Local Music Scene Offers Variety of Genres, Venues

For diehard fans or music novices in Chapel Hill, options abound on any given night in any given genre.

Cat's Cradle

This local legend is known across the country, having helped launch the careers of acts like Ben Folds. The Cradle sustains Chapel Hill and regularly brings in great mid-major names of all genres.

"We get everything from reggae to hip-hop to scat rock," says Cradle employee Ben Rogerson. "There's no limit to what we will book."

Described lovingly as dark and dirty, the Cradle can pack 650 people into its bar, bench and spacious floor.

Go! Room Four

Sort of the little brother of the Cradle, Go! also brings in big local and national acts, mostly of the independent persuasion. With a smaller stage and a capacity of about 150, Go! offers even more intimacy than Cat's Cradle.

Carrboro Arts Center

Carrboro's champion of just about everything art, the ArtsCenter features a great variety of theater, improv and musical performances.

A visit to the ArtsCenter is comfortable physically -- the larger of the two theaters features cosy movie-theater seats -- and financially, with $5 student rush rates 15 minutes before showtime.

The Cave

Local music takes the spotlight at The Cave, from Chapel Hill's signature indie rock squall to roots-oriented, jazz and bluegrass. Pool tables and an accomplished jukebox round out The Cave, which can pack in 85 devotees.

Local 506

Much like The Cave, Local 506 features mostly local acts of varying genres, not specifically rock and roll. The bar is in front, and stage is in back.

Skylight Exchange

For a more intimate, coffeehouse vibe, the Exchange's small stage offers a good blend. Open-mic nights are Monday and Wednesday, and a spoken-word poetry event called Vague Metaphors can be enjoyed every Tuesday evening.

Caffe Driade

With its outdoor stage and candles on the tables, Caffe Driade is as unique as its superbly diverse music selection.

"We have had DJs, jazz, Latin and African music -- mostly local acts," said employee Austin Miller.

Street Scene Teen Center

Housed underneath the Franklin Street Post Office, Street Scene has been holding shows for the 12-18 crowd for years. Though it will have any type of music, it's been mostly punk and hard-core bands lately, with packed crowds.

The Arts & Entertainment Editor can be reached at artsdesk@unc.edu.