Chapel Hill Music Spotlight: WXYC and Cat's Cradle

I received a nice gift today from WXYC, my hometown student radio station in Chapel Hill. So i feel obligated to bring a in a few more listeners and let the people in on a little secret. WXYC 89.3 FM is the "non-commercial student-run radio station of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. They broadcast at 400 watts from the student union on the UNC campus, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The coverage area encompasses approximately 370 square miles in central North Carolina." In November 1994, WXYC became the first radio station in the world to rebroadcast its signal over the Internet. And who says nothing ever happens in the South? The station has won numerous awards and has a freeform(at) which is chosen by the disc jockeys. There mission statement states the desire to "illustrate the relationships between seemingly disparate types of music. We believe that our free-format is the best way to accomplish this mission. Our disc jockeys harness the almighty power of the segue to draw musical linkages across time, culture, and pure sound." The station survives on donations and public funding, so if you would like to help visit here. The station also holds an annual 80's dance that is hosted down at another venue..

On Main Street in Carrboro ("Paris of the Piedmont") is the legendary Cat's Cradle. The music venue has been around for over 37 years(1969) supporting artists from local high school bands to world famous concert arena bands. Owner Frank Heath is probably the most respected and intelligent club owner in America (cool as the other side of the pillow). Nirvana, the Offspring, KRS-One, Wu-Tang, Sonic Youth,Cheap Trick, Archers Of Loaf, Indigo Girls, the Replacements, etc. Just to put it like this, Pearl Jam hangs out here when they come to town for shows 30 minutes away. The Cradle is one of the premier music destinations in the south, with acts asking to play. In the next month the lineup includes Clipse, Ted Leo & the Pharmacists, Sean Lennon, Ratatatat, RJ-D2 and more. The venue holds only a couple hundred folks which make the shows all that more lively while still intimate and only add to the lore. Tickets are usually cheap, running from $10 to $30 dollars. The venue is also actively involved in supporting the Carnivore Preservation Trust and Piedmont Wildlife Center. The crowds are always an appreciative crew, with native Chapel Hillians and Carrborians turning out in force!

I was so lucky to grow up in such a great spot that continues to remain dedicated to the growth and promotion of fantastic music. I urge everyone to support the music in their community today!

Cradle Schedule

[ed. note] Another great music spot not to be ignored is Schoolkids Records down on Franklin Street. Another post fellas!

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