• DIY venue Cracksoup, who surprised everyone by reopening in December, has annouced that it will be closing it's doors for good after a final show on January 3rd. No official word has been given as to why they are shutting down again but rumors point to continued disputes with law enforcement. Last year Cracksoup was forced to change locations because of threats to evict them. After the second location was shut down they reopened in December at their original location. No word on whether the owners plan on opening another venue.
• How would you like to join the Independents? The SC goth/ska/punk band are currently looking for a drummer and bass player! If you happen to live in SC that would also be a plus! If you are interested email me here and I will foward to information to the Independents!  Just put "Independents audition" as the subject. 
• Several local Charlotte area clubs received visits from the A.L.E. (the Alcohol Police) on Halloween night. Neither club received any citations, however one club is still "under investigation". We'll follow up on this story when we receive more news. One has to wonder how many "dance venues" were visited on Halloween night. I've always thought it funny that Charlotte always seems to do all it can to crack down on live music but ignores the yuppie dance bars, where far more goes on than at any live music venue in Charlotte. Oh well, guess you have to keep the bankers happy at night!
• The Rogue Nations recently had a run in with the law on their way back from a gig in Fayetteville. Here is Chris Peigler's account of the whole incident:                                                                                                                                                                                                      " So, last night we were driving back from Fayetteville where we had played Liz and James Gruesome's Wedding Reception at the Rock Shop. A good time was had by all, but as we drove through Anson County two local sheriff's cars pulled us over. The officer did seem to understand that we were a band when he saw the drums in the back of the van, but he wasn' t satisfied that a band was all we were. I'd been kinda joking around with him because it was late and I don't suffer fools gladly. Then he asked if we were trans porting any " terrorist bombs " . I looked him straight in the eye and said "no, we kicked that guy out of the band 'cause he was really hurting our image " . Lucky for me the guy had a sense of humor and he let us go!  "                                                                                                                                                                                                     -Chris Peigler/ the Rogue Nations                                                                                
• Just like the horror movies they emulate, SC horror punk band, the Festered have risen from the grave! Just months after we announced their demise, the Festered have returned with a new and improved lineup and should have their first full length cd  completed soon! Stay tuned for more updates!!



• Stillnotdead is featured in the new Amps 11 magazine!! Not only is our Day of the Dead show listed in the Halloween         Haunts section but they also have a full article by Ryan talking about the creation of Stillnotdead and our mission in the       local music scene. Be sure to check it out! Amps 11 is available all over the Charlotte metro region including Manifest and Common Market Deli.


• In a story we touched on earlier, IED has announced that long time guitarist, Doyle  has left the band. No replacement has been named, although it has been indicated that there will be a one. IED is scheduled to play at Manifest records this Thursday.

• Lunchbox Records has a brand new website! It includes all kinds of features including links to a ton of websites, mailing list, calendar of Lunchbox shows and more. Check it out at www.lunchboxrecords.com .

• I was surprised recently to find Charlotte native Benji Hughes in the new Rolling Stone!  You'll find a review for his new double cd release " A Love Extreme" in the reviews section of the comedy issue which is on newstands now! Congratulations Benji!!

• Congratulations are in order to Jeff Clayton and the Mongrels. They recently received the "Best New Band " award in Creative Loafing's annual awards issue. I think it's great that Jeff and the guys got the recognition for the new project they are involved in however I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't mention that  CL gave the best new band award to a band whose member's have all been on the local music scene for at least 10-25 years.  There is some irony in there somewhere don't you think?
  

• The Dirty South Revolutionaries are in the new Rolling Stone. At least a picture of them is. In the article about Skatopia a pictures is shown of Pete holding a knife to the drummer's girlfriend's throat. Moss and Steve are seen in the background. If you are interested it's the one with the Jonass Bros on the cover.




• The problems continue for Charlotte Underground. The following was released on Myspace 7/6/08:

  Sorry to say this but the July 10th show has been canceled along with all shows at the Charlotte's Underground!

  J&T Music Promotion shows have been pull from the Charlotte's Underground do to the way the club is being ran.

  all the bands that were booked, please understand there was a good reason to pull out of the club! Ones that know us know what we are about and if we are not there its for a good reason. Ones that don't know us ask around, you'll find out we are for the bands and the music! No one will screw any of the bands we book!!!! If you talk to the club about keeping the date are plan on doing a show there just remember WE WARNED YOU........ To all of J&T bands please work with us on this!

  Thank you for your support!

  Atkinson & Justin Tucker




• 25 Minutes to Go are currently working on a follow up cd to their awesome "A Shot Below the Bible Belt". They plan on making it in the studio by sometime this fall and hopefully having the cd out sometime in the first part of next year.
  

• The Dirty South Revolutionaries have new songs up on their Myspace page. Check them out by clicking here.
  

Know some news we missed? Send your stories and tips by clicking here.