Even as the long hazy, hot days of summer transition to cool fall nights, the music scene in the Queen City remains white hot. With autumn approaching, Records On The Wall wanted to highlight some of fall’s must-see shows at venues around the city. Here are 12 shows ROTW recommends attending and as you sway to the eclectic sounds of the fall season, let the music heal what ails you and spread those good vibes around the QC.
Amos Lee | Knight Theater | Fri – 9/21
The Philadelphia born singer-songwriter will hit the Knight Theater for a Friday night show in support of his 7th studio album, My New Moon. Lee was initially discovered by Norah Jones after she overheard his demo album while at Blue Note Records in 2004. Lee was then asked to open for Jones on her 2004 tour and continued to hone his craft over the following years by opening for other notable artists, including Paul Simon, Van Morrison, Dave Matthews Band and The Avett Brothers. Lee’s hard work paid off in 2011 when his album, Mission Bell, hit #1 on the Billboard charts.
COFRESI | Heist Brewery | Thur – 9/27
COFRESI pushes the boundaries of modern performance and production with a hybrid style and a refreshingly versatile live DJ/digital-acoustic drum setup. In the studio, he creates a unique sound that is provocative, melodic and rhythmic at it’s core. Live, his sets are high energy as he showcases a unique ability to incorporate multidimensional digital and acoustic percussion into modern electronic music. He’ll be making a stop in Charlotte as part of his Southeast swing that will take him to Atlanta on the 28th and Asheville on the 29th. COFRESI will be supported by Henry + The Invisibles and Edamame.
Pink Talking Fish | Neighborhood Theatre | Thur – 10/4
Taking on the music of three of of the world’s most beloved bands is no easy task. Pink Talking Fish will bring their hybrid fusion act into Charlotte for a musical experience unlike any other. Although the music from each act is different, Pink Talking Fish has discovered that fusing the material together creates an amazing story. The epic emotion of Pink Floyd, the funky, groovy layerings of the Talking Heads, and unique style and compositional structures of Phish all blend to create a unique vibe. All of this music is fused into one heady musical experience that will leave the audience wanting more. Here’s an example of what you might hear: Run Like Hell > Making Flippy Floppy > Piper > Run Like Hell or Mike’s Song > Have A Cigar > Once In A Lifetime > Weekapaug Groove
Umphrey’s McGee | The Fillmore | Thur – 10/11
The jam stalwarts hit the Fillmore as part of their fall tour that will see them weave their way through parts of the midwest and East coast before settling in for a four night NYE run at the Tabernacle in Atlanta, GA. UM is riding a high into Charlotte after two incredible Lockn’ sets in late August. UM performed a blistering Thursday night set with funk titans Lettuce and an epic Led Zeppelin set with Jason Bonham on Friday night.
Chris Stapleton | PNC | Thur – 10/11
The Kentucky born singer-songwriter is set to hit PNC Music Pavilion for a sold-out show in early October. Stapleton is riding high off of his five nominations for the 2018 CMA awards and will also be performing at this year’s Farm Aid in late September. The soulful tenor has musical roots in outlaw country, bluegrass, rock and roll, and blues. Make no mistake about it, Chris Stapleton is a work-horse in the industry with no signs of slowing down. As of 2018, he has amassed credits in writing and co-writing in over 170 songs with no end in sight.
BIG Something | Visulite Theatre | Fri – 10/12
BIG Something is still glowing from their first ever set at the famed LOCKN’ Festival in Virginia. BIG Something was called into the Saturday afternoon slot at LOCKN’ and showed why they are one of the most buzzed about bands in the Southeast. Their nine song set was highlighted by a killer version of Megalodon, which included guests DJ Logic on turntables and Quinn Carson (Spiritual Rez) on trombone. A 6-piece powerhouse with a sound that is both unique and timeless, BIG Something fuses elements of rock, pop, funk, and improvisation to take listeners on a journey through a myriad of musical styles.
Ghost Note w/Dynamo and Jonathan Scales | Neighborhood Theatre | Fri – 10/19
Of all the shows in this fall preview, this could be the most dynamic of them all. Ghost Note is an explosion of sound headed by Snarky Puppy’s multi-Grammy–winning percussion duo of Robert “Sput” Searight and Nate Werth. Along with next-level musicians that include Dwayne “MonoNeon” Thomas, A.J. Brown, and a cast of renowned artists, their adventurous improvisation and top notch musicianship will be on full display at the Neighborhood Theatre. Ghost Note is not only pushing the boundaries of music but also the funk genre — into the future.
Dynamo: Dynamo is a Nashville-based, nationally touring band whose music fuses jazz, rock, and funk with elements of soul and R&B. Formed in late 2012, Dynamo consists of nine core musicians. When they’re not performing or recording in Nashville, the band is on the road, spreading their unique brand of feel-good music to audiences all over the world.
Jonathan Scales: On the heels of his sixth album PILLAR (#6 on the iTunes Jazz charts as of 9/15), which boasts an all-star lineup of supporting musicians that include banjo pioneer Béla Fleck, bassists Victor Wooten, Oteil Burbridge and MonoNeon, trumpeter Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, saxophonist Jeff Coffin, keyboardist Shaun Martin and percussionist Weedie Braimah, Jonathan Scales is laser focused on taking his music to the next level. The steel pannist will be with core group members, bassist E’Lon JD and drummer Maison Guidry, at the Theatre show.
Roosevelt Collier | Heist Brewery | Thur – 10/25
Roosevelt Collier is a transcendent talent on pedal and lap steel guitars — and so proficient, he’s affectionately known as “The Dr.” Roosevelt is touring in support of his debut album for GroundUP Music, Exit 16. Exit 16 was recorded over three days of marathon sessions by Michael League (Snarky Puppy) and a bevy of talented sidemen, including JT Thomas on drums and Bobby Sparks on organ. “You gotta be able to trust your bandmates, and Mike knew the right guys and knows what I’m about,” says Collier. “This could have been a star-studded thing. But that would have overshadowed what we wanted to do here.” As for the title track of the new album — “dump truck funk.” Says the musician: “That’s the old do-not-enter gate type of funk — it’s dangerous! Beware of dogs out there.”
Chris Robinson Brotherhood | Neighborhood Theatre | Sun – 10/28
In the midst of their 50+ city fall tour, the Chris Robinson Brotherhood hits the Neighborhood Theatre for a can’t miss evening of rock n roll with a psychedelic dose of blues and soul. The diversity that Robinson deploys in his music, frankly, more bands should embrace, before showing just how varied his own musical tastes are and have always been. “We find inspiration through the lens of traditional American music forms, and that’s my musical consciousness and those of the people around me,” he offers. Robinson will be joined by bandmates Neal Casal (guitar), Adam MacDougall (keyboards), Tony Leone (drums), and Jeff Hill (bass).
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong | Neighborhood Theatre | Thur – 11/1
Coming off a blistering Saturday afternoon set at last months LOCKN’ Festival, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong will play the Neighborhood Theatre in Charlotte as part of their fall East coast run. The electro-funk quartet is no stranger to Charlotte having played early dates in their relatively short stint as a band (6 years) at The Roux (now Salud), the Visulite, and White Water Center. PPPP also played the Friday night slot at this years Tuck Fest at the Whitewater Center along with funk ensemble Lettuce. Those who were in attendance, and for those who were not, can expect more funky dance grooves along with dynamic improvisational moments that will keep their flock jamming well into the night.
The Infamous Stringdusters | Neighborhood Theatre | Sat – 11/17
The Infamous Stringdusters will bring their progressive acoustic/bluegrass chops to the Neighborhood Theatre in November and ahead of their anticipated set at the WinterWonderGrass festival in December and their 3-night New Years run at Denver’s famed Ogden Theatre. While the Stringdusters have pumped out seven studio albums, their live performances have always been the main focus of the band. The band has become known for a complex, distinctive, and groove-friendly sound along with a bluegrass theme.
Ghost Light | Neighborhood Theatre | Thur – 11/29
Ghost Light is the highly lauded quintet comprised of Tom Hamilton (Electron, American Babies, and Joe Russo’s Almost Dead), Holly Bowling, Raina Mullen, Steve Lyons & Scotty Zwang. Bowling in particular, just played a 9/7 solo gig at McGlohen Theatre and is best known for her rearrangement of classic jam tunes from the Grateful Dead and Phish for solo piano. Ghost Light has developed their original compositions as they have developed their musical communication. This has led to trust, creativity and an adventurous take on the songwriting process.
Other Notable Shows:
Leo Kottke at McGlohon Theater 9/23
Chris Dave and the Drumheadz w/Akita at Heist Brewery 9/24
Town Mountain at the Visulite 10/5
Isaiah Sharkey at Heist Brewery 10/18 and 10/19
Dweezil Zappa at McGlohon Theater 10/28
Nicki Bluhm at the Visulite 11/4
Colter Wall at the Neighborhood Theatre 11/8
Mac DeMarco at McGlohon Theater 11/20