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," said 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 ArtsCenter
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 'n' 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.
