By David Menconi When it comes to songwriting, it’s good to be prolific, and Michael Venutolo-Mantovani is – but the catch is he doesn’t exactly have control of when the songwriting bug hits. “The flood hits and I’ll write 10, 20, 30, even 40 songs all at once,” Mantovani says. “Then the spigot turns off and… Read More →
Down on Copperline
Down on Copperline: Jonathan Byrd & The Pickup Cowboys
By David Menconi The COVID-19 shutdown has darkened business across North Carolina, including live-music venues, with no end in sight. But there’s one regular long-running weekly performance event that is still going, although you can’t go see it in person. You can, however, watch it online every Wednesday evening. Named after a Piedmont blues classic by… Read More →
Down on Copperline: Renzo Ortega & the Orange County Arts Support Fund
By David Menconi The Coronavirus quarantine going into effect across America has been devastating for the nation’s business, but even more so for the arts. Not only has the shutdown canceled or postponed arts events, it has also closed down the restaurants, bars and other businesses where artists work to supplement their income. It’s an… Read More →
Down on Copperline: Swanson Violins in Hillsborough
By David Menconi Just west of Hillsborough’s Churton Street main drag, the first block of West Tryon is like a trip back in time. That’s where you’ll find Hillsborough’s Old Town Cemetery, final resting place of some of North Carolina’s most notable long-ago politicians. It’s the home address of renowned novelist Allan Gurganus, celebrated author… Read More →
Down on Copperline: Billie Feather
By David Menconi Check the “Current Bands” section of Billie Feather’s website, and you’ll see no less than eight acts covering everything from bluegrass to punk. She also does the occasional guitar-tech gig and teaches pretty much any stringed instrument – guitar, bass, mandolin, ukulele and banjo (three-finger picking as well as old-time frailing) –… Read More →