Manifest

Photo by Ben McKeown

Sarah Shook

It’s been a year since the start of the #MeToo movement sparked a shift in American conversations about gender and power dynamics. Though it still sometimes feels like we’re pulling the patriarchy apart one pebble at a time, that change is happening—and it’ll continue to grow more powerful as the voices of women and nonbinary people are elevated. That’s part of the purpose of Chapel Hill’s Manifest, a two-night affair across Nightlight, The Cave, and Local 506 that turns the spotlight on bands that aren’t entirely made up of men. With the festival now in its third year, this year’s lineup features a broad range of styles: snarling punk from Pie Face Girls and The Muslims, glossy electronica from Diaspoura, ragged and heartfelt country tunes from H.C. McEntire and Sarah Shook. It’s a perfect opportunity to look at the world from plenty of different perspectives, and maybe find a new favorite band while you’re at it. —Allison Hussey