Saturday Sessions ~ Music School ~ Class Is In

 

Last Saturday evening I was invited to a night of music featuring new talent on the rise. The performance showcased the students enrolled at Earl Jones Music School Academy,  located in Jacksonville, NC.

Earl Jones Music Revue

The school is owned and by Earl Jones and father to John Jones, who was presenting his students with an opportunity to learn about performance. They not only offer the traditional lessons at the Academy, they also help prepare students for some other aspects of the music business.

 

In Saturday’s lesson, the students were versed in recording a television show and they all shined during their performances. The four students that were featured for that part of the program included Rob Gasperson, who offer a couple of selections on piano; Charlotte Whatley, who played guitar and sang a song for us; Chloe Bergen offered a more modern selection with the six string and her voice and Meredith Wilson who played a couple of numbers, the first a solo performance and the follow-up featuring  John Jones on guitar. Wilson picked up the guitar a month ago but sounds like she has been signing for a lifetime. She is ambitious and wishes to learn all the instruments but set out with the guitar when she signed up with the Academy under Jone’s direction.

The Ramshackles

There were many that took the stage. Four of the players were Academy Students who took to the stage before John Jones came front and center with his Ramshackle Band. They offered a set of original works featuring Kaitlyn Humphrey on bass guitar and Rusty Hatcher added percussion.

John Jones and his Ramshackle Band with Ghost Town

It was great fun to hear Jones perform his own compositions. I have grown to know him as the media host for Music Monday, which airs Monday on Thunder Country 96.3 FM at 8:30 am weekly! I have watched him sit in with guests on guitar and slide guitar as well. So it was a new angle to hear him perform with students and fellow music makers alike.

Making it even more delightful, I sat with Tom Barbee and his bride for the performance. The cameraman, Justin Kilpatrick was sporting his son’s T-shirt. I spotted that Hank Barbee shirt just as soon as I snuck into the room.

 

Closing out the night was the talented Justin Rivenbark from Wallace, NC, including Jones on bass and Hatcher on percussions for a round!

In all, it was a fun night of folk and country offerings music, as well as a look at some of the great features students have access to when they sign up at the Earl Jones Music School. Beyond learning how to play the instruments of choice, students can become a part of the Academy and learn the ins and outs of the business too. The school is limited for space for private lessons and Jones currently has a waiting list. However for anyone interested in the Academy be sure to call 910-353-6633 for more information.

Before I go, a big applause and hats off to the production companies too that assist in these lessons. Tutt Media handled the camera work and video production with Otis Tutt and Justin Kilpatrick filming and Eric Baily of  Anywhere PRO Audio & Entertainment engineering the sound. It was a job well done by all involved.

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We Were Thunderstruck On Saturday Under Clear Skies

When I noted, that I was going to be in the area for Thunderstruck, at Humphrey Farm Festival and Event Center in Hubert, NC, on Saturday night, I had to stop by and get rocked. This band is rarely in our area and they are the most fun you can have with a set of AC/DC songs! It was a great time for rockin’ jams familiar to the dedicated fans! Before my exit, the fan base was stage side and rocking right along with the band!

This band is full of energy and Jeff Young on guitar knows how to work for the crowd. He certainly has grown into his role as a showman over the years in his stage character of Angus Young. With a friendship that spans more than a decade and connected by music, I have enjoyed the journey of Young’s career. He is the first NC artist I ever wrote about. He was with the band High Voltage and I wrote an article for the band’s MySpace profile. It was just a few days back, since then.

Young is an impressive guitarist who not only emulates heroes remarkably well but also offers original music with other band projects. A couple of years ago he cut chops and chords with Last Call Messiahs, who were nominated for the best rock band award at the 2016 Carolina Music Awards.

Nowadays, Young keeps busy with Thunderstruck NC and his new project with vocalist Lee Robinson, Nightrain. The new band is a Guns n Roses Tribute act that is based out of Raleigh, NC. Both bands have gigs coming up in the month ahead, so be sure to like both bands pages on Facebook and make some time to go get rocked!

 

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We Head North and Find Adam Hill Band and Friends in Kinston, NC

 

Adam Hill Band rocked North Street Burger Bar and Grill in Kinston, NC on Saturday night. Now located on Highway 70 East, just as you pass the McDonald’s on the right, coming from New Bern, you will see the place on the right next to the Waffle House.

This is a big venue with a nice outdoor stage and two rooms inside for folks to sit back and relax, as they grab a meal and enjoy some music. In fact, on the bill tonight offering music at 9:30 pm will be J Lane, who was in the house last week supporting his music brother Adam Hill.

Lane had rocked a gig right before at the Woodducks game and was asked to sing the National Anthem before the start of the game. Also in the house and joining in on the fun was Jon Riggs, singer/songwriter, drummer, and frontman for Second Helping! Riggs will rock North Street Burger Bar and Grill this Saturday, September 1, 2018, from 10 pm til closing.

As for the Adam Hill Band this weekend, the boys have two gigs scheduled. You can find them in the middle of the day tomorrow, rocking at New River Harley Davidson in Jacksonville, NC. Take a pause for the cause and join them. Music starts when the last bike rolls in at 1:30 pm.

On Sunday the guys will head back to Jacksonville, NC and rock Dukenfield’s Tavern for the End of Summer Blow Out Bash. The fun starts at 3 pm. So make a plan to get rocked by this trio this weekend.

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Open Mic Madness Ushers in the Week in Newport, NC

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On Monday I headed out to Open Mic hosted by the hard-working Tiffany Elaine. Every second and fourth Monday she hosts a night of music at Shortway Brewing Co with music being served by a variety of talented artists from 6-9 pm.

During my time in the house, I was entertained by Roger Boyer who offered a cover song as well as a couple of original works. Mackenzie Webb, a 14-year-old uke player with a powerful voice and warm vibe and Ashton Ward, who got the jam going. Switching things up was Eli Puchalski, who graced the mic with some music poetry. Following his three-song spin on the night, New Bern talent Jill Adair offered a couple of selections. Closing out the night of fun was hostess Tiffany Elaine and guest host Fernando Rivera offering a new Now and Never song. For those looking for the duo, Now or Never will be gigging tomorrow night at Shipwrecks in Morehead City, NC. Just click the link for all the info:

LABOR DAY PARTY W NOW OR NEVER @ SHIPWRECKS!

For music fans and players looking to check out Tiffany Elaine and her many open mic events, here is what’s in store this coming week:

For fans of Tiffany Elaine, she has a gig this evening entertaining the folks at

Marina Cafe with music being served from 8-11 pm tonight.

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Getting Down Around Town

Tonight at  BrUtopia, 1201 Highway 70 East, New Bern, NC, music plays 7-10 pm. On tap, they will be featuring the music of Tommy Duzan Sr., being offered tonight. Tomorrow night enjoy the tunes of Mykel Barbee. All music is free, the beer is fresh and the food trucks are always on site when music plays. Stop by this weekend to show your support for local business, local beer and local music in one stop!

Checking out what is going down in town, Fairlight and The Scorpio Moon will be live on the deck at the DoubleTree from 5-9 pm. Christoph’s on the Water features a menu for deck parties and the music will surely move you. Come dance.

The Concert Series Footloose on the Neuse wraps up tonight with the local talent Joe Brown and The Band. The party starts at 6:30 pm, with music for the people being offered until 9 pm. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair, the bug spray and come to enjoy free music in the park that will move you into the holiday weekend. Vendors will be on site to serve you. Leave the coolers at home, but bring the kids! Big shout out and thank you to Trent Cadillac- GMC and New Bern Parks and Recreation Department for offering our town this fun concert series. It was greatly appreciated!!!

Looking at the bars around town, here is what I know… The Brown Pelican has Kristie Lynn offering tunes from 7-10 pm. Tomorrow night it’s Steel County Express from 8-11 pm. The Brown Pelican is located at 411 Broad St. Admission is free but membership is required.

This weekend Blackbeard’s Triple Play Restaurant offers Smokehouse on the deck tonight 7-10 pm and TrainWeck will be working the grooves on the inside from 10 pm til closing. Tomorrow you can groove to music with KC and Ryal from Rural Route Romance, giving up the grooves from 7-10 pm. On Sunday the Wannabees will be rocking the deck from 6:30-10 pm.

Circa 1810 Bar offers Dueling Pianos tonight from 7-11 pm for a $5.00 cover. Tomorrow it is the fun music of Corey Stuart bring back the 80’s and more! Music is offered for a $2.00 cover from 8-11 pm. On Sunday enjoy free music with Hank Barbee on the patio from 5-8 pm.

New Bern’s newest venue in town, City Stage offers a great night of music featuring a show brought to us by the good folks at GEM Productions. Tonight it is a triple bill of local NC talent with, the Take Kindlies taking the stage at 8 pm. Following their fun set you will enjoy Gabrielle Christie’s final gig with the band she helped build, Bearfoot Monty will rock at 9 pm and closing out the night, it’s regional great Rebekah Todd. Tickets are $8.00 and available at the door. The City Stage is located at 901 B Pollock St, New Bern, NC.

 

Morehead City, NC ~

Fans of Jazz will be treated to a fun night with Blue Moon Jazz ,offering live music at Morehead City Country Club from 6:30-9:00 pm.

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Checking things out along the Crystal Coast, there will be live music found on the deck at Off the Hook this weekend. Owner, chef, manager, Charlie Weatherby offers live music each Friday and Saturday from 10 pm until closing, 2 am. On Sunday you are invited to brunch on the deck with live music offered 12 pm until 4 pm. The menu is always pleasing and the bands always fun and rocking. Tonight you can be rocked by The Lost Artists. Saturday night brings the great grooves of Joe Brown and The Band from New Bern, NC. Both shows kick off at 10 pm. On Sunday you will be serenaded by Ed Prophet, with music served noon til 4 pm. Off the Hook is located at 105 S 7th St., Morehead City, NC.  For more info, call (252) 499-9150.

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Checking things out at Southern Salt Seafood Company & Waterfront Restaurant, they’ll have Core Sound rocking the deck tonight. Cecil Gilken and friends will deliver the classic rock and blues tunes that move you from 9 pm til the midnight hour. Tomorrow night it is New Bern’s tallest man in country music,  Bryan Mayer Band rocks’em from 9 pm until midnight.

 

Beaufort, NC

 

The Cru Bar and Wine Store/ Beaufort Coffee Shop will be rocking tonight with the Celtic funk sounds that will move you, offered by the always energetic Tan and Sober Gentlemen. Music is offered from 9-midnight. Tomorrow it’s a Variety show; Moulin Rouge with entertainment at 9 pm. Cru Bar is located at 120 Turner St., Beaufort, NC. Need more info, call (252) 728-3066.

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Live on stage at The Dock House tonight you can enjoy the country and popular classics courtesy of Bobby Webb & Co. Music plays from 9 pm until 1:30 am.

 

Atlantic Beach, NC

Under the Gun will be taking a ride to the coast tonight to perform at Idle Hour Biergarten. Music is served along with the good food from 6:30- 9 pm tonight. Tomorrow you can catch Davy Williamson live on the sand stage from 6:30-9 pm.

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Tipsy Turtle offers the grooves of Steel Shot out back, on stageout tonight. The Pamlico County duo offer tunes from 9 pm until midnight! If you having fun with the talent, this is a good show to check out. Shawn Mitchell and Jeremy Lowery love to involve the audience in all their shows.

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Emerald Isle, NC

Checking things out on the other end of the strip we stop in Emerald Isle and find Chris Bellamy has a gig tonight. entertaining folks at  Flipperz Family Bar & Grill. Music will be served with food from 6:30-9:30 pm.

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Fans of reggae music will love the band out back at the E-Club tonight. Come groove with Monjah, offering the beats from 7-10 pm. Steel County Express offers music inside from 10 till closing.

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SALT BAR has all that beach music fans could hope for…come enjoy the grooves of Jim Quick and The Coastline, with tunes being offered from 9 pm until midnight.