With fresh chemistry and the charming appeal of young-old souls, Chatham Rabbits — Sarah Osborne McCombie (vocals, banjo) and Austin McCombie (vocals, guitar, fiddle) — fill the spaces they enter with genuine warmth. Their original songs are stories flush with strong characters and evidence of their binding ties to the South. Hailing from Bynum, North Carolina, just like the original Chatham Rabbits string band of the early 20th century, this couple is what duo dreams are made of. Since abandoning their corporate careers in 2018, Chatham Rabbits now tour with their hound dog Ruby, have sold out venues across North Carolina including the iconic Cat’s Cradle, been featured on WUNC and UNC-TV, and recorded their debut album All I Want From You (Robust Records, 2019) at Rubber Room Studio with Mandolin Orange’s Andrew Marlin. This summer you can see Chatham Rabbits sharing the stage with The Steep Canyon Rangers at the North Carolina Museum of Art, Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, and Bristol Rhythm and Roots.
Sarah Osborne McCombie grew up in the Piedmont of North Carolina. At age 18, her voice landed her onstage at Prissy Polly’s BBQ with her favorite band, the iconic old-time trio The South Carolina Broadcasters. After that night, they offered her a banjo and a job. As banjo player and vocalist for the band, Sarah played countless concerts while earning her degree from Peace College in Raleigh. She has garnered tremendous experience and exposure to the wide expanse of American roots music. Post Broadcasters, Sarah served as the music teacher at the Friends School of Wilmington and at Montessori Community School of Durham where where she created and implemented programs based upon North Carolina music and African American roots music. Austin McCombie always loved the music his family played, but he didn’t know it had a name. His relatives in Southwest Virginia played bluegrass and his parents in Wilmington, NC, immersed him in ’90s country classics and beach music standards. Somewhere in the middle, he found the name for his favorite sound: old-time. Although he eventually came around to the good stuff, Austin spent a fair amount of time on the dark side, playing guitar and keys in his super hipster electronic band DASH. Austin attended NC State University and in his former life was a financial advisor with Northwestern Mutual.
And thanks to The English Garden, a local Raleigh florist and flower shop in Raleigh, for providing flowers for the mothers who choose to spend some of Mothers Day sharing live music with us!
NEW THIS YEAR: Reserve your ticket in advance! Even though this event is free to attend, tickets are required, as seating is limited. PLEASE NOTE: If you reserve your ticket ahead of time and have not checked in at the auditorium by the time the doors open (2:45 p.m.), your seat may be released so someone else can attend the event. Some tickets will also be available at the Museum the day of the event – please visit the information table outside Daniels Auditorium beginning at 2 p.m. on the show date. Thank you for your understanding; please contact us if you have any questions.
Street parking is free on weekends in downtown Raleigh, and the lot across Wilmington Street from the Museum is also free on the weekend. Learn more about parking options in downtown Raleigh
A ramp from Edenton St provides access to the Museum’s main entrance. A ramp is also available from Jones St. and the entrance from Fletcher Garden. Wheelchairs for interior use are available free of charge at the Museum information desk. The Museum entrance closest to the auditorium is a staircase that leads up to glass doors on Edenton St.
Large print program notes and assistive listening devices will be available at this event. Please call us at 919-664-8333 with any questions about accessibility.
