Raleigh, North Carolina
North Carolina’s Triangle (Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill) has always been teaming with music. The area thrives on indie rock, but is incredibly open and willing to try out every genre from country to hip-hop, punk to electronica. With a strong DIY ethic and interest in new music, Raleigh welcomes musicians of all kinds.
North Carolina has a plethora of musically inclined cities to choose from, so take your time exploring the whole state, from Wilmington (two hours’ drive) to Charlotte (three hours) to Asheville (four hours), and enjoy the state’s laid-back styles and groovy atmosphere.
Guide to Gigging in Raleigh
Venues
The Pour House
224 S Blount St.
Raleigh, NC 27601
(919) 821-1120
www.the-pour-house.com
The Pour House is looking for bands that will fill its 350-capacity room, so be prepared to show your show history in Raleigh. If you have played the city before and can bring a sizeable crowd (over 200), then email owner Eric Mullen at tpourhouse@aol.com if you have played the venue before, or Chris Malarkey at thepourhouse@aol.com if it’s your first time booking a gig at The Pour House.
Sadlack’s Heroes
2116 Hillsborough St.
Raleigh, NC 27607
(919) 828-9190
www.myspace.com/sadlacksheroes
This rocking venue may be small, but its gigs still make a big impact on the local music scene, with musicians keeping close ties with the club. Fridays and Saturdays see shows outside the venue, so the 300-capacity isn’t exactly strict. The venue’s booking usually takes place via its MySpace, so try that before sending an email to the rarely checked sadlacks@gmail.com, and don’t forget to include some dates.
The Berkeley
217 W Martin St.
Raleigh, NC 27601
(919) 821-0777
www.berkeleycafe.net
From drum ‘n’ bass to country to punk, The Berkeley welcomes all genres. It has also taken all the gigs left by the now-closed Hideaway BBQ, so the place is definitely buzzing. To book gig, email Jim Shires at lakeboonee@bellsouth.net with your band’s information.
The Lincoln Theatre
126 E Cabarrus St.
Raleigh, NC 27601
(919) 821-4111
www.lincolntheatre.com
The Lincoln Theatre is another wide-ranging venue when it comes to its tastes, from Minus the Bear to Boyz II Men to Rehab to Everclear – all in one week! The all-ages venue also has a great atmosphere, having been around since 1929 when it was a movie house. E-mail owner Mark Thompson at booking@lincolntheatre.com for more booking information.
Disco Rodeo
2820 Industrial Dr.
Raleigh, NC 27609
(919) 836-8535
www.catscradle.com
Now booked through the folks at Cat’s Cradle, Disco Rodeo bring in hip acts like Black Keys on a regular basis. Email Cat’s Cradle booking agent Derek Powers at derek@catscradle.com for more information.
Volume 11 Tavern
658 Maywood Ave.
Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 839-0079
www.volume11tavern.com
Veering more to the heavy side with genres like metal, punk, goth and grunge heavily represented, Volume 11 welcomes music that “rocks.” The 500-capacity venue is all ages, though a $2 surcharge for underage patrons is sometimes implemented. To book a gig email bookng@volume11tavern.com and include your band’s website, MySpace, music links, press and detailed information from your past six shows.
Promote a Gig: Media
Independent Weekly
PO Box 2690
Durham, NC 27715
(919) 286-1972
www.indyweek.com
Commonly known as Indy Week, Durham’s Independent Weekly covers the whole Triangle of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill with diligence. The free weekly’s music section is always heaving from Hearing Aid (the week’s concerts), FiveWords With…, Briefs (news), Instrumentalists (audio interviews) and more. Email music editor Grayson Currin at gcurrin@indyweek.com well in advance with information about your band and your gig.
Gear / Repairs
Harry’s Guitar Shop
616 Glenwood Ave.
Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 828-4888
www.harrysguitarshop.com
Run by musicians for 20 years, Harry’s Guitar Shop is obviously very accommodating, letting customers play possible purchases over the store’s sound system. The store has an in store guitar tech for repairs, and also offers amp repairs, tutorials and clinics.
Indoor Storm
2300 Westinghouse Bld. #110
Raleigh, NC 27604
(919) 954-0758
www.indoorstorm.com
Complete with featured performers on its website, Indoor Storm is another musicianloving store. Check online for featured instruments. For more information, you can call toll free at (877) 319-8473.
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