* The Superficials also have a new CD they'll be releasing soon. Yearbook is set to be released on Tuesday, February 12, and the band will host CD Release Parties the following weekends: Saturday, February 16 at Fat City and Saturday, February 23 at Puckett's Farm Equipment. The band (once a duo) has also acquired a drummer, Nick Sullivan, formerly of Organized Confusion. For more info, visit www.mp3.com/superficials.
* Justin Williams' latest project will be making its debut at the Evening Muse on Valentine's Day (February 14). The Talk features the former Ginger Briscoe frontman along with guitarist Scott Werner (Lodestar/Ginger Briscoe), drummer "Tall" Jeremy and bassist Tyler Baum. Tokyo Machine, The Noise and All Night are also on the bill.
* Delancey Street will be recording their show at the Double Door on Saturday, February 9 in order to release a live CD. Engineer/producer Mark Williams will be on hand to oversee the recording.
* William "Bill" Golden has released a solo CD titled Altered Vista. Golden says the solo effort is a complete 180 degree turn from what most people would expect him to release -- it falls heavily in the New Age genre. Golden performed, wrote and produced each of the 12 tracks featured on the disc.
* The folks at Five Steps II are preparing to host a "Battle of the Bands" competition. The contest will take place over a seven week period with two bands performing full sets at each show. The grand prize will be $1,000 cash. Bands who would like to be considered must send a CD/cassette and bio to: Five Steps II, Attn: Jeff, 1609-A Sardis Rd. North, Charlotte, NC 28270. Call the club at 704-814-7837 for more details.
* Machine 7 have recruited John D'Aloia of Orlando, FL as their new bass player. The band has already released an EP titled NOW? and have plans to release a full-length CD later this year. For more info, go to www.machineseven.com.
* Don de Leaumont has released his debut EP titled Songs For the Ride Home. He'll be performing on Saturday, February 9 at 23 Studio/Pat's Tavern and will have copies of the EP on hand. Leaumont moved here from Atlanta and is fairly new to the Charlotte scene. Sound files of some of his material are available at www.mp3.com/don_de_leaumont.
* The Evening Muse has started hosting a Performing Songwriter Open Mic Competition each Tuesday. Co-owner Lea Pritchard says the event is meant to be a friendly competition. Artists (there's a limit of two people per act) will play two original songs. Three finalists will then be selected to play one more song each, and then a winner will be determined. There's a $2 entry fee per performer and the audience will be asked to pay $1. The winner will receive all the money collected. There are a few upcoming dates where a regular performance was booked before the Songwriter Competition started. The competition will still take place on these nights either before or after the scheduled acts. For more info on the event, call the Muse at 704-376-3737 or go to www.theeveningmuse.com.
* The folks at Puckett's Farm Equipment hosted their first annual local music awards on Friday, January 25. The club had asked patrons to vote on their favorites and presented awards to a handful of local musicians. Here's a look at the winners: Groove Mules, Best Rock & Roll Band; Part Time Blues Band, Best Blues Band and Locals' Favorite; Eric Lovell, Best Musician; Rank Outsiders, Best Country; Avett Brothers, Best Bluegrass; George Hatcher Band, Best Show. Club owner Gary Puckett says they plan on presenting awards each year.
The club has also moved out their bins of tractor parts -- freeing up a ton of space -- and added additional stage lighting. *