Reel Around the Fountain

Seems like every time someone tries to do an event (or anything, really) with a musical component, there are complaints. Like, "Why doesn't such-and-such have any such-and-such bands!" The folks programming events at Fountain Square have done a good job with diversity in the past, but this summer's musical lineup — dubbed the PNC Summer Music Series — is heavily stocked with local artists and covers almost all of the bases. Uh, unless you are a Death Metal or Gangsta Rap fan. Then … well, keep the complaints coming, I guess.

Below are the weekly events. Other special musical events will also pepper the schedule.

• Friday nights are the "Indie Summer" shows, starting at 7 p.m. each week. With acts culled from the rich local Indie Rock/Pop scene, the events will feature three performers. Tonight, you can catch the great bill of The Lions Rampant, The Sundresses (who've finished their long-awaited new album and are now having some success in the "shopping to labels" department) and Turnbull ACs. Future bills include Paper Airplane, The Harlequins and Paper Airplane (June 6); The Seedy Seeds, Lovely Crash and Cash Flagg (June 20); and White Girls, The Cut in the Hill Gang and The Chauncers (July 18).

• Also on Fridays — a "late night" Singer/Songwriter Night, running from 10 p.m. until midnight. According to the Fountain's Web site, anyone can get up and play up to two songs. A host will keep things rolling during "down time."

• Saturdays are dedicated to Gospel music. Gospel Saturday will feature local choirs and performers of all sorts starting at 3 p.m. Tomorrow afternoon, it's Rappin' Minister and the Anointed Sons of God. Next week (June 7), it's Hip Hop/R&B-flavored Contemporary Gospel from K Drama, Pamela Crumbly and Tiara Monique. 

• Sundays are being called "Smooth Sundays" and will feature Soul/R&B artists at 7 p.m. each week. The lineups have yet to be announced.

• Tuesday will be dedicated to "Southern Sounds," with a focus on Blues and Country. Different local artists perform each Tuesday at 7 p.m. This coming Tuesday (June 3), Dallas Moore and the Snatch Wranglers will whip up some fiery Outlaw Country. Future performers include the Sonny Moorman Band (June 17); Stagger Lee (June 24); and Straw Boss (Aug. 5).

• Thursdays feature acoustic performers at lunchtime (noon until 1 p.m.). Upcoming "Acoustic Thursday" participants include Chris Haubner and Matthew Shelton (June 5); Tracy Walker (June 26); Sharon Udoh and Greg Mahan (June 17); and Jake Speed (Aug. 7).

• Thursday evenings at the Fountain will be "Salsa on the Square" nights. Unlike last year, this year's Latin dancing events will feature local, live music (rotating between artists like Tropicoso, Zumba and Salsa Caliente). But, like last year, dance instructors will be on hand for the salsa-impaired.

All Fountain Square events are FREE.

— Mike Breen

Comments

[eric mauch]

The entire city should thank Puck for all the hard work that went in to making Friday nights on Fountain Square the "Can't Miss" event of the summer! A truly special environment for those that love this city and the music it has to offer!!! THANKS PUCK!

[Jeff]

This town is full of perpetual complainers. Apparently it is still en vogue to act like you have something better to do. Admitting to having fun downtown to some is a cardinal sin. Forget em. Stay at home and be bored while the rest of us enjoy the hard work local organizations have put in over the past couple years to make this town realize its potential.

[dj empirical]

haha, where are the electronic acts? all the bases my good eye.

lol j/k

[PuckeD]

I just want everyone to know money was exchanged for Eric to say those nice about me....thou people really might want to head out to the Fridays...you kinda feel like your in another city......crazy huh??

[j thomas]

the "host to keep things rolling" during those late friday singer-songwriter events, btw, is Chris Haubner of (multiple-CEA-nominees) the Sheds. check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rm9zjYII2D0