Raleigh
Cherry Bounce Music Festival
Hargett StreetCherry Bounce, a fledgling music festival launched by two Raleigh advertising consultants last year, switched its tempo for Round 2, moving from two big outdoor shows to six local bills in clubs, followed by tonight’s finale in front of Raleigh Times Bar and in conjunction with Raleigh Wide Open IV.
Pay special attention to springy British newcomers Sky Larkin, who take the stage first at noon with their simple but sassy guitar pop. Schooner wraps its soul-informed gems in a hazy glow at 5:30 p.m., chased by the mathematical riptide of Fin Fang Foom at 6:45 p.m. And then the party begins: The Hood Internet recombines whatever tunes are buzzing through online music communities, creating simple remixes that are mostly effective for their touch of humor and taste for dancing (though that new Sunn O)))/ Kid Cudi mix is an exception). Philadelphia’s Man Man headlines at 9:30 p.m. Like our own Annuals with better record collections and taste, Man Man doesn’t add flourishes to its big-sky melodies as much as it crams them with everythingshouts, handclaps, keyboards, bells, whistles and horns.
Elsewhere for Cherry Bounce, Mount Weather and Kooley High mix crowds and forms at Busy Bee Cafe on Wednesday, followed by an expanded Local Beer, Local Band night at Tir Na Nog with Free Electric State, Gross Ghost and The Poles at 10 p.m. on Thursday. And if you want to keep your rowdiness indoors, you might never find a better excuse than Friday night’s Berkeley Cafe show: A Rooster for the Masses, Colossus, The T’s (with a new drummer) and The Infamous Sugar join for a bill that’s bound to be a black hole for a wild weekendloud, lubricated and barely in control. For more on Cherry Bounce, see www.cherrybouncefest.com. Grayson Currrin
Saxapahaw
Oktoberfest
Saxapahaw Rivermill VillageThe word Oktoberfest inspires visions of beer, lederhosen and tubas. When Saxapahaw turns into little Heidelberg, the taps sure enough flow like the Haw River and, well, feel free to wear whatever strikes your fancy. But the dominant instrument is a mandolin, thanks to an all-roots lineup consisting ofin order from most purely bluegrass to most likely to stray outside bluegrass’ boundsTommy Edwards & Friends, Wood & Steel, the Kickin Grass Band and fest-cappers Town Mountain. The free music starts at 3 p.m., with the event wrapping up at 9. Consider arriving an hour early for the dedication of the Saxapahaw Cultural History Museum. See www.rivermillvillage.com. Rick Cornell
Durham
Thrill the World
Central ParkGet an early start on Halloween by dancing to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”the famously ghoulish video with that stutter-and-slide dancein large groups. International Jackson fans are hoping to set a Guinness world record by getting 270,000 people worldwide to perform the dance at the same time through a campaign called Thrill the World. More than 360 events are planned across the globe for Saturday night, and Durham will host a party of its own. The event is free for all ages, but be prepared: Study the 40 video clips and script at www.thrilltheworld.com, and take note that the dance here is not exactly the same as the video. If you’re ready, arrive at the Pavilion at Durham Central Park between 6:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. to register; dancing starts at 8:30 p.m. Samiha Khanna
Durham
Dracula
Carolina TheatreFor one night only, Dracula will be undead and loving it. The Triangle Youth Ballet has exhumed the ballet from the vault and will roar it back to life. Original choreographer David Nixon based his two-act piece, termed “the ballet with bite,” directly on Bram Stoker’s words. The 1999 debut production played with contradictions of light and shadows, reality and illusion and that of Dracula himself. Come out and support budding young talent, and you may even witness a future star in the making. The blood begins flowing at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15-$18 in advance and $17-$20 on the day of the show. For more information, visit www.triangleyouthballet.org. Sarah Ewald
Pittsboro
Baron Von Rumblebuss, Kitty Box & the Johnnys, Dex Romweber
City TapIt’s tripleheader time on the patio in Pittsboro. First, at 2 p.m., is Baron von Rumblebuss, a guy who rocks much harder than you might expect from someone who A) wears aviator goggles and B) makes music aimed at kids. Kitty Box & the Johnnys, an alt-roots outfit led by Chatham County belter Taz Halloween, arrive at 3 p.m. And rounding out the evening at 8 p.m. is the deservedly legendary Dex Romweber, channeling everyone from ’40s pop-song stylists, Smash-era Charlie Rich and Chopin to several versions of Dex himself. It gets even better: There’s no cover charge for the shows. See www.thecitytap.com. Rick Cornell
