Summer has long dominated the concert scene. Who among us does not immediately conjure Kate Moss at Glastonbury or pre-show tailgates in gravel parking lots when we hear the word? It isn’t like Woodstock–grandfather of all concerts–was held in dreary December. Something about the sun setting on stifling humidity in those warmer months just makes us want to gather and groove.
But dipping temperatures don’t have to stop the music. In a state like North Carolina, where acts both indie and mainstream can thrive, the beat goes on (and on and on) all the way through winter.
Kanye West and Jay-Z
October 30, Greensboro Coliseum Complex
Unsatisfied with CUAB’s choice of The New Pornographers? Take the Homecoming concert into your own hands! Head to Greensboro to see the reigning kings of hip-hop fresh off the success of their Watch the Throne collaboration.
Taylor Swift
November 17, RBC Centre Raleigh
Calling all hopeless romantics! Come get your princess fix at T. Swift’s sure-to-be-sold-out November show. Bonus points if you convince your boyfriend to sing along to “Love Story.”
My Morning Jacket
December 12, Greensboro Coliseum Complex
The heirs apparent to Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Allman Brothers hit Greensboro in the middle of finals week. Take a break from studying to hear frontman Jim James do “Golden” live.
Mipso Trio
January 14, Cat’s Cradle
(Mipso Trio with Chancellor Holden Thorp)
A homegrown group rounds out the bunch. This rockin’ bluegrass ensemble is comprised of three UNC students. Don’t be scared off by the mandolin; Mipso’s brand of bluegrass is heavy on funk and light on Rocky Top references.
Sources:
Kanye West and Jay-Z (photo): Vibe.com, http://www.google.com/imgres?
Taylor Swift (photo): eventful.com, http://eventful.com/raleigh_nc/events/taylor-swift-/E0-001-037881837-4
My Morning Jacket (photo): everyview.com, http://www.google.com/imgres?
Mipso Trio (photo): mipsomusic.com, http://www.mipsomusic.com/site/