By January 29, 2023 (updated)
Welcome to CLTure’s monthly local music guide where we highlight a few of the city’s notable shows in a format that makes it nearly effortless to support some choice local sound-makers. Immense talent floods the Charlotte streets on a near nightly basis and you can experience it for just a couple bucks at a time, so enjoy this compiled breakdown of the when and where.
Mutant Strain
Friday, February 3 at Snug Harbor at 10:00 p.m.
Tickets: $15 plus
Young punks with hearts of gold, the members of Mutant Strain have been giving mind blowing performances and inciting purging mosh pits around the city and beyond for years. Their live shows are an electrifying display of wild guitar, churning bass and sneering vocals that spit venom into a dense fuzz of drumming. The band, who is signed to Raleigh’s Sorry State Records, plays alongside Plan B, Big Laugh, and GEL.
True Lilith
Friday, February 3 at The Milestone at 9:00 p.m.
Tickets: $8 plus
True Lilith is a forward-facing alternative rock band whose grunged-out, fuzzy sound is lifted by the poppy sparkle of synthy keys and psychedelic guitar. Last year, they released their debut album, Celestopia, which spotlights the band’s clobbering guitar solos, smirking synth and sinister vocals. The bill also features locals Wastoid, Oh! You Pretty Things supporting Appalachian riot grrl Boone punks, Babe Haven.
Emanuel Wynter
Thursday, February 9 at The Evening Muse at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $10 plus
Classically trained violinist and songwriter Emanuel Wynter will be hosting an EP Recording session at famed listening room The Evening Muse with support from Chapel Hill’s Elora Dash. Wynter got his start playing in local groups but released his solo debut EP, These Past Two Years, in 2020 to much acclaim. Wynter’s vocals are smooth and warm like a steeping cup of Earl Grey and he’s got undeniable musicality ranging from jazz, neo-soul, rock, and R&B. Grab tickets in advance for what’s sure to be a cozy, intimate evening in NoDa.
Pretty Baby
Friday, February 10 at Bart’s Mart at 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10 plus
Bart’s Mart is a fairly new bottle-shop-turned-DIY-venue on the scene and shouldn’t go unnoticed. Along with weekly events like an open mic and trivia, they’re also lowkey booking some special music shows inside Eastway Crossing including indie post-hardcore darlings Pretty Baby. After years of occasional playing, Pretty Baby released their debut record, untitled, in December and are chomping at the bit to play these hardwon, hard rockin’ tracks in a live setting. The music has clear structural influences like the bottled angst of At The Drive-In and the sentimental charm of Elliot Smith.
Shoegaze Prom featuring The Mother Superior, Vespers, Swae and DJ Honey Power
Saturday, February 11 at The Milestone at 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10 plus
The Mother Superior, a relatively new band on the scene that features members of Ol Sport, Futurists, and Buried In Roses, headlines the Shoegaze Prom at The World Famous Milestone with Vespers, Swae and DJ Honey Powers.
Late Bloomer
Saturday, February 11 at Petra’s at 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $7 plus
Late Bloomer plays a triple-threat local bill with Complaint Club and Jackson Fig. Late Bloomer continues to refine their sound into a tender reckoning with 2022’s three-song EP Where Are The Bones. The trio is memorable for a blend of college rock and punk, a la alt-rockers Hum, whose lyrics scan the depths of anxiety for strength to face adulthood and ever-pressing uncertainties. Although Where Are The Bones shows a scaled back, sentimental side to the band, their live shows punch and display the punk bravery that drives their music.
Jay D. Jones
Tuesday, February 14 at Middle C Jazz at 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $40 plus
Modern day crooner and Charlotte-native Jay D. Jones will be performing alongside John Dillard and Robyn Springer for a romantic Valentine’s Day special at uptown’s jazz gem, Middle C Jazz. Jones is known for his unique style of inspirational soul and was a performer during Charlotte’s innovative 2022 SHOUT festival. Middle C seating is first come, first served so come early to grab a spot.
Wine Pride
Tuesday, February 14 at Petra’s at 9:00 p.m.
Tickets: $12 plus
Daydreamy Wine Pride will be playing Petra’s on Valentines’ Day with LA’s Goon and Texas slowcore band, Teethe. Wine Pride’s hazy indie rock guitar textures are reminiscent of Brooklyn’s DIIV and the band has a lush and immersive live sound. This thoughtful lineup will be a fun destination to take your Plaza Midwood Valentine for a post-dinner drink and show.
Swansgate
Wednesday, February 15 at The Milestone at 9:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10 plus
Progressive and psychedelic, Swansgate’s live shows boil into a well-crafted blend of shimmery pop tones and experimental rock. Last year the band released Becoming Someone, a luxurious, summery full-length album that serves as a retrospective to some of their prime influences. The night rounds out with The Real Dolls, providing support for Philly’s experimental pop ensemble, The North Country.
The Wormholes
Saturday, February 18 at Petra’s at 9:00 p.m.
Ticket: $12 plus
Art pop, neo-psych duo The Wormholes have made a name for themselves with powerful, captivating live shows. The multi-instrumentalists do their own recording and producing from a DIY bedroom in the city. This element of cultivation allows their live shows to be grander than one would expect, leaving audiences charmed by layered synths, velvety guitars and labyrinthine rhythms. The show also features local pop-soul songwriter Jameilyara and Chicago’s Late Night Laundry.
Bangzz
Thursday, February 23 at Snug Harbor at 10:00 p.m.
Tickets: $12 plus
Durham-based garage punk duo Bangzz brings the feminist punk noir on this Thursday night as part of a Something Fun production. Along with a Stryx aerialist performance, go-go dancing and DJ Fat Keith Richards, the night culminates with Nashville’s Thelma & the Sleaze, a dazzling all-female, queer southern rock band. Bangzz released their first EP, Fresh Cut, in 2019 through Charlotte-based label Self Aware Records following up with their debut album, You Took My Body Long Ago and Now I Am Taking It Back, in 2021.
Bakalao Stars
Friday, February 24 at The Evening Muse at 10:00 p.m.
Tickets: $12 plus
Bakalao Stars bring their vibrant, irresistible party to The Evening Muse for a late-night Football Club season kickoff, with support from Barrax Giggaz. Formed in 2002 by Colombian brothers, Bakalao Stars melt influences of their Latin descent with bass-heavy reggae and ‘70s-era ska to create an infectious rave in whichever venue they play. Barrax Giggaz is a Latin rap duo from Brooklyn currently on tour supporting their 2022 debut album, Exordio.
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