Raleigh Invasion A triple-bill of new (and new-ish) Triangle acts with veteran roots, featuring: The Jackets, twang-pop via Chatham County Line and Hotel Lights members doing the telecasters-and-harmonies thing (like The Band, Buddy Holly and Badfinger bunking up); The Small Ponds, a rootsy duo comprised of Whiskeytown-survivor Caitlin Cary and the Proclivities' Matt Davis (think Welch & Rawlins, with more piano); and Starmount, who've just released a sparkling debut of FODM-meets-Can-and-Tortoise instrumentals (Tyranny of the Sphere) built around the lush textures of Greg Elkins' pedal steel. This is the kind of multi-flavored invasion folks can celebrate, and one some Charlotte bands might consider (you know who you are). Snug Harbor (John Schacht)
George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic If you haven't familiarized yourself to the ways of the Godfather of Funk, I say "Get thee to this show!" Back in the old days, Clinton would hit the stage for a non-stop, three- or four-hour funk fest that never gave anybody a break or a rest. These days, Clinton may take a rest backstage from time to time, but that doesn't mean things slow down. There's a phrase "There ain't no party like a P-Funk party, 'cause a P-Funk party don't stop." Find out why. Neighborhood Theatre (Jeff Hahne)