Out of the ashes of a thousand former groups rise Dreambats and The Fooligans. Music that combines craft and rawness. With actual hooks.

Jim Smith is North Carolina's songwriting gem. Jim has been playing in bands and soloing for around 15 years churning out roots rock with lyrics which are, quite frankly, damn good and insightful.

Matt Kurz's left foot is a decent bassist. His right foot plays pretty good snare and bass drum. His right hand is a respectable guitarist. His left hand plays keys and high hat well enough. But the sum of all these limbs (or rather his band The Matt Kurz One, of which he is the sole member) excels. See, Kurz plays everything simultaneously, and sings determinedly over it all.

Major Magick are an intoxicating cocktail of bombastic rock, visceral funk, and infectious soul combining their influences in a delightful blend that goes down smooth but packs a wallop.

The Meaning of the word HWYL? A twinkle in your eye, air in your sails, a sudden spark of enthusiasm, a sudden outbirst of happiness, toast, cheers...

Asheville's Wooden Toothe play country-style indie with wistfulness, punk beats, and simple, driving guitar riffs. Wild Wild Geese are ex and current members of Americans in France, Rongo Rongo, and Spider Bags making some noise.

Chapel Hill's own John Harrison of North Elementry joind New York's Doug Keith for an evening of singer/songwriter Americana.

Neo-rockabilly, Hillbilly, Jump Blues, Swing, Surf heros the Straight 8's team up with Gasoline Stove (formerly Memphis) to Rock 'n' Roll!