Avett Brothers come to Raleigh, and more best bets in country, folk and Americana this month
December brings musical gifts from national touring acts and local talent. Here are some of the shows to look forward to:
▪ Americana artist Pokey LaFarge reimagines old-timey music with sparkling musicianship and a songwriter’s vision. He’s appeared on “A Prairie Home Companion” and the “Marty Stuart Show,” and now makes his way to the Triangle. Dec. 2, 8 p.m. Cat’s Cradle, Carrboro. $17 advance, $20 day of show. catscradle.com
▪ The peak experience in any music lover’s life is the rare opportunity to hear the musical brilliance of Pinky Wyoming and Duke Lacross. These two legendary songbirds will sing ’em all, from country to western and back again. Dec. 7. Blue Note Grill, Durham. Free. 919-401-1979 or thebluenotegrill.com
▪ Grammy-nominated all-female Irish-American supergroup Cherish the Ladies welcomes the holidays with “A Celtic Christmas.” Dec. 12 and 13. Stag’s Head Music Hall, Raleigh. $46 and up. bnpresents.com/stags-head
▪ The second annual Holiday Circle Shows pays homage to the seminal 1972 “Will the Circle be Unbroken” album. The show features a host of local musical talent and will be emceed by Hal Crowther and Lee Smith. Dec. 16. ArtsCenter, Carrboro. $25 public. 919-929-2787 or Artscenterlive.org
▪ Asheville favorites Town Mountain and Amanda Anne Platt and the Honeycutters bring holiday best bluegrass and Americana to the Triangle. Dec. 17. Lincoln Theatre, Raleigh. $12. 919-821-4111 or lincolntheatre.com
▪ The Rev. Horton Heat celebrates the season with his Holiday Hayride extravaganza. He will share the bill with the Blasters, Junior Brown and Big Sandy. Dec. 17. Cat’s Cradle. $25 and up. 919-967-9053 or catscradle.com
▪ Local legend Rebecca Newton leads an all-star cast of local musicians singing holiday favorites in the ninth annual Newtonanny. Dec. 20. Blue Note Grill, Durham. Free. 919-401-1979 or thebluenotegrill.com
▪ Traditional bluegrass, and at least a holiday tune or two, will flow from the steel strings of Carolina Lightnin’. Dec. 21. Blue Note Grill, Durham. Free. 919-401-1979 or thebluenotegrill.com
▪ It’s that time of year again, so be sure to check out former Red Clay Rambler and rambler-about-town Jim Watson and his 30th annual Christmas show. Dec. 22. The Cave, Chapel Hill. $8. 919-968-9308 or caverntavern.com
▪ They might not be the North Carolina Rambers, but the ramblin’ Avett Brothers have enough raucous energy and rabid fans to ring out the old and bring in the new. And they shall, along with Mandolin Orange and the Felice Brothers. Dec. 31. PNC Arena, Raleigh. $39 and up. 919-861-2300 or thepncarena.com
This story was originally published December 3, 2017 at 2:34 PM with the headline "Avett Brothers come to Raleigh, and more best bets in country, folk and Americana this month."