2010 is a very special year for music in North Carolina. The overwhelming amount of quality music being created and played in the area has given way to a teeming network of artists, labels, publications, documentarians and appreciators. For this reason, local newspaper The Independent decided to organize a giant music festival right in the middle of North Carolina, and we are very excited about it. In addition to the 60 or so excellent local bands playing the Hopscotch Music Festival, we have heavy hitters like Public Enemy, Broken Social Scene and Tortoise visiting our fair Piedmont. And whether they intend to or not, they are shedding a national light on some of the great, overlooked music from around here. Hopscotch starts today, and we're not expecting to sleep much until its over. There are hundreds of great things to see, but here are our recommendations for your Hopscotch journey.
THURSDAY
12:30PM-5PM | Knox With An X Day Party (Kings)
The amazing round of free day parties starts off Thursday with 307 Knox Records' Knox With An X. Many great bands are playing short sets, including Midtown Dickens, Phil Cook and North Elementary. Great way to start off the festival.
4PM-6PM | Superchunk Listening Party (Foundation Bar)
One of the bands responsible for our incredible music scene, Superchunk, is releasing a new album this year, and this is an opportunity to hear it before it comes out. Listening parties are underrated and oft forgotten rituals, so take advantage of this opportunity.
10PM | Midtown Dickens (Deep South)
Midtown Dickens are some of our best friends and favorite musicians. Their shows always feel like family gatherings. Their songs are the backporch tunes you never sung. But now you get the chance. Midtown Dickens are also playing the Trekky Records day party on Saturday, but they'll play more songs at this show, so plan to catch both!
11:30PM | Pattern Is Movement (Busy Bee)
Pattern Is Movement are dear old friends of ours from Philadelphia, PA. Over the years, we've seen them develop from an angular, experimental 5-piece guitar rock band, to a virtuosic, math-soul duo. These fellas make some very challenging and beautiful music. Highly recommended.
12:30AM | Akron/Family (Pour House)
If you have never seen Akron/Family before, you are in for the party of your life. You've been warned.
FRIDAY
11AM-6PM | Friend Island Day Party (Pour House)
One perk of Hopscotch is that so many friends from out of town have a reason to come visit! Hometapes is one of our favorite record labels outside of NC, and we're very happy that they will be in town and also have their very own day party. Come show these Portland folks some NC love, and enjoy music from Megafaun and Pattern Is Movement. Free!
7PM | Broken Social Scene (Raleigh City Plaza)
Broken Social Scene are unbelievably awesome, both on record and live. Good job, Hopscotch for getting these Canadian geniuses. Maybe a guest appearance from John McEntire, who produced BSS' latest album and is in town with Tortoise? Hope so.
10:30PM | Veelee (Busy Bee)
Veelee is from Carrboro, but any chance to see them play should be taken. Matt Park and Ginger Wagg cover a lot of ground for two people, accumulating guitars, drums, keyboards, samples and loops to make dense, textural pop songs. Can't wait to hear their new record, out soon on Grip Tapes. This show is at the same time as Sharon Van Etten, who we also recommend, but she's also playing at our free day party on Saturday, so you could see both!
11:30PM | Bowerbirds (Pour House)
More hometown heroes! There's many great bands from out of town, but objectively, we still feel like many of the local bands are the must-see shows at Hopscotch. Bowerbirds make beautiful woodland folk music. For this show, their usual guitar/accordion setup will be augmented by a small string section, marimba and mandolin.
SATURDAY
2PM-5:30PM | DAY-DREAM Day Party (Pour House)
Our very own day party! We're thrilled to host this free day party, with a bill that is a true dream come true for us. Lost in the Trees, Midtown Dickens, Sharon Van Etten, Embarrassing Fruits and Butterflies will all play in the same place. We'll keep things moving swiftly and there'll be free popsicles, so we hope that you'll party with us all afternoon!
12AM (Midnight) | Tortoise (Lincoln Theatre)
Another brilliant choice for Hopscotch to bring to NC. Tortoise is probably the best instrumental band of all time. These Chicago post-rock legends possess that magic combination of technical ability and restraint that creates music that is endlessly rewarding. Great way to close out the festival.
See you in Raleigh!
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