If you missed Christiane & The Strays in Wake Forest earlier this month, or you just want to hear more of them, head to downtown Raleigh where they’ll close out the 2016 Pickin’ in the Plaza series with a set at 8:30 p.m.! And make plans to arrive early, as Merlefest band contest winners Fireside Collective will perform at 6:45 p.m. The night kicks off with a short set from Pickin’ in the Plaza musician in residence Eric Scholz (5:45 p.m.).
Christiane and the Strays have a wide range of musical interests, from bluegrass to alternative rock to neo-soul, and their music reflects that broad mix of influences in original songs and an array of often surprising covers resulting in an interesting and energetic take on Americana music. Josh Kearns (mandolin) draws on mandolin influences of Sam Bush, Matt Flinner, John Reischman, and Adam Steffey overlaid on a musical backdrop of ’70s rockers like Led Zeppelin and Humble Pie; and Rachael Kearns (fiddle) blends old-time and bluegrass fiddle approaches on the five-string with fluidity while providing bell-like vocal harmonies.
Winning the Merlefest band competition earlier this year, Fireside Collective has been quickly blazing a name for themselves with their progressive approach to American folk music, memorable melodies, and contemporary songwriting. Formed in the mountain city of Asheville, the band plays original songs on stringed instruments. Following the release of their debut album Shadows and Dreams, the band hit the road seeking to engage audiences with their energetic live show built on instrumental proficiency, colorful harmonies, and innovative musical arrangements. Jesse Iaquinto (mandolin, guitar, lead vocals), Tommy Maher (dobro, vocals), and Carson White (bass guitar, vocals) have deep roots in bluegrass and folk, creative arrangements, and passionate energy.
There will be food trucks, vendors, and alcohol available for purchase by those 21 and older. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with a kids zone and vendors, and the headliners take the stage around 8:30 p.m. The music begins at 5:45 p.m. each week with singer-songwriter Eric Scholz, Pickin’ in the Plaza’s first musician in residence.
You’re welcome to bring your own chairs. Deep South the Bar will host afterparties after each show beginning at 10:30 p.m.
Street parking in Raleigh is free after 5 p.m.; there are a variety of parking decks in Raleigh, too, and various shuttles and pedi-cabs to help you get from where you are parked to City Plaza.
The parking decks closest to City Plaza are:
- 421 Fayetteville St Parking Deck (184 feet SE)
- Convention Center Underground Deck*(273 feet S)
- Charter Square Parking Deck (295 feet E)
- Cabarrus Deck* (425 feet NW)
*=City-owned and operated parking deck
(Distances from deck to City Plaza calculated using Jimmy V’s restaurant as reference point as reported on godowntownraleigh.com)
Learn more about parking in and getting around downtown Raleigh
