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North Carolina Symphony Radiohead and Brahms Mashup

By derekchaseallman
June 6, 2013 //

When I heard that the North Carolina Symphony was putting on Symphonic Mashup: The Music of Radiohead Meets Brahms, I knew that I had to be there. A fan of all genres of music, this sounded like an awesome concert for me to take in. And I was not alone in that thinking. I was among many Music Maniacs who took in this North Carolina Symphony Special Event at the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts (2 E. South St., downtown Raleigh). Whether you’re an art rocker or a classical music aficionado, or both, you woulda’ loved this event.

Check out these stellar aspects of the night:

The Special Event: First of all, North Carolina Symphony wonderfully planned the opening act. Musicians Ari Picker and Emma Nadeau, of the band Lost in the Trees, opened the concert with calm, yet emotionally intense original music. The band proved to the audience that there is an abundance of undeniable musical talent surrounding the area. Check Lost in the Trees out at Hopscotch Music Festival 2013!

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So to see and hear the North Carolina Symphony not only beautifully and elegantly play orchestrations by Brahms but also rock tunes off of Radiohead’s OK Computer, and then on top of that, to hear them played both together, was truly a stellar experience.

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The mashup was actually created and arranged by composer, conductor, arranger and producer Steve Hackman. North Carolina Symphony vice president Martin Sher had prevously worked with Hackman, and so this helped sparked the idea of bringing Hackman’s musical creation to Greater Raleigh.

So the event came and so did the Music Maniacs. Appropriately, Hackman conducted the North Carolina Symphony and the three vocalists who sang the lyrics and melodies of the Radiohead songs. (Another cool tidbit is that the three professional vocalists have all worked with Hackman tremendously on performances of the mashup previously, so the vocals were seasoned to perfection.) Radiohead and Brahms have both elegant and chaotic sounds in their compositions, so hearing them together flowed very naturally. The performance included Radiohead songs “Paranoid Android,” “Karma Police,” “Subterranean Homesick Alien” (my favorite track on that album) and more. When the performance kicked off with a beautifully done rendition of “Airbag,” I knew I was in for a treat. Check out Hackman’s description of the mashup and the song list here.

Listening to the music was, hands down, like being on an intense roller coaster ride, but you still had enough chances to get lost and absorb the moment. At times, listening to the audience was entertaining as well. The crowd was clearly having a great time. At one point after a song, and in the dead of silence, an audience member yelled out, “Yeah!” Hackman paused, looked back and replied with delight and a smile, “Yeah?” The audience laughed, clapped and without words said, “We’re absolutely loving this and you all are putting on an amazing performance!”

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This event in particular was only the beginning of North Carolina’s Symphony event schedule for the summer! So you’ll have more chances to see the symphony go beyond the bounds of traditional classical music this season.

The Venue: Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts continues to prove that it’s one of the hottest venues for live music in North Carolina. The architecture of the exterior itself lends you the realization that world-class concerts happen inside of the venue. Check out the photo below. I always jump on the opportunity to take some photos of this intriguing building.

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The venues inside of the building include the Memorial Auditorium, Meymandi Concert Hall, A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater and Kennedy Theatre. Meymandi Concert Hall, where this mashup concert took place, helped set the mood for the performance. This remarkable venue boasts 1,700 very comfortable seats. And the 65-ft. ceiling, shoebox shape, overall design and warm, clear sound system all worked together to give the Radiohead and Brahms mashup the absolute best sound possible. You’ve got to experience the acoustics at a concert when you’re in Greater Raleigh! Also, the lighting fueled the emotions of the pieces of music, with warm blues and purples, intense oranges and greens and more.

The Musicians in the Symphony: I couldn’t leave out a mention of the musicians in the North Carolina Symphony! As I was sitting, watching the musicians in the orchestra, I couldn’t help but notice the way they mingled with each other and talked, looking enthusiastic and thrilled about playing together. At this show in particular, the orchestra casually made their way to their seats, warming up and mingling before the show started. Seeing the positivity on stage just made the night even better. I think it goes without saying at this point that the talent of the musicians is phenomenal. The musical quality was top-notch, proving once again that the North Carolina Symphony is a symphony every Music Maniac would enjoy seeing.

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The Events Surrounding the Event: North Carolina Symphony adds some really cool touches to its Special Events that make the events even more unique and “special.” At Symphonic Mashup: The Music of Radiohead Meets Brahms, the North Carolina Symphony invited food trucks to set up in front of the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts in the scenic plaza. Lots of concert-goers were hanging out, dining and mingling before the show, getting pumped for the performance. The venue also offered local craft beers, and you could have a delicious ale while watching the show!

On Friday, June 7, for the symphony’s Video Games Live event, there will be a huge before-the-show Guitar Hero competition. The winner will get to compete on stage!

At the Sci-Fi Spectacular event on Thurs., June 27, and Fri., June 28, George Takei, “Mr. Sulu,” of Star Trek will be in Greater Raleigh to narrate your journey through the galaxy, live, accompanied by music from E.T., Star Wars, Close Encounters of the Third Kind and, of course, Star Trek. A must-see for Trekkies!

As Greater Raleigh has the most live music of any destination in N.C., you know there are more North Carolina Symphony Special Events coming up this summer!

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On Sat., June 8, the North Carolina Symphony will head to Koka Booth Amphitheatre for its Summerfest Series Classical Mystery Tour concert. The orchestra is going kick out The Beatles tunes such as “Eleanor Rigby,” “Penny Lane,” “Yesterday” and much more. This concert celebrates the 45th anniversary of the release of The Beatles’ White Album. Get some sun and feel the awesome N.C. summer weather while you listen to music from one of the greatest bands in history.

Don’t miss the Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration featuring Warren Haynes on Thurs., June 20. Greater Raleigh is the only spot in the Southeast where this tour will stop! This ground-breaking orchestral adventure will feature Garcia’s original compositions and classical interpretations of timeless standards that were hallmarks of Garcia and the Grateful Dead’s concerts. A blend of Warren Haynes’s critically-acclaimed guitar playing, the sounds of the North Carolina Symphony and the music of Jerry Garcia is sure to have Music Maniacs talking.

Click here for a complete calendar that lists every live music event in Greater Raleigh this summer!

North Carolina Symphony’s official website

Categories Music Maniac, Uncategorized

Oak City 7 Series Rocks Downtown Raleigh

By derekchaseallman
May 31, 2013 //

A cool Carolina breeze and great live music always puts a smile on my face. And I was grinning ear to ear when I went to the first Oak City 7 event of the summer this Thurs. (it happens every other Thurs. of the summer until Aug. 22). The organizers of the event call the event “Downtown Raleigh’s Free Summer Concert Series.”

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When I initially heard about the series, four parts of that phrase stuck out to me:

Downtown Raleigh: The downtown area of North Carolina’s capital city is a hot place to catch live music. City Plaza is where the event is held, and the area screams art and creativity with its public art and super-nice layout. The view up and down Fayetteville St. rocks, as you really feel and know that you’re in the center of a place alive with activity and charm.

Free: Those looking for a night out on a small budget can enjoy great live music with no admission cost.

Summer: The summer of music in Greater Raleigh (Music Mania) has the best of music events, and this is one of them. I know, personally, that I’ll be attending as many of these as I can! N.C.’s summer weather allows for cool evenings where you can catch some of the best local talent. If you break a sweat while dancing, you can always cool off with local brews and refuel with food from downtown restaurants and food trucks.

Concert: When I hear the word my ears perk up. The killer lineup alone is great. I immediately recognized some local bands on the list that I’ve heard, seen live and have a tremendous amount of respect for as a musician.

Not only do you get a great show with some really talented musicians, but you get the opportunity to try delicious local beer and food from local food trucks.

ImageA beer truck serves brews from local breweries Aviator Brewing Company, Big Boss Brewing Company, Lonerider Brewing Company and more. Food trucks also serve cuisine from Carolina barbecue, pizza, ice cream and more. I definitely recommend to go with an appetite and, if you’re a craft beer lover, a mindset to taste some great brews!

ImageBeing a true Music Maniac myself, seeing a vinyl record vendor at the event was super cool. The Record Exchange & Swap, normally located at Deep South The Bar, had a nice collection of records for sale at the event, including records ranging from Fleetwood Mac, to Lou Reed, to Living Colour and more. Also, obviously being a true fan of Raleigh, the House of Swank! vendor caught my attention with Raleigh t-shirts, N.C. t-shirts and other merchandise sporting the name of N.C.’s capital city.

Most of all, the live music itself was outstanding! The sound system is nice and loud with a crisp and clear overall tone. It’s definitely a sound system any musician would want to play through. The lineup Thurs. night, May 30, featured a great mix of genres from city blues to Latin dance, indie rock and country rock; music that influenced the crowd to start dancing and jamming with the music!

ImageA great lineup is in store for the Oak City 7 series. Check it out here! This is definitely an event you won’t want to miss.

This entry was written by Derek Chase Allman, Music Maniac, musician, songwriter and Internet marketing manager at visitRaleigh.

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Categories Music Maniac, Uncategorized

Pickin’ and Pluckin’ with Pinecone

By peelerkb
February 1, 2013 //

The great state of N.C. is divided into three distinctive regions. The Appalachian Mountains rise in the western part of the state, the Coastal Plains lie to the east and the Piedmont is right smack in the middle. The Greater Raleigh area lies almost in the exact center of that sandwiched Piedmont region.

Historically, N.C. was once a state of small-time farmers but has grown over the decades to embrace a diverse economy strengthened by agriculture, banking, manufacturing, technology and research. These industries have gathered together people from a plethora of backgrounds, ethnicities and cultures, thus creating a rich and unique local culture.

PineCone, the code name for Piedmont Council of Traditional Music, is a nonprofit organization based out of Raleigh that is passionate about Piedmont N.C.’s traditional art forms. PineCone embraces a mission to celebrate those art forms by preserving, presenting and promoting traditional grassroots music, dance and other folk-performance arts. From hosting concerts to jam sessions, to music camps and workshops and their very own radio show on Sunday evenings on WQDR, Pinecone aims to make traditional music interesting and accessible to everyone.

Last weekend, despite threatening icy conditions, PineCone hosted a benefit concert at Raleigh Little Theater. The headlining act was Bloomsbury, a congregation of experienced local musicians who first banded together in 1970 and have been creating harmonies together for the past 43 years. Bloomsbury is named after a park and well-known landmark that once existed in Raleigh. Wade Smith, a founding Bloomsbury band member says that the band plays the gamut of traditional music styles from our area, mainly blues, rock ‘n roll, folk, bluegrass, and gospel. Each band member plays at least three instruments – the banjo, guitar and fiddle – as their particular music style requires that you not just stick to one instrument.

Smith says that the band was enthusiastic to partner with PineCone for the first time, as the organization’s mission parallels exactly what stirs Bloomsbury’s deepest passion — bringing music to everyone and bringing people together to laugh and enjoy their down-home tunes.

“Pinecone is a friend of every band in every basement and on every street corner,” Smith said. “They encourage the arts by encouraging musicians and artists. Their work is so important in preserving the musical traditions of our region in N.C.”

Bloomsbury performing at the Pinecone fundraiser event

Bloomsbury performing at the Pinecone fundraiser event

As well as bringing in beloved local acts, PineCone also brings big-name performers to the area. Past performances include Tift Merrit, Doc Watson, Allen Toussaint, Mandolin Orange, Steve Martin, Emmylou Harris, Bela Fleck and The Lumineers.

On Feb. 15, Chatham County Line, a bluegrass-pickin’ foursome with roots in Raleigh and renowned nationally, will be performing with Virginia duo The Honey Dewdrops at Fletcher Opera Theater. On Mar. 1, The Gibson Brothers, who were named International Bluegrass Music Association’s 2012 Entertainer of the Year, will also play at Fletcher.

N.C. has a rich bluegrass music history and her capital has served as a central location of that music scene since its inception. Raleigh’s music history is so rich that the Capitol City has been chosen to host the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) World of Bluegrass events over the next three years.

The World of Bluegrass programs will have all of Raleigh pluckin’ and pickin’ beginning in Sept. The World of Bluegrass includes a business conference, the IBMA Awards Show and a music festival. “Wide Open Bluegrass” will take place Sept. 24-28 this year. PineCone is working hard on through a local organizing committee to plan a city-wide extravaganza of music and will welcome dozens of bands to venues all over town.

Check out PineCone’s performance schedule and pick your event to get a much needed dose of good ol’ N.C. music.

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Categories Creative Genius, Free Spirit, Music Maniac, Uncategorized

Wicked Divas Brings Some Sass to the N.C. Symphony

By peelerkb
January 14, 2013 //

As the capital city of the great state of N.C., Raleigh is home to a diverse group of acclaimed performing arts institutions. Raleigh’s rich cultural atmosphere has been shaped by local entities like the Carolina Ballet, the N.C. Opera, the N.C. Theatre and the N.C. Symphony.

The N.C. Symphony is truly a unique addition to our city’s strong arts presence. Founded in 1932, the N.C. Symphony is composed of more than 70 talented musicians who are dedicated to bringing quality music to patrons young and old, staging more than 175 performances per year for adults and school children all around the state. The Symphony’s home base is Meymandi Concert Hall at the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Raleigh, and their outdoor summer venue is KoKa Booth Amphitheatre in the Town of Cary.

The North Carolina Symphony

The North Carolina Symphony

Let’s get one thing straight: this isn’t your Grandmother’s symphony. If Beethoven and Strauss just aren’t your thing, have no fear. There is something for everyone when it comes to the repertoire of the N.C. Symphony.

In addition to executing well-known classics by famous composers, the Symphony hosts a range of diverse modern programming and exciting collaborative performances. They have performed with the likes of Yo-Yo Ma, Ben Folds, Randy Newman and Idina Menzel.  Last month, the Symphony hosted a Holiday Pops concerts alongside jazzy world music group, Pink Martini. During past Summerfest series shows at the woodsy Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary, the Symphony has played in company with recordings of humpback whales, performed pieces based on Shakespearean plays alongside area actors, and adapted 80’s pop hits such as Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and The Police’s “Every Breath You Take.”

Something sensational is going down next weekend at Meymandi Concert Hall in Raleigh as part of the Symphony’s Pops Series. “Wicked Divas,” features well-known showstoppers from “Wicked,” “Titanic” “Gypsy,” “Carmen” and “Spamalot.” The show will be led by the Symphony’s Resident Conductor William Henry Curry, with octave-charged vocals by Katie Rose Clark and Nicole Parker. Both singers have had lead roles in recent Broadway productions of Wicked, with Katie playing Glinda the Good and Nicole performing the part of Elphaba. With the combination of epic scores from Broadway, opera and popular music, plus the star-quality intonations of Katie Rose Clark and Nicole Parker, “Wicked Divas” is sure to be one explosive display.

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“Wicked Divas” will be performed on Fri., Jan. 18, and Sat., Jan. 19. Check out the N.C. Symphony’s website to purchase tickets or check out the schedule for future performances, including next month’s “The Planets: An HD Odyssey.”

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Categories Creative Genius, Free Spirit, Music Maniac, Uncategorized

Keeping It Local at Hopscotch 2012

By peelerkb
September 11, 2012 //

If you found yourself anywhere near downtown this weekend, chances are you experienced at least a morsel of Hopscotch Music Festival. Gigs were taking place from noon to late-night all weekend long — 175 bands, 15 venues, 3 days. That’s a lot of music and whole lot of energy.

 Hopscotch Day Parties were a huge hit, featuring an assemblage of local bands playing at hotspots around town for free. The weather was beautiful and good vibes abundant. Friday afternoon outside of the Contemporary Art Museum, The Love Language, an indie rock band straight out of Raleigh, gathered a sizeable crowd in the street between tables pushing PBR and local food trucks. The next day, in front of Raleigh Times, hip-hop group Kooley High seriously repped the City of Oaks leading a spontaneous NC State cheer and dropping songs like “Dear Raleigh”. A few minutes later, one street over in front of the Mecca, folk-rock group Megafaun pleased the crowd accompanied by Adam Granduciel from War on Drugs.

At the post-5 pm shows, wristbands were needed for entry. I tried to keep it local as much as possible, seeing Durham-based Lilac Shadows at King’s and Raleigh’s Birds of Avalon at Tir Na Nog. Other notable experiences included bigger names from more distant locales like Deerhoof, who lit up Memorial Auditorium Thursday night, Thee Oh Sees, who had a crowd going nuts late-night at CAM, and of course headliners The Roots, who braved inclement weather to play for the masses at City Plaza Saturday night.

On more than one occasion I didn’t quite make it to a show that I had sworn I would attend. More than a couple of times I needed to take a step back and re-center to keep from stressing over what I was possibly missing. At a festival jam-packed with worthy acts it is sometimes necessary to reimagine your schedule and make tradeoffs. Wander in to see a group you weren’t previously familiar with and you may just walk away with a favorite new band. That’s the beauty of Hopscotch.


After much time spent weaving through a sea of hipsters I couldn’t help but think that Raleigh had finally “made it.” Maybe it was because I was previously a Hopscotch newbie and had yet to experience such a weekend in my hometown, but I emerged on Sunday with a serious case of Raleigh pride. All weekend, one could sense the surreal bubble that had descended here as an amazing and diverse group of people fellowshipped for three straight days under a common love of music.

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Categories Creative Genius, Music Maniac

100 Outdoor Concerts in Greater Raleigh

By visitraleigh
May 16, 2012 //

Warm weather and live music are a recipe for a great time, and Raleigh knows this as well as anyone. The area’s outdoor concert venues are bringing in fantastic performers this summer and providing plenty of chances to catch some tunes in the open air. Below is your guide to 100 outdoor music events for Music Maniacs this concert season.

Raleigh Amphitheater – The outdoor amphitheater in downtown Raleigh holds 5,500 people and draws major performers. This summer’s lineup includes Gavin DeGraw, Train, My Morning Jacket and Florence + The Machine.

Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek – Big crowds and big acts. Take advantage of the weather, and do some tailgating before the show. This summer take in Drake, Toby Keith, Jason Aldean, Jason Mraz and more.

Koka Booth Amphitheatre – Koka Booth in Cary has more than 15 jazz, symphony and bluegrass shows lined up for you, including a free July 4th show that includes fireworks.

Midtown Beach Music – Season 5 of the Midtown Beach Music Series at North Hills brings weekly free concerts on Thursday nights to the popular shopping and entertainment area.

Oak City 7 – A new, free concert series in City Plaza in downtown Raleigh with seven great acts on the schedule. Bring your friends—including pets—and grab some beer and food from the local vendors on site.

Music on the Porch – 12 family-oriented live music events—every 2nd and 4th Friday through mid-October at Mordecai Historic Park in Raleigh. Just a $5 donation, BYOB.

Music off Main – Downtown Garner’s free concert series on the lawn of the Garner Performing Arts Center. Bring your blankets and chairs for these rock, beach music, Southern funk bands.

Art in the Museum Park – An annual tradition at the North Carolina Museum of Art’s Joseph M. Bryan Jr. Theater, which is a work of art itself, and the largest concert venue of any art museum in the country. Make sure to check out the consistently excellent and eclectic lineup here.

First Friday – A fun-filled introduction to Raleigh’s arts and music scene on the first Friday of each month in downtown. You’ll find live music and entertainment in various venues and streets, mostly free.

Sertoma Amphitheatre – Programmed by the Town of Cary and providing free concerts for the public, Sertoma has more than a handful of acts on tap this summer including Red June, the Triangle Wind Ensemble and Cool John Ferguson.

Music in the Valley – Free weekly concerts on Wednesdays at Crabtree Valley Mall. Lawn chairs welcome and happy hour specials provided by the restaurants on site.

For a complete list of Greater Raleigh’s concert schedule (indoors and out), visit
http://www.visitRaleigh.com/visitors/concerts/

Categories Music Maniac

24 more fun things to do in Greater Raleigh

By visitraleigh
April 18, 2012 //

There was so much interest in our post about “24 Fun Things to Do in Greater Raleigh” that we’ve taken your suggestions and created “24 More Fun Things to Do in Greater Raleigh” in celebration of the 24-hour grand opening of the Nature Research Center on April 20-21. We know there is a lot more to do in our area, so continue to give us your suggestions on Facebook and Twitter.

  1. Get dancing – Take in a performance by the world-renowned Carolina Ballet. Not to miss–their “magical” version of The Nutcracker.
  2. Say hello to history – Mordecai Historic Park has the birthplace of Andrew Johnson and gives visitors a chance to discover what life was like in the early days of Raleigh.
  3. Buy local –It’s that time of year again! Fresh produce rules at one of the area’s many weekly markets. Try the State Farmers Market, the largest in the state and open daily.
  4. Take an iconic picture – Have your picture taken in front of the giant copper acorn in Moore Square. This 1,250-pound sculpture is dropped on New Year’s Eve during First Night celebrations.
  5. Find a food truck – This culinary trend is popping up in unexpected places. Follow local favorites like Klausie’s Pizza on Twitter to find out where to grab the perfect slice.
  6. Take a hike – Falls Lake is the perfect place to get out and enjoy nature on any of the hiking and biking trails.
  7. Get your swing on – The area is home to golf courses like Lonnie Poole, designed by Arnold Palmer, and with seasonal temperatures, it’s the perfect time to hit the links.
  8. Eat pie – Grab a slice, of pie that is, at Piebird in Historic Oakwood. This quaint restaurant serves homemade dessert pies and hand pies.
  9. Discover glorious gardens – The Raleigh area has some of the most beautiful gardens in the state including the J.C. Raulston Arboretum with more than 5,000 plants on display.
  10. Tour a historic neighborhood – The Historic Oakwood neighborhood of downtown Raleigh is a 30-block area of lovingly restored Victorian and early 20th century homes. Take a self-guided walking tour.
  11. Peruse the aisles – The Cotton Company in Wake Forest is an old cotton warehouse that is now home to hundreds of vendors selling unique and handmade arts, crafts, clothing and more.
  12. Run fast – Lace up your running shoes for one of the area’s road races. Runner favorites  include the Raleigh Rocks Half Marathon or the City of Oaks Marathon.
  13. Have a Scotty sighting – Last year’s American Idol winner still calls Garner home and can be seen out and about.
  14. Scream G-O-A-L – The WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary is home to the NASL Carolina Railhawks professional soccer team, but it also hosts numerous collegiate and amateur soccer championships and tournaments.
  15. Batter up – Take in a game at Zebulon’s Five County Stadium as the Single-A Carolina Mudcats take to the mound against teams like the Wilmington Blue Hens and Lynchburg Hillcats.
  16. Learn line-dancing lingo – Venues like The Longbranch of Raleigh provide the perfect place to learn the boot-scootin’ boogie or to see some of the next big bands in country music.
  17. Have cupcakes – Shhh… we won’t tell that you have a cupcake from The Cupcake Shoppe before dinner.
  18. Find the perfect accessory – Moon and Lola, an Apex-based designer, is currently in the process of opening a store  in downtown Raleigh, and is known for jewelry with feminine charms, as well as bold accent pieces.
  19. Check the visitRaleigh.com calendar – The Raleigh area is known for unique festivals and events no matter what time of year you’re here.
  20. Experience Summerfest – Summerfest, held at Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre, is a favorite for visitors and locals and provides incredible music from the N.C. Symphony in a stunning outdoor environment.
  21. Dine and Shop – Restaurants and specialty stores like NoFo at the Pig and Zest Café & Home Art come together under one roof to provide the perfect marriage of dining and shopping.
  22. Have a wine tasting – Yes, you heard correctly, the Raleigh area is home to three wineries. Take a tour and stay for a tasting to discover why everyone’s talking about North Carolina wines.
  23. Glide on water – Triangle Glides is the only Raleigh area company to offer Stand Up Paddleboarding lessons on Lake Wheeler and Lake Johnson.
  24. Be a part of “Raleigh’s New World” – Take advantage of deals and savings surrounding the opening of the Nature Research Center.
Categories Adrenaline Junkie, Creative Genius, Fashionista, Featured, Foodie, Free Spirit, Lifelong Learner, Music Maniac, New World

Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour by Cirque du Soleil

By vrauthor
February 29, 2012 //

What happens when the legendary King of Pop meets a dazzling on-stage acrobatic performance? Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour! This unlikely union may sound different, and that’s because it is – wonderfully different. A riveting fusion of dance, music and acrobatics, this thrilling performance immerses audiences in the products of Michael Jackson’s creative legend, while putting a unique and fantastical spin on his signature dance moves.

THE IMMORTAL World Tour is coming to Raleigh’s RBC Center on March 10th and 11th for two performances you won’t want to miss. It doesn’t matter if you’re a diehard Michael Jackson fan or you’ll be experiencing his artistry for the first time, this performance will entertain and thrill you by celebrating a legacy that transcends generations in a whole new way.

The narrative of THE IMMORTAL takes us to Michael’s inspirational Giving Tree, the source of his creativity. As the story unfolds, the secrets of his inner world are revealed, including his love of music and dance, fantasy and magic, and the beauty of nature.

With captivating visuals that will take your breath away and powerful, legendary music and lyrics driving the show, this performance will bring Michael to life with extraordinary power. And all the while, you’ll experience underscores of his global messages of love, peace and unity. Long-time or new fan, buy your tickets today so you won’t miss out on an event that celebrates a true legend of our time.

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Categories Creative Genius, Music Maniac

New Year’s Celebrations Galore

By visitraleigh
December 21, 2011 //

In addition to the popular First Night Raleigh celebration in downtown Raleigh, there are many ways to bring in the New Year in Greater Raleigh. Whether you decide to go to one, two or a combination of several of the celebratory events going on Dec. 31st, you’re going to find the celebration for you.

The 6th Annual New Year’s Blast is a diverse cultural event that will feature delicious Indian cuisine, South Asian music, a laser light show, and dance and dress competitions. Watch the Big Apple drop on a giant 10’x10’ screen while enjoying a complimentary champagne toast, or rack up in awesome prizes by joining in on Bingo. This event is perfect for those seeking a low-key New Years Eve.

For an exciting, energetic evening, reserve your spot in the New Year’s Eve Extravaganza 2012 at the RBC Center. Join K97.5 and partners for a fun night of music, dancing and celebration. This event is for adults 21+ only and includes complimentary party favors and a live viewing of the Times Square ball drop.

Looking for a romantic New Year’s Eve over a candlelit gourmet dinner? Enjoy an exquisitely prepared four-course dinner at The Umstead Hotel’s award-winning restaurant, Herons. Let your palate enjoy bringing in the New Year just as much as you will.

Find more events for people of all ages and interests here.

 

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Categories Foodie, Free Spirit, Music Maniac

Raleigh Celebrates the Holidays!

By visitraleigh
November 22, 2011 //

It’s that time of year again! The holidays are a wonderful time to take a trip to Greater Raleigh, where you can explore local holiday traditions, take care of gift shopping and find holiday cheer mixed with southern charm. The 2011-12 holiday season is sure to be unforgettable, with shopping extravaganzas, historic tours, special concerts, theatrical performances and so much more.

If you’re an Adrenaline Junkie, lace up your skates and head out to the AT&T Raleigh Winterfest Ice Rink, or grab your running shoes for the annual Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis. Creative Geniuses won’t be able to get enough of the dozens of holiday performances and concerts during November and December, and Lifelong Learners will have a blast on the many historic holiday tours and exhibits the area has to offer.

Fashionistas can shop like crazy at one of the shopping events in the area, or plan your own shopping day among the county’s 11 major shopping areas. Foodies, beware!  You’ll find so many holiday dinners and events that you’ll be happily bursting at the seams when you return home. Free Spirits and everyone in between can enjoy parades, plus lightings of the Menorah, the Kinara and the spruce tree.

Is your head spinning? Explore all of the fun holiday events Greater Raleigh has to offer on visitRaleigh.com’s holiday website. Plus, find great holiday deals on accommodations, travel and shopping.  ‘Tis the season to visit Raleigh!

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Categories Adrenaline Junkie, Creative Genius, Fashionista, Foodie, Free Spirit, Lifelong Learner, Music Maniac
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