Durham
DAN MELCHIOR
BULL CITY HEADQUARTERSDebonair mustachioed Brit Dan Melchior did some time with Billy Childish and Holly Golightly (kings and queens proper in some circles), and after a stint in NYC, he recently made Durham his home. His gruff blooze vibe has teetered on punk’s edge and tightened up into heavy rock coils, and his latest trio Das Menace lands in some fine middle territory. Second: Violet Vector and the Lovely Lovelies are into some serious Shangri Las organ girl-group thang, and have a sunshine single called “Can You Dig It?” Yes, please. Dry Heathens kick it off. Donations for the 9 p.m. show.Chris Toenes
PUBLIC STARGAZING
DUKE FORESTHere’s a cheap date: Duke University operates five professional-grade telescopes, and most Fridays, weather permitting, the public is allowed to take a look, free of charge. Before you go, check the Web site (www.cgtp.duke.edu/~plesser/observatory). David Fellerath
Raleigh
TALK RADIO
NORTH RALEIGH ARTS & CREATIVE THEATREThis 1987 Eric Bogosian play, filmed by Oliver Stone the following year, explores the problem of a controversial talk show host whose show is about to be picked up by a nationwide network. The show starts at 8 p.m. at 7713-51 Lead Mine Road. Tickets are $12. For info, visit www.nract.org or call 866-0228. Iesha Brown
