Durham Strikes A Chord
In Durham, music is a part of the cultural landscape. Durham’s decidedly eclectic music scene melds deep musical traditions with a broad representation of genres and an array of new venues.
Each of Durham’s music venues offers a unique expression of the city’s sense of place. Duke Coffeehouse, a small venue located on Duke’s campus, has been feeding the community with Indie and experimental music since 1982, making it Durham’s longest-running music venue. Family-friendly music hot spot, Broad Street Café, frequently showcases the region’s brightest up-and-coming singer-songwriters and hosts a weekly open-mic night. The Pinhook is the centerpiece of Durham’s gritty indie music scene where show-goers can expect to see nationally touring experimental folk artists as well as the region’s top talent.
Beyú Caffé, a welcoming and social place for music lovers of all ages, and Whiskey, a dark, upscale gathering place, keep jazz alive in Downtown Durham. Both the area’s hottest up-and-comers and most esteemed jazz musicians take the stage. You’re just as likely to stumble upon a surprise set by Durham’s Grammy-winning saxophonist Branford Marsalis as students from the prestigious jazz program at North Carolina Central University. Also on Main Street, Talk of the Town is Durham’s long-running traditional R&B club. Saturdays are a best bet for experiencing talent from around the Triangle. In South Durham, Papa Mojo’s Roadhouse serves up a side of live music each weekend alongside its signature, authentic Cajun fare.
Casbah is located in the heart of the Brightleaf District. The former flower shop turned ambient 300-person capacity venue is a mainstay for seeing nationally touring Americana acts as well as top local talent. In the nearby Central Park District, situated between Fullsteam Brewery and the Historic Durham Athletic Park, lies Motorco Music Hall. The former mid-century car dealership is Durham’s largest music venue and is known to book nationally touring acts as well as the area’s biggest headliners.
Visit venue websites for individual schedules and updates, or search upcoming shows on the Durham Event Calendar.
More info:
>> Durham Nightlife
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Photo Credits: Pinhook, Whiskey, Motorco Music Hall - Ash Crowe/DCVB
Sauda Zahra: "With these Hands: Quilting as a Spiritual Odyssey" Exhibit
Art quilts by Sauda Zahra, in the Ella Fountain Pratt Legacy Gallery. FREE admission.
