live music to their weekly lineup.
The newest rock n' roll venue to be added to the Fayetteville scene, Kagney's has come roaring to life on Saturday nights with their live music program, which features both local and regional acts. Bands like
The Fifth, DL Token, Greasepaint and several others have already graced the stage at Kagney's which went through serious upgrades to put the show on the right way. Lineup: May 29 - 13th Door
A Hay St. venue veteran, Huske Hardware has been rocking downtown for longer than anyone else - and there's a reason for it. Combining great food and a sweet outside patio area, Huske Hardware has a recipe for success that's hard to top. Local rockers D.L. Token and Paddy Gibney are regulars at the restaurant/bar, making Huske Hardware a must for the weekends.
Years ago, when local rock was next to nonexistent, local Mike Sarisky knew that there was potential in a little spot out in the middle of nearly nowhere - a rowdy club formerly known as Misfit's Pub. With a plan, a grand (or two) and a vision of what rock n' roll could be, Sarisky opened Jester's Pub a little over two years ago, and the local music scene has never been the same since. Hands down, you'd be hard pressed to find a club that's been rocking longer and harder on a consistent basis than Jester's. Though the club's musical leanings can be found in the heavier, metal side of things, it often features punk and emo bands as well.
Make no mistake, if you want your ears to bleed, your face torn off and your ass to be kicked by great metal monster music, then Jester's is the place to be.
Lineup:
May 27 - Punk Night with FFOS, Next Best Thing, Black Sunday
May 28 - Greasepaint, Somewhere Infinity, Silent Aggression
May 29 - Forever July, Imprint, Nephilym, Kaustic
For the longest time, Louie's Pub was the sole savior of local blues and jazz in Fayetteville. Without their Live open mic blues jam every Wednesday night with Bob Steele at 9:30 p.m., it's easy to see that blues and jazz may have evaporated all together here. A cozy, quaint little watering hole off the beaten path, Louie's oozes with friendliness and dares you to come in and have a bad time. Ever since Our Place closed its doors nearly six years ago, Louie's was the only haven for local bluesmen, and that fact alone earns Louie's tons of respect and credibility.
While several musicians blow through their doors at any given time, it's the live open mic - the pure improvisations and jams that encompass the very essence of what jazz and blues are all about - that has become the mainstay.
Following a formula that hasn't missed since the day they (re)opened their doors, the Mash House Brewery is an exercise in musical mathematics: take one great restaurant, add an award winning brewery, then multiply with musical performances by local and regional bands, and the resulting sum is a venue with all around excellence.
Lineup:
May 29 - Syncopation
July 5 - Sucker Punch
July 19 - Bad Monkey
July 26 - The Heaters
Yet another mainstay from Fayetteville's musical past, Wheeler's is an exercise in adaptation and survival. The venue has played host to several genres, from country-western to jazz and blues to rock n' roll. Host to various bands at any time, Wheeler's features Paddy Gibney and Bill Ayerbe every Friday night - the Best Of Fayetteville to be sure. Paddy and Bill have developed a rabid fanbase who crave their Irish drinking ditties with alarming regularity, and Wheeler's is yet another of their "unofficial" homes.
If you've ever questioned what that Harley-Davidson orange building is on Owen Drive, then here are some quick answers for you. Yes, Chrome Bar & Grill used to be an "insta-wedding" chapel. Yes, it is a biker bar - but not in the Hell's Angels sense. Yes, Chrome is a restaurant, but that's not all - they have pool tables. And finally, yes, Chrome has live music to top it all off.
Converted from the former Rose Wedding Chapel, Chrome Bar & Grill has quickly become one of the hottest biker spots in the area, complete with a fully functioning (and delicious) kitchen. While the space is cozy, and made even cozier with the addition of any live act, Chrome sports a great attitude and friendly atmosphere that welcomes anyone and everyone, regardless of what you drive, in their doors.
Lineup:
June 5 - Johnny & The Cadillacs
June 11 - Steel Penny Band
That's right. You've read it correctly - it's not a typo. The Fayetteville Museum of Art - at least for the summer - will be one of the summer's hottest venues. The museum's fundraising Fayetteville After Five Concert Series brings all kinds of music together - from beach and shag to rock n' roll and Motown - every third Thursday, beginning at 6 p.m. Based on the Raleigh Alive After Five concert series, the Fayetteville After Five series marries great art, live music and hot food in order to raise money to support the museum's programs. The best thing about Fayetteville After Five is that it's free - well, not the beer and food - and any money donated goes directly to the museum, which helps keep our arts community strong, and that's an investment you can't afford not to make.
Lineup:
June 17 - The Tams
July 15 - Liquid Pleasure
August 19 - The Dave Matthews Cover Band
September 16 - Breakfast Club
Jonelle Kimbrough March 3, 2004
Best Performing Artist; Best Local Musician Deserving More National Attention
"Voices in the Pines" Sheds Light on Domestic Violence
Everybody's Irish on St. Patrick's Day, or so the saying goes. In Fayetteville, that may prove true, as area night spots and bars are gearing up for one of the city's biggest St. Patrick's Day bashes ever.
Leading the pack is Bennigan's. The name, of course, says it all. Beginning Saturday, March 16 and partying on through Sunday, March 17, Bennigan's will have live music, DJs, food, fun and, of course, a beer garden. The party starts each night at 6 p.m. and continues to 2 a.m.