Local music is on the rise in Raleigh, and fortunately for WKNC , its ninth annual benefit concert will take advantage of the growing music scene in Raleigh, despite the weak economy.
Eric Mullen, owner of the Pour House Music Hall, the venue for the concert, said music in Raleigh is more popular than ever, and the benefit concert is a win-win for WKNC and the venue.
“It’s a wonderful relationship between W KNC and us and I’m sure the concert is going to be absolute quality,” Mullen said.
WKNC , a non-profit, student-run station, operates on frequency 88.1 FM and reaches the corners of the Triangle. Station General Manger, Molly Matty , a senior in chemistry, said she’s looking for the Double Barrel Benefit Concert to sell out Feb. 3 and 4.
“We sell out every year and the concert is always a good way to integrate WKNC more into the Raleigh community and incorporate local bands we play into a great show that raises money for the station,” Matty said.
The names of the eight bands performing will be released today between 12 and 1 p.m . According to Matty , the mix of bands will offer something unique to many of the listeners of WKNC .
“It will be heavy on the alternative rock and folk, but that’s what our station is known for,” Matty said.
According to Mullen, he had complete trust in the station’s ability to find entertaining acts.
“My part is very hands off,” Mullen said. “We all benefit from the concert.”
Last year’s concert was at King’s Barcade , but Matty said WKNC is switching venues for more capacity. The Pour House holds up to 500 people, compared to King’s Barcade’s capacity of 300. This means more ticket sales for the station. WKNC receives all the money from the sales to offset its budget, which relies on donor announcements and student fees.
“It’s about a sixth of our budget for the whole year,” Matty said. “It helps us out tremendously to keep us operating.”
These operation costs include fixing technical difficulties the station has experienced recently, due to outdated equipment.
Though many students work for and listen to the station, Matty is expecting a large crowd unassociated with the University to patronize the show.
“We have a large presence in the Triangle and it’s cool thinking that this isn’t just a student thing, but an event for the entire community. We probably have more non-student listeners than actual State students listening,” Matty said.
The benefit will also feature a day party Saturday, Feb. 4, between the evening acts. The day party and craft market will be at Tir Na Nog Irish Tavern, right next to the Pour House.
“There will be 20 local artists, businesses and charities at Tir Na Nog ,” Matty said. “We just want this event to be about the community. We’re also looking to get a few local bands to play at the day party.”
Ted Yap, a senior in horticulture and psychology, attended Double Barrel concerts in the past and said he looks forward to this year’s.
“I’m a music lover in general, but now I’m drawn to local music some more,” Yap said. “It’s nice to see your neighbors with such great music talent.”
Yap’s interest in local music is not unique. Greg Lowenhagen , coordinator of the Hopscotch Music Festival, the Triangle’s largest music fest, said this area is an emerging music center.
“Raleigh is only getting bigger and bigger and it’s great to be a part of it,” Lowenhagen said after the Hopscotch Music Festival.
For WKNC and the Pour House, that is music to their ears.
