During the last decade, the Double Barrel Benefit has done a whole lot of work for N.C. State’s student-run radio station, WKNC 88.1. Sure, it’s raised money to boost their signal and enhance their studios, but it’s also given the station a real public face beyond the listless voices you may hear during breaks between songs. The DJs introduce the bands and sell the T-shirts, produce the show and pass out free goods to those in attendance. As much a meet-and-greet as a concert, the Double Barrels have collectively cemented WKNC’s commitment local music and to introducing new crowds to it.
With next year’s just-announced Double Barrel lineup, that face gets a necessary upgrade: Organizers have built a fine slate of hip-hop and electronica to the second show of the two-weekend Double Barrel bill. Emcees Deniro Farrar and SkyBlew will join dreamy electronic duo Earthly for a Saturday, Feb. 20 bill at Cat’s Cradle. There’s also an unannounced special guest on the bill, and the mind races with possibilities—Big Daddy Kane, 9th Wonder, Rapsody?
The Saturday, Feb. 13, installment at Kings in Raleigh trends more toward Double Barrels of the past with a well built indie rock slate. Des Ark joins Museum Mouth, Naked Naps and Schooner, a band that’s been a bit quiet this year.
Tickets are on sale now for the shows, and, as always, proceeds go to support improvements to WKNCs’ infrastructure.
