dvaughan@heraldsun.com; 419-6563
Tour often enough, and singers know where to find a devoted fan following. Durham, Chapel Hill and Carrboro have drawn their favorite performers here once, twice, three times and more.
The ArtsCenter in Carrboro knows what its audiences like, so it comes this spring with a new schedule of its seventh annual American Roots series and fourth annual Celtic Concert Series. Many are here for the second time. Tannahill Weavers will perform South of Pittsboro, in Chatham Mills in Pittsboro, on Feb. 5. The rest of the performances are at the ArtsCenter during the month of St. Patrick's Day. Dervish performs March 4; Patrick Street, who is new to the series, on March 14; Battlefield Band on March 18; and Solas on March 19.
Folksinger Carrie Newcomer is back in the Triangle yet again, this time at the ArtsCenter as part of the American Roots Series, on May 1. But first, other American Roots performers include Catie Curtis Jan. 16, Lucy Kaplansky Jan. 22, John Mayall Feb. 17 and Dave Alvin & Two Guilty Women featuring Cindy Cashdollar Feb. 21.
Also on the schedule is the grandson of bluesman R.L. Burnside -- drummer Cedric Burnside, who will perform with guitarist Lightnin' Malcolm in a Feb. 5 show that will get you off your feet.
Down the block at a bit more rock venue is Cat's Cradle. Frequently when a performer is interviewed in advance of a Cat's Cradle show, they mention the appeal of the location. This spring, the Carrboro club hosts return visits from the usual suspects like Grateful Dead cover band "Cosmic Charlie" out of Athens Ga. on Jan. 29. Cat's Cradle also hosts Elliott Yamin on Thursday, local favorite The Old Ceremony on Jan. 15, Citizen Cope Feb. 2 and 3, The Foreign Exchange on Valentine's Day, North Mississippi Allstars on Feb. 28 and Copeland on March 3. The Cradle presents a Wilco show at the Durham Performing Arts Center on March 27. Tickets for that show go on sale today through Ticketmaster.
Now that DPAC is in its second year, performers are choosing to come back again. Harry Connick Jr., who took the stage soon after it opened, will return for a show Feb. 16. Other musicians taking the stage downtown this spring include Vince Gill Jan. 22, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly Jan. 23, Steve Winwood Feb. 9, Celtic Woman Feb. 13, Gary Allan March 12, The Moody Blues March 24 and David Gray April 9. For the kids, there is Princess Katie and Racer Steve Feb. 6 and "Disney Live! Rockin' Road Show" April 3-4.
