—article by David Menconi It’s such a natural, the only surprise is that it’s taken this long: An album of Squirrel Nut Zippers alumnus Katharine Whalen singing nothing but songs by the late great jazz chanteuse Billie Holiday. The album is To Hide a Heart That’s Blue, available on Bandcamp, and it’s the first release… Read More →
Down on Copperline
Down on Copperline: Mipso Regathers and Returns with Confidence
—Article by David Menconi For most of its existence, the bluegrass-flavored Americana group Mipso has had a steady upward trajectory. Since forming on-campus at UNC-Chapel Hill about a decade ago, Mipso cultivated a following that grew locally, regionally and nationally. They became a top draw on the live circuit, and also regulars in the top-10 of… Read More →
Down on Copperline: Orange County Music Gift Guide
—Article by David Menconi This has been an exceptionally difficult year for arts and music communities everywhere, with the Coronavirus pandemic bringing live-music and entertainment gatherings to an abrupt halt. The future remains uncertain for nightclubs and other venues. The silver lining, however, is that plenty of local artists kept right on releasing music. In fact,… Read More →
Down on Copperline: Musicians and Murals: Scott Nurkin and Libba Cotten
—Article by David Menconi Chapel Hill resident Scott Nurkin has always led something of a double life – rock-band drummer by night, mural painter by day. While he makes most of his noise as drummer in bands including Birds of Avalon, he makes a living as a painter. It’s enough of a living to support… Read More →
Down on Copperline: Step It Up & Go
—Article by David Menconi Orange County figures prominently in my new book, Step It Up and Go: The Story of North Carolina Popular Music, from Blind Boy Fuller and Doc Watson to Nina Simone and Superchunk – and not just because it’s being published by University of North Carolina Press in Chapel Hill. A lot of… Read More →