The first biography of the thriving and influential rock scene in Chapel Hill, which gave the world artists like Ben Folds Five, Superchunk, and Squirrel Nut Zippers North Carolina has always produced extraordinary music of every description. But the indie-rock boom of the late 1980s and early ‘90s brought the state most fully into the public consciousness, while the subsequent post-Grunge free-for-all bestowed its greatest commercial successes. In addition to the creation of legacy label Merge Records and a slate of excellent indie bands like Superchunk, Archers of Loaf, and Polvo, this was the decade when other North Carolina artists broke Billboard’s Top 200 and sold millions of records―several million of which were issued by another indie label based in Carrboro, Chapel Hill’s smaller next-door neighbor. It’s time to take a closer look at exactly what happened. A Really Strange and Wonderful Time features a representative cross-section of what was being created in and around Chapel Hill between 1989 and 1999. In addition to the aforementioned indie bands, it documents―through firsthand accounts―other local notables like Ben Folds Five, Dillon Fence, Flat Duo Jets, Small, Southern Culture on the Skids, Squirrel Nut Zippers, The Veldt, and Whiskeytown. At the same time, it describes the nurturing infrastructure which engendered and encouraged this marvelous diversity. In essence, A Really Strange and Wonderful Time is proof of the genius of community. Tom Maxwell is a writer and musician. A product of the fertile Chapel Hill music scene, he was a member of the Squirrel Nut Zippers from 1994-1999. Tom’s song “Hell” peaked at Number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100, propelling the band to multi-platinum status. His songs have appeared in dozens of movies and television shows, a Super Bowl commercial, an Academy Award-nominated documentary, and the Tony Award-winning Broadway soundtrack. As a writer, […]

Have plants? Need plants? Swap at the Plant Exchange at Perch Coworking.

Guests may attend Humanities in Action lectures IN PERSON or VIRTUALLY. Cost: $20; $15 with a Carolina Alumni Membership discount Date and Time: Wednesday, April 10, 2024 | 4:30-6:00 PM Location: Flyleaf Books Registration is available at the door, or in advance online or by calling 919.962.1544 before 3pm on February 14th. DISCOUNTS Advance registrants can take advantage of our FLYLEAF SEASON PASS and receive a discount on the purchase of all eight lectures. Tuition for virtual viewing is free for K-12 teachers. If you are a current K-12 teacher, click here to register for virtual viewing of any Fall 2023 Humanities in Action lecture. Complimentary teacher registration closes two hours before the start of the event. Visit Carolina Alumni for information about membership-- all Carolina Alumni members receive a discount to Humanities in Action events. We thank Carolina Alumni for its generous support of this series.

Jazz nights are continuing on Wednesdays so don't miss out on the chance to hear some great holiday jazz this month, sprinkled in alongside your classic favorites. Here are our upcoming performers 4/10 - Combo Platter 4/17 - Lauren Meehan 4/24 - Dave Quick Jazz

Check out our new comedy night featuring Benjamin Malone, Erin Doncaster & Jermaine Callando!

A sweeping history of the power of Indigenous North America from ancient cities to fights for sovereignty that continue today, from an award-winning historian. In this magisterial history, Kathleen DuVal tells the story of Native nations, from the rise of ancient cities more than a thousand years ago to the present, reframing North American history with Indigenous power and sovereignty at its center. Before and during European colonization, Indigenous North Americans built diverse civilizations and lived in history, adapting to a changing world in ways that reverberated globally. As DuVal explains, no civilization came to a halt when a few wandering explorers arrived, even when the strangers came well-armed. A millennium ago, North American cities rivaled urban centers around the world in size, but following a period of climate change and instability DuVal shows how numerous smaller nations emerged from previously centralized civilizations, moving away from rather than toward urbanization. From this urban past, patterns of egalitarian government structures, diplomacy, and complex economies spread across North America. So, when Europeans arrived in the sixteenth century, they encountered societies they did not understand, having developed differently from their own, and whose power they often underestimated. For centuries after these first encounters, Indigenous people maintained an upper hand and used Europeans in pursuit of their own interests. In Native Nations, we see how Mohawks closely controlled trade with the Dutch--and influenced global markets--and how Quapaws manipulated French colonists. Power dynamics shifted after the American Revolution, but Indigenous people continued to control the majority of the continent. Shawnee brothers Tecumseh and Tenskwatawa forged new alliances and encouraged a controversial new definition of Native identity to attempt to wall off U.S. ambitions. The Cherokees created new institutions to assert their sovereignty on the global stage, and the Kiowas used their preponderance of power in […]

Get your tools ready for action! ✂️ Tired of battling dull blades and ineffective tools? We’re bringing Keen Edge Mobile Sharpening to Pittsboro Feed on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, from 10pm to 2pm! ⏰ Bring your old knives, scissors, gardening tools, and anything else needing a fresh edge. Keen Edge will sharpen them on-site while you shop! ️ Don’t miss this chance to revive your tools and tackle any project with ease. See you there!

What a fantastic course with Cathylee Mahin Saturdays, April 13 through May 11. (5 classes) Time: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Cost: $125 Where: At the Pittsboro Gallery of Arts 44-A Hillsboro St. Pittsboro, NC 27312 When: Saturdays, April 13 through May 11. (5 classes) Time: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Cost: $125 About the Course: Embark on an exciting exploration of watercolor painting with a focus on the enchanting world of colors. Designed for both beginners and those looking to enhance their watercolor skills, this 5-week course will be an immersive experience led by the talented artist, Cat Mahin. What to Expect: Understanding Color Basics: Explore the magic of colors using the three primary colors - red, yellow, and blue. Learn to create a vast spectrum of colors from these foundational hues. Practical Creations: Each week, you'll be crafting a new color wheel and chart, laying the foundation for building your personal nature portfolio or journal. Technique Mastery: Dive into the world of watercolor techniques during the first week, with hands-on practice and encouragement for continued exploration at home. Exciting Projects: Cat Mahin will guide you through your first project, "The Mexican Eagle," providing a tangible application of the skills learned. Who Can Join: Whether you're a complete novice or someone already acquainted with watercolor, this course caters to all skill levels. It's a perfect opportunity to deepen your understanding and mastery of the art form. Important Information: Cost: $125 for the entire series (No refunds for missed classes) Dates: April 13, 20, 27, May 4, and 11 Time: 1:00 - 3:00 PM Arrival: Please arrive 15 minutes early to set up. Materials: A materials list will be sent to all registered students in advance. Join us in embracing the joy of watercolor and unleash your creativity! Let's color […]

Touch a Truck is back! Join Maple View Mobile on April 14 noon to 4 pm at the Friday Center. $6 per person (max $24 per family; all under two are admitted free). Proceeds to UNC Children's Hospital and Scout Troop 39. We can't wait to see you!

We all love Monsters, right guys??? Join us for MONSTER MANIA this Sunday from 1-3:30! Kids Sewing Sunday Rules!!!!!

Join Havoc Brewing and Flyleaf Books for a nostalgic trip back to the glory days of the school book fair! Come browse a top notch selection of books and other fun merch all with a beer in hand. It’s the book fair of your childhood, but better! If you get hungry, Blue Window Food truck has your back, with delicious Mediterranean Cuisine. See you there!

Jazz nights are continuing on Wednesdays so don't miss out on the chance to hear some great holiday jazz this month, sprinkled in alongside your classic favorites. Here are our upcoming performers 4/17 - Lauren Meehan 4/24 - Dave Quick Jazz

Check out the bmc brewing events page for more information about what's happening at BMC Brewing!

Check Havoc Brewing Events for more details about specific #HavocHappenings.