Bookmark these headlines, local bands and Triangle music festivals for a lively autumn music season this year
by Anna Marie Switzer
Whether you’re looking to catch big-name pop stars with high energy crowds at PNC or underground bands at intimate venues like Lincoln Theatre, there’s something for everyone in Raleigh’s live music scene and its awesome venues. Check out this Fall 2024 guide to live music in the Triangle to have handy so you don’t.
HEADLINERS & BIG TIME NAMES
Post Malone’s F-1 Trillion Tour at Walnut Creek
Chart-topping rapper Post Malone is going on the road with his debut country album, F-1 Trillion. The album’s first single, “I Had Some Help” featuring Morgan Wallen, has taken over the country music scene with its catchy melody and fun lyrics. For loyal fans of beloved “Posty” who love his older projects, do not fear – the artist has promised to play his original hits as well, including “Better Now” and “Circle.”
Oct. 5 | 8 p.m.; from $184; 3801 Rock Quarry Rd, Raleigh; postmalone.com
Sabrina Carpenter’s Short N’ Sweet tour at PNC Arena
Pop music’s newest princess, Sabrina Carpenter, is stopping at PNC Arena during her Short N’ Sweet arena tour. After opening for Taylor Swift on the record-breaking Eras Tour, the former Disney star has topped the charts with her newest album. “Please, Please, Please” attend her tour for a “Taste” of this fun, bubbly singer’s music.
Oct. 19 | 7 p.m.; from $324; 1400 Edwards Mill Road. Raleigh; pncarena.com
P!nk’s TRUSTFALL Tour at PNC Arena
This electrifying superstar promises to take your breath away with a night of high-energy dance routines and aerial acrobatics. After exploding onto the scene in the early 2000s, P!nk’s female empowering punk rock has stood the test of time. In 2018 on her Beautiful Trauma World Tour, singer P!nk went viral for her entrance from the rafters and songs performed while flying through the air. She has yet to slow down, and now she’s bringing her dazzling show to Raleigh. Make sure to be on time to catch the opening act, GROUPLOVE, an adored alternative rock band.
Nov. 11 – 12 | 7:30 p.m.; from $90; 1400 Edwards Mill Road, Raleigh; pncarena.com
MUSIC FESTIVALS & MULTI-DAY EVENTS
Bluegrass LIVE! in Downtown Raleigh
The International Bluegrass Music Association will host its industry conference in Raleigh for its fifth and final year. In the evenings, catch the IBMA Bluegrass Ramble, a showcase of musicians at venues throughout downtown. The conference is followed by the free two-day World of Bluegrass festival downtown full of arts, culture and, of course, bluegrass! Headliners on the main stage at Red Hat Amphitheater include Sierra Ferrell and Sam Bush on Friday and Steep Canyon Rangers with Chatham County Line on Saturday; emerging artists will play sets at the stages along Fayetteville Street. In between all the sounds of the banjo, fiddle and harmonica, explore Artsplosure’s Art Market along Fayetteville Street, with wares from potters, jewelers and other makers for sale. Free for festival, from
Sept. 24 – 26 | Various times; $25 for Ramble, free for festival (reserved seating available for a fee); downtown Raleigh; worldofbluegrass.org
Carrboro Music Festival in Downtown Carrboro
Join the Town of Carrboro for its annual music festival in the spirit of Make Music Day. This free music festival features a variety of performing acts, from NC bands like The Blusterfields to hyper-local acts like the Durham Ukulele Orchestra. Looking for interactive elements? The day before the festival, there’s an open mic at the Town Commons, and you can register for music workshops to participate in during the festival. Grab a bite to eat at the food trucks in the festival, or walk across the street to Weaver Street Market for more options.
Sept. 29 | Various times; free; downtown Carrboro; carrboromusicfestival.com
Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance
Have you ever wondered what a family-friendly, peace-based Coachella would look like in North Carolina? Look no further. The Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival is an awesome event for people of all ages, with tie-dye and mask-making for kids, an Outpost for teens and craft beer and kombucha vendors for adults. For Raleigh’s urban dwellers looking for a change of scenery, there are options to camp out on-site. Founding band Donna the Buffalo is headlining the festival, and Paperhand Puppet Intervention will also perform.
Oct. 3 – 6 | Various times; from $55; 1439 Henderson Tanyard Road, Pittsboro; shakorihillsgrassroots.org
Sleepy Fest at Haw River Ballroom
Sleepy Cat Records is celebrating its fifth year as an independent record label with this diverse and lively festival. Based in Carrboro, Sleepy Cat Records focuses on fostering creative community and engaging in local art. As a result, this event primarily features North Carolina-based artists like Magic Al, Blue Cactus and Lou Hazel. Explore the Haw river trails, as well as the artisan market and poetry installation, while listening to the talented musicians and DJs.
Oct. 26 | Various times; from $50; Saxapahaw Bethlehem Church Road, Saxapahaw; hawriverballroom.com
OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES
Black Pumas & Cory Wong Band Together Mighty Giveback at Red Hat
Band Together, a Triangle-based nonprofit, utilizes the power of live music to bring the community together. Formed in response to tragedies of September 11, 2001, Band Together has raised over 13 million dollars through its fundraising concerts. This year’s “Mighty Giveback” concert showcases the innovative and fresh music from Black Pumas and Cory Wong. Led by Eric Burton and Adrian Quesada, Black Pumas are a six-time Grammy nominated band and masters in psychedelic soul. Cory Wong matches Black Pumas’ expertise, adding elements of jazz and funk. Listen to great music and give back to the community at the incredible event.
Sept. 21 | 5 p.m.; from $19.50; 500 South McDowell Street, Raleigh, NC; bandtogethernc.org
Jazz at the NCMA presents El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico and Luciana Souza
The North Carolina Museum of Arts performance series “Jazz at the NCMA” celebrates the improvisational power of jazz by incorporating elements of other genres like funk, soul, and fusion. This fall, Jazz at the NCMA features El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, the popular salsa orchestra working since 1962. Performing alongside the iconic Puerto Rican music group, there is one of jazz’s leading singers and interpreters, Grammy-winning vocalist Luciana Souza. The event takes place in Joseph M. Bryan Jr. Theater, a lovely outdoor space perfect to enjoy a night of salsa-jazz fusion.
Oct. 3 | 7 p.m.; from $53.63; 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh; visit.ncartmuseum.org
EMERGING ARTISTS & CLUB SHOWS
Jason Adamo Presents: NC Songwriters in the Round at the Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop
Join Jason Adamo and seven other North Carolina songwriters for a night of performance and reflection on craft. During this event at Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop, artists from across the state will engage in a “Nashville Writers’ Round,” a round-robin style event intended to give performances a deeper meaning. Jason Adamo, an award-winning country songwriter, will lead the night, alongside other North Carolina artists, like Rachael Hurwitz of Raleigh and Holden Dixon of Greenville. Be sure to order one of the Pour House’s specialty cocktails before the night ends.
Sept. 22 | 7 p.m.; from $17; 224 S Blount Street, Raleigh; pourhouseraleigh.com
The Moss at Cat’s Cradle
The Moss, an indie-alt-rock band from Utah-via-Hawaii, will be playing at Cat’s Cradle this fall. With music that blends modern indie with genres like blues and reggae, The Moss is a great band to dance to. Take advantage of the great restaurants around Carrboro before the show, like at Thai Station and Carrburritos, or stop by Orange County Social Club after the show for a drink.
Oct. 5 | 8 p.m.; from $26; 300 E Main St. Carrboro; catscradle.com
Inhaler at The Ritz
Irish indie-rock band Inhaler is crossing the pond to perform at Raleigh’s The Ritz. Known for its catchy choruses, dynamic riffs and seductive bass lines, Inhaler’s newest album Cuts & Bruises is a crowd-pleaser. Music runs in the band’s frontman’s DNA – Elijah Hewson just happens to be the son of rock legend Bono. “With or Without You,” this band is going to rock on.
Oct. 15 | 7 p.m.; from $30; 2820 Industrial Drive, Raleigh; ritzraleigh.com
Rapsody’s Please Don’t Cry tour at Lincoln Theatre
North Carolina’s very own Rapsody is visiting her home state as part of her Please Don’t Cry tour. Known for her complex rhyme patterns and wordplay, as well as her collaborations with artists like Erykah Badu and Kendrick Lemar, the rapper’s appearance at the Lincoln Theatre is one that you don’t want to miss.
Oct. 27 | 8:30 p.m.; from $25; 126 E. Cabarrus Street. Raleigh; lincolntheatre.com
Weston Estate’s Superbloom tour at The Ritz
Self-proclaimed as “ya aunties favorite boyband,” this five member R&B group has local origins. After finding their start in the Triangle with two NC State students, the band has now amassed over half a million monthly listeners. With music that effortlessly blends genres, Weston Estate is known for their energetic performances. Make sure to catch this riveting band at their hometown show. Nov. 29 | 7 p.m.; from $48; 2820 Industrial Drive, Raleigh; ritzraleigh.com
This article was originally published on September 19, 2024 on waltermagazine.com
