“I should rent some movies / Lock myself in my room / Try to get my drinking under control / Post a new entry to a blog that no one reads / And concede / That I’m getting old,” Billy Sugarfix reasons in the first lines on the first track (“Out Like a Lamb”) of his latest record Summer Tempests.  But, if you’ve caught even a whisper of any of Sugarfix’s incredibly creative output, then you know that isn’t reason, it’s madness and it’s exactly the opposite of what needs to happen. No concession, no “getting older” so-called maturity should impede the art that so seemingly nonchalantly flows through his head and out to his fingertips onto blogs and televisions and especially into speakers.

Sugarfix has made an ineffable mark on the local scene.  A montage of his time might note his rambles rocking out as one third of the much beloved Evil Weiner, his jaunts busking solo, his moments crafting pop vocal gems as one half of Password to Larkspur Lane, and even his side business creating custom serenades.  That foreshortened list of credits alone would be evidence enough of his energy and  drive, but, ever the entertainer, it’s also not the end for Sugarfix.  Just recently, he’s started a new project, Billy Sugarfix’s Carousel, a five piece chamber pop ensemble that features a few familiar faces.  Curious ears can catch this chapter of the Sugarfix experience live at The Nightlight on Saturday, March 20 where the Carousel will be joined by The Houston Brothers, Anna Bullard, and John Harrison of North Elementary.

And now just your standard nonstandard five question interrogation:

1. If your band were a movie, what would it be?

Ed Wood, and by that I mean the biographic film directed by Tim Burton.  When you boil it all down this film is about a bunch of oddly skilled misfits who pool their resources to make something really unique, which is what I hope to do with Billy Sugarfix’s Carousel.

2. When did you start collecting Busby style hats?

Evil Wiener has a song called Marching Band.  When it first came out Ron Liberti and Groves Willer got me this really nice red one to wear when we played the song.  I ended up wearing it until it was all but destroyed.   When it became absolutely un-wearable I began looking for a replacement.  I couldn’t find one exactly like it so I just began collecting every one that I came across.   Ever since I started this collection I have been given constant positive reinforcement in the form of questions such as this one, so as long as you all keep asking me about it I’ll keep collecting them.  I currently have 17.

3. Describe your feelings about performing. (Why do you often wear a mask, costumes, etc?)

I use the mask to represent a devil may care attitude and an absolute commitment to entertain.  I will admit though, that I’ve felt my guitar style is so simplistic that it isn’t enough to carry a performance and I therefore wear the mask to compensate for the lack of finger-picking and lead lines.   I’ve recently started being a lot more serious about guitar playing and have decided to temporarily discontinue the use of masks, and to compensate for my developing skill by surrounding myself with brilliant musicians such as those in the Carousel (Justin Blatt-Viola, Sara Zaleta-vocals, Doug Vuncannon-Double Bass, Wendy Spitzer-Oboe)

4. Who/what might be a few inspirations or influences that might really surprise people?

Enya.  I like Enya.  Yes that’s right…the Celtic New Age “Sail Away” lady.  I think Orinoco Flow is a brilliant piece of music.  So there.

Another huge influence that deserves mentioning is the Trekky Yuletide Orchestra.  Seeing all those strings, brass,  and woodwinds work in a rock club setting really kind of set me on the path to writing for and incorporating  classical instrumentation into what I’m doing.

5. What did you dream of being when you were a kid? (How ’d that turn out?)

I was dead set on being a fighter pilot until I discovered that the Air Force no longer used bi-planes.

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Take a ride on Billy Sugarfix’s Carousel this Saturday, March 20 at The Nightlight.  And by all means, when you see him give Billy a high five!

Here are the links:

Citizen regular section: http://www.carrborocitizen.com/print/citizen031810.pdf

2010 Gardening Guide special section: http://www.carrborocitizen.com/print/specsections/GardenGuide2010.pdf

Mid-week you are advised to be more creative than to stumble into the nearest crappy Irish themed bar.  I mean, really.

Mon – 3/15

• I Was Totally Destroying it / Mobley / En Serenade @ Local 506 – $5

Tues – 3/16

• Dexter Romweber (solo) @ The Cave – $TBA

• Kool Keith / Juan Juevos @ Cat’s Cradle – $15 adv / $17 day of the show

• Music Trivia Night @ The Pinhook – Win a round, win a pitcher. Enough said. $FREE!

• Aminal / Mobley / North Elementary @ The Pour House – $FREE!

Wed – 3/17

• Unknown Hinson / Blood Red River @ Berkeley Café – Unknown Hinson, a musician, performance artist (?), and the voice of Early on the Squidbillies, is a total nut. See: this.  Wednesday night there’s going to be a sideburn and beehive contest at the show, which is enough of a reason in itself to advertise it. I mean, right?  $15

• Fruit Bats  / Blue Gient / The Singleman Affair @ Local 506 – $10 adv / $12 at the door

• St. Patty’s Day with Penny Prophets / Randy Whitt’s Celtic Celebration @ The Cave – $TBA

• Roots of Africa Jam Down with live sets by members of Balankora and featuring sets with DJs Ethan Clauset and Charlie Hearon @ The Nightlight – $5-8 (sliding price scale because it’s also a benefit for “Taking it to the Bridge II” at Caare INC.)

• St. Patrick’s Day Mug Night with Waylandsphere / The Oatmeal Conspiracy / Triple Wide @ The Pour House – $6

Thurs – 3/18

• The Black Lips / Box Elders @ Cat’s Cradle – …because even though that one guy spits loogies in the air and catches them in his mouth, at least he doesn’t pee on stage anymore (as my friend Austin warned me one time). Oh and also because they make great gritty rock’n'roll. $10 adv / $12 day of the show

• Humble Tripe / Mandolin Orange / Clawform @ The Nightlight – $TBA

• Battlefield @ The Arts’ Center in Carrboro – Ignore your waning hangover and let these Scots introduce you to the sounds of their Celtic revival. $

• Guybrarian DJ Night @ Local 506 – $FREE!

Fri – 3/19

• Solas @ The Arts’ Center in Carrboro – Celebrate St. Patrick’s late with this talented quartet’s superb Irish folk music. $24 / $22 for ArtsClub members

• The Mercury Program / Fin Fang Foom @ Local 506 – $8

• Dance Party to Benefit Choice USA @ The Pinhook – $5

Sat – 3/20

• Billy Sugarfix / Anna Bullard / John Harrison / Houston Brothers @ The Nightlight – $TBA

• The Rosebuds / Mount Weather @ Cat’s Cradle – $10 adv / $12 day of the show ((editors note: This show has been canceled.))
  

• Athens Boys Choir / 8 inch Betsy / Pink Flag / Pariah Piranha @ Local 506 – Should you be confused about who Athens Boys Choir is this video is a decent primer. $7

• Dance Party to raise funds for sending people to the Human Rights Conference at the Hague @ The Pinhook – $5

Sun – 3/21

• Deerhunter / Schooner / Free Electric State @ Cat’s Cradle – $14 adv / $16 day of the show

• Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, Dale Ann Bradley, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, Danny Paisley & the Southern Grass @ Raleigh’s Meymandi Concert Hall – $40-$50 for PineCone members, $45-$55 public

Where else?

A gutturally honest new addition to the local scene, the music of Old Bricks combines splintered narratives, fragile vocals, and a cobweb-cluttered aural-field of effects and drum bursts.  Centered on the confessionally-tinged songs of Stuart Edwards and filled out with the help of Andy Holmes, the music is a bewitching blend of art and ache.  Though the project initially cut teeth in Nashville, it’s found its legs here nearer to their homesteads in Rocky Mount.

Thus far, they’ve released one EP and now, to our great luck, a debut LP collection of tunes, Farmers (available for preview over at IndyWeek).   If you really want to see what these guys are up to, you can catch them live (along with The Daredevil Christopher Wright and The Tender Fruit) at Slim’s in Raleigh on Friday, March 12th.

And now, five questions and five answers:

1. If your band were a president, who would it be?

Teddy Roosevelt

2. When did you decide it was time to share this music?

Never planned on not sharing it

3. Describe the perfect midnight snack.

cereal

4. Who/what might be a few inspirations or influences that might really surprise people?

tv on the radio

5. What did you dream of being when you were a kid? (how ’d that turn out?)

NBA star-dream died in sixth grade

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Even if that was a abbreviated,  be sure to toss a high five at the Old Bricks when you catch ‘em out. And check back next week!

Here’s the link:

http://www.carrborocitizen.com/print/citizen031110.pdf

Break into the spring with a show or four.

Mon – 3/8

• Eric Clapton / Roger Daltrey @ The RBC Center – $45/$65/$85

Tues – 3/9

• Mount Moriah / Sandwitches / Filthybird @ The Nightlight – Heather McEntire may bounce around genres (Bellafea – Rock / Un Deux Trois – Pop / Mount Moriah – Country), but damn is she good at it. $5

• Justin Townes Earle / Joe Pug @ The ArtsCenter in Carrboro – $16 / $14 for ArtsClub members

Wed – 3/10

• The Trails / Old 86 @ Cat’s Cradle – $9 adv / $12 day of the show

• Stars of Track and Field / Simple @ Local 506 – $6 adv / $8 at the door

• Wolf Nipple Foofarah: An Acoustic Group Musical Happening @ The Pinhook – Bring along your acoustic instruments and prepare to jam. All skill levels welcome. $FREE!

Thurs – 3/11

• The David Wax Museum / The Daredevil Christopher Wright @ The Pinhook – $5

• Jim Avett / Amelia’s Mechanics / Carolina Roadkill @ The Pour House -Yes, that Jim Avett or those Avetts. $6 adv / $8 at the door

• Spirit Family Reunion / Whiskey Smugglers @ The Cave – $6

• Danielson / Ortolan / Ben & Vesper @ Local 506 – $10 adv / $12 at the door

Fri – 3/12

• The Morning Benders / Miniature Tigers / Acrylics @ Local 506 – The Morning Benders make fun, addictive, pavement-lite pop rock. I’ve had their record Talking Through Tin Cans on sporadic rotation since I stumbled on this gem of a video sometime two summers ago.  Pro-Tip: go to this show.  $10

• Pierced Arrows / Shit Horse @ The Cave – To quote the Cave,” Pierced Arrows, the Portland-based trio comprised of legendary members Fred and Toody Cole of the seminal punk band Dead Moon and drummer Kelly Halliburton are coming.” No joke. Advance tickets are on sale now. $10

• Terrence Simien & The Zydeco Experience @ The ArtsCenter in Carrboro – $17 / $15 for ArtsClub members

• Benji Hughes / Skullbuckle @ The Pour House – $TBA

Sat – 3/13

• The Low Anthem / Lissie / Annie & The Beekeepers @ Cat’s Cradle – You are out of your gourd if you miss the double whammy of the ethereal, beautiful Low Anthem and soulful folk of up-and-comer Lissie. $12 adv / $14 day of the show

• Mega Haiti Benefit Dance Party featuring: Scientfiic Superstar / Anamanaguchi / Sabre Pulse / Henry Home Sweet (UK) / Starscream / Virgo 9 / Barron / DJ Yammy @ The Nightlight – $5 suggested donation

• Dexter Romweber Duo /Hank Sinatra / Killer Filler @ The Pour House – $8 adv / $10 at the door

Sun – 3/14

• Patrick Street @ The ArtsCenter in Carrboro – Legendary Irish musicians join forces and show off their virtuosity for the betterment of everyone-in-earshot’s coming St. Patrick’s Day.  $25 / $23 for ArtsClub members

Anywhere else?

When it comes to local musicians that need little introduction, vocal luminary and founding Squirrel Nut Zipper, Katharine Whalen is perhaps tops on that list.  She’s done her share of musical adventuring, storming with the Zippers through some raucous fusion of Delta blues, Gypsy jazz, Klezmer and beyond and musing the possibilities of 60s’ pop, trip-hop beats, and torch songs on other personal projects.  So, it’s not so much introducing her that’s the trick as it is unraveling the layered and experimental sounds that crowd her musical catalog.

With her latest outfit, Lucky, Whalen turns the page once again, this time toward surf-tinged rock’n'roll thick with 4-part harmonies and pop melodic sense.  The cast of characters  for this venture is rounded out by Will Dawson (of The Squirrel Nut Zippers), Ken Johnson, Darrell Young, and Steve Newton, and if you’re lucky you’ll catch them out live as they ramp up to a debut release due sometime this spring.

And now all that’s left are the five hardest questions in faux business:

1. If your band were a sitcom, what would it be?

The Andy Griffith Show.

2. When did you decide to start this new project?

I heard the first version of the song “Lucky” in a trailer behind “The N Club” in Greensboro before a snz show about 3 years ago. It was a punk-rock song originally, and I thought it would make a great country song.  We stole the rhythm section of our favorite bar band and the rest is history.

3. Describe the last time you felt really lucky.

This past month, when I was snowed in for 3 days with my family and lots of supplies (and cats) and I wrote 4 songs.

4. Who/what might be a few inspirations or influences that might really surprise people?

Mr Tater the Greatest Music Maker Alive, Tasha Tudor, Dare Wright, and John Steinbeck.

5. What did you dream of being when you were a kid? (How ’d that turn out?)

Veterinarian.  I do have a lot of several cats.

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Be sure to check back for the next furious five question assault to hit the blogosphere.  Keep tabs on Lucky shows and their upcoming release here.  And be sure to give Katharine a high five when you see her!

Here’s the link:

http://www.carrborocitizen.com/print/citizen030410.pdf

The Orange County Health Department is going to hold a free flu (H1N1 and regular seasonal) vaccine clinic at Carrboro Town Hall on March 13 in honor of Tom Robinson who died last week (see Citizen story and editorial)
Here’s the official release:
For Immediate Release:

THE ORANGE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT, in cooperation with the Town of Carrboro, will offer a free flu vaccine clinic dedicated to well-known Carrboro merchant Tom Robinson, on Saturday, March 13 at Carrboro Town Hall. The clinic will be open to the public from 9 am to 1 pm. No appointment is necessary. Both H1N1 and Seasonal flu vaccines will be available. All vaccine will be offered free of charge.

Robinson, 58, who died March 19 at UNC Hospitals, operated Tom Robinson’s Carolina Seafood Market in Carrboro for four decades.

Despite diminished media attention, the H1N1 virus is still actively circulating. Seasonal influenza normally peaks in February but significant illness can occur throughout the Spring It is not too late to receive both vaccines.

Vaccine is available to all persons 6 months of age and older, without regard to residence. The vaccine supply is currently plentiful in both the injectable form and the nasal mist.

The Orange Count Health Department operates walk-in clinics, weekly, on the following schedule:

Tuesday: 2 – 6 pm, Whitted Building, 300 West Tryon Street, Hillsborough
Wednesday: 9 am – 1 pm, Whitted Building, 300 West Tryon Street, Hillsborough
Thursday: 2 – 6 pm, Southern Human Services Center, 2501 Homestead Rd, Chapel Hill
Friday: 12:30 – 4:30 pm, Southern Human Services Center, 2501 Homestead Rd, Chapel ill

There is no charge for the flu vaccine. Some young children will require two doses, and may receive the booster dose from the OCHD or local providers.

For more information, call the OCHD nurse line at 919-605-2051.

Chin up, cheer up, go see something.

Tues-Fri – 3/2-7

• Spring Awakening @ DPAC – This groundbreaking rock musical based on an 1891 German play but retooled by Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik (yes, that Duncan Sheik) won 8 Tony awards (including Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Score) and pretty much changed my life. Go. $25 – $70

Tues – 3/2

• Ben Sollee and Daniel Martin Moore / Lizzy Ross and the Little Bear that Barks @ The Arts Center in Carrboro – Two Kentucky boys and rising stars join forces (along with producer Yim Yames) to make beautiful music for an important cause–namely to raise awareness about the horrible destruction of our landscape through the use of mountaintop removal coal mining.  Learn more about MTR mining and what you can do to help end it here.  $13 adv / $15 day of the show

Wed – 3/3

• Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt / The Shakes / Mad Happy @ The Pinhook – If that first name throws you, allow me to explain by saying they are signed to David Byrne’s label, and you can read about them in The New York Times.  Better now? $5

Thurs – 3/4

• Big Fat Gap / Feeding the Fire / Rocket Surgeon @ Local 506 – $FREE!

• Ben Davies and the Jetts / Inspector 22 / Gross Ghost @ The Nightlight – $5

• The Graveyard Fields / Alcazar Hotel / Come Hell or High Water @ The Pinhook – $5

Fri – 3/5

• Brian McGee and the Hollow Speed / John Howie Jr. and the Rosewood Bluff @ The Cave – $5

• North Elementary / Aminal / Caustic Casanova @ The Pinhook – $5

• The Kingsbury Manx / Inspector 22 @ Slim’s Downtown – $5

Sat – 3/6

• Rogue Wave / Avi Buffalo @ Cat’s Cradle – $14 adv / $16 day of the show

• Spring Break Forever: Jenny Owens Young / Bess Rogers / Allison Weiss @ Local 506 – $8 adv / $10 at the door

• Nightlight’s 7th Anniversay Party! featuring Future Islands / Wizzerds of Rhyme / Dj MothersBrothers / DJ Family Vacation @ The Nightlight – $?

• Django Haskins / Austin Lucas / Mary Johnson Rockers @ The Pinhook – $5

Sun – 3/7

• Cymbals Eat Guitars / Bear in Heaven / Freelance Whales @ Local 506 – $8 adv / $10 at the door

• Cross Canadian Ragweed / Reckless Kelly @ Lincoln Theatre – $20 adv / $25 day of the show

• CHHS/ECHHS Hope for Haiti Benefit Jam @ Carrboro Century Center – Check the comment section for details.

Anywhere else of note? Let us know.

Here are the links:

Regular section: http://www.carrborocitizen.com/print/citizen022510.pdf

Mill: http://www.carrborocitizen.com/print/printedmill/mill0310.pdf