The Blind Boys of Alabama show off their storied sound, and Judy Collins brings the melodies

By Jack Bernhardt Correspondent

November 3, 2017 6:00 AM

Six-time Grammy gospel greats, the Blind Boys of Alabama, play the Carolina Theatre in Durham Nov. 13. Jim Herrington

Country, bluegrass and gospel abound as we head into the holiday season. Here are some highlights in the coming weeks.

John McEuen

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band banjoist John McEuen and friends will perform selections from the Dirt Band’s 1972 seminal album, “Will the Circle be Unbroken.” Tunes and stories will flow freely from the legendary picker who mentored the great Steve Martin in the ways of the 5-string banjo.

The details: 8 p.m. Nov. 10, ArtsCenter, 300-G East Main St., Carrboro. $34 for the public. 919-929-2787 or artscenterlive.org.

Irma Thomas, Blind Boys of Alabama and Preservation Hall Legacy Quintet

The sounds of the deep South will be in the spotlight with Grammy-winner Irma Thomas, a.k.a., the “Soul Queen of New Orleans,” six-time Grammy gospel greats the Blind Boys of Alabama, and New Orleans’ Preservation Hall Legacy Quintet.

The details: 8 p.m. Nov. 13. Carolina Theatre, 309 W. Morgan St., Durham. $39.50 and up. 919-560-3030 or carolinatheatre.org.

Judy Collins

Since the beginning of her career, Judy Collins has remained a musical chameleon, lending her mellifluous vocals to songs from folk, pop and Broadway. Songs from Joni Mitchell (“Both Sides Now”), Leonard Cohen (“Bird on the Wire”), the Beatles (“In My Life”) and Stephen Sondheim (“Send in the Clowns”) are milestones in her heralded musical journey.

The details: 8 p.m. Nov. 16. Carolina Theatre, 309 W. Morgan St., Durham. $39.50 and up. 919-560-3030 or carolinatheatre.org.

Raul Malo and the Mavericks

Today’s Raul Malo and the Mavericks are an extension of the band that hit the country charts in the 1990s. With Malo, the sole member of the original band, the Mavericks continue to cross genres with Americana eclecticism ranging from country to folk to Salsa, and beyond.

The details: 8 p.m. Nov. 17. Carolina Theatre, 309 W. Morgan St., Durham. $39.50 to $69.50. 919-560-3030 or carolinatheatre.org.

Mipso

Chapel Hill’s Mipso has traveled far and wide, from playing UNC campus gigs to performing on the KFC float in the 2015 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. As the band has matured, its sound has evolved from string band/bluegrass roots to wide-open Americana with instrumental showmanship and lush harmonies, as heard on the group’s latest CD, “Coming Down the Mountain.” With The Lil Smokies and the Brothers Comatose.

The details: 7 p.m. Nov. 17. Lincoln Theatre, 126 E. Cabarrus St., Raleigh. $22. 919-821-4111 or lincolntheatre.com.

Mile Twelve

Mile Twelve, the latest of the Boston/Berklee School of Music nexus to generate a buzz on the bluegrass circuit, was honored in September by the International Bluegrass Music Association with its Momentum Award. The award is given to those who have made significant contributions to bluegrass music in the early stages of their career. Combining traditional instrumentation and esprit with generational influences, Mile Twelve is clearly a band on the rise.

The details: 8 p.m., Nov. 18. ArtsCenter, 300-G East Main St., Carrboro. $18 public. 919-929-2787 or artscenterlive.org.

This story was originally published November 3, 2017 at 6:00 AM with the headline "The Blind Boys of Alabama show off their storied sound, and Judy Collins brings the melodies."