#rdu

   I like music.  I’m pretty sure that’s an uncontroversial opinion right?  People these days still like to boogey and pop and breakdance as they do things or focus on homework right?  It’s funny though, I’m looking through what Google says are some of the top “Things to Do” in Raleigh and amongst the parks and museums, I’m noticing a distinct lack of music venues.  

   So, as community service in penance for my existence; here’s a list in no particular order of spots where you can go to enjoy live music. Places where you can feel the bass push through you as you crowd together with a bunch of sweaty strangers to enjoy some good sounds and possibly some good drinks.  

1 -- The Lincoln Theatre  (126 E Carrabus St. Raleigh, NC)

   I had to put this one first because it’s one of the most talked about venues by far amongst my peer group.   Probably the most well-known venue in Raleigh, I don’t need to go into much detail but I will anyway because more out-of-towners need to know this place exists too. 

   Located in Downtown Raleigh, the Lincoln Theatre is a small-ish venue that hosts a variety of events at a variety of prices.  Seminars, rock n roll shows, country music, and more have all been hosted here on the southern end of downtown.  

   Friendly owners, a variety of events, and on top of all this, tickets are fairly decently priced.  Looking at the current list of events, ticket prices can range between 12 and 25 dollars; making it great for those of us on a permanent budget.  

2 -- Wild Wing Cafe (7900 Brier Creek Pkwy)

   I like food, as much as I like music.  Maybe even, I like food MORE than I like music, writing, playing video games, or petting dogs.  Hard to relate to, I know, but this means places that combine food with any of these other things quickly become one of my favorite spots.  

   Of course, there are plenty of places I could put on this list that combine live music with dining; but Wild Wing Cafe has been and will probably remain my favorite for the foreseeable future.  A predominantly East coast chain that focuses on wings and other bar food, the main draw, of course, is the excellently done wings; but it also has events like Music Bingo and Karaoke. 

   Usually starting around 10PM on weekends,  bands like 8Track Minds and other cover bands are the most popular fare, blasting classic rock covers loud enough to shake the seats no matter where you’re sitting. There’s no cover charge except for the cost of your meal and drinks, so it’s another cheap and easy way to hear some halfway decent performances.  

3 -- Imurj (300 S McDowell St)

   So you’d expect a club to appear sooner on this list, right?  They’re literally venues designed to bring in people for drinks, social interaction, and music.  On top of that, why one that’s described as “The Artists Cafe” and “A collaborative space for artists and musicians” over any of the other art and music scenes?

   Well, firstly, they recently added a food menu with items like ‘Thors Hammer’ and ‘Yes, Please, Hot Ham & Cheese’; which earns points for making me giggle (yes, I know.  I’m such a mature adult).  Secondly, this is the only bar I’m aware of in Raleigh that has an Emo Karaoke Night. 

   Yes, you read that right; Emo Karaoke Night.  At least once a month Imurj hosts a karaoke event amongst it’s open mics and comedy shows, where patrons can “Get sad, sing bad” in an all-ages event that lets you experience 2006 all over again as people belt out the hits by bands like My Chemical Romance, Fallout Boy, and more.  Of course, there are other musically based events hosted here; but this is far and away the best one.

4 -- The Pour House   (224 S Blount St.)

   No list of musical venues and events would be complete without this one.  Billed as a music hall first despite the punny naming conventions; The Pour House is a crown gem of music located next to Moore Square.

      Like Lincoln Theatre, it’s a small-ish venue located in downtown Raleigh that hosts a variety of musical genres.  Country, Jazz, Electronica and more, but the venue in question has a slight lean towards rock and punk rock.  Yes, you can see bands like “DJs Midnite Cowboy & Uno Dose” perfoming but you’ll have more bands like “Olivia Jean w/ Them” and a Blink 182 tribute event.  

   Tickets are cheap, and the venue doubles as a record store as well.  Friendly staff, great tunes, a “School of Rock” that promises to help people learn Rock n Roll with inspirations like Blue Oyster Cult, and just a long history of being an awesome place make this a must-see destination for anyone who’s into music.

 There’s more places to let the beat flow through you in Raleigh, for sure.  But to be honest, it’s not my field of expertise.  On top of that, music in Raleigh is quite possibly one of the most sporadic things I can think of.

   Amateur and sometimes professional bands will make appearances at the earlier mentioned parks and museums I dissed, as well as places that have situational music situations; like the Open Rehearsals the NC Symphony does that students can enter for free (Or you can attend if you donate $100 to the arts).