Raleigh
Weekend Excursion
Lincoln TheatreNot quite ready to give up on the giving spirit? Consider this benefit for The V Foundation for Cancer Research. More than 16 years ago, N.C. State basketball coach Jim Valvano announced the start of the foundation during a poignant, quotable ESPY speech. Less than two months later, the Wolfpack coach lost his battle with cancer. Since then, the nonprofit has raised more than $90 million to help find a cure.
It’s a cause that hits close to home for the members of Weekend Excursion: Three members of the Greensboro-based crew have lost their mothers to cancer since the band’s inception in 1995. While Weekend has reunited several times since breaking up in 2004, this reunionits first in two yearsfinds its philanthropy intersecting with newfound inspiration. The former college favorites have entered the studio for the first time since 2002’s Take Me Home. Mark Kano and Mike Garrigan (of Athenaeum fame) kick off the turn-of-the-millennium pop/ rock nostalgia when they open at 9 p.m. Tickets are $10-12. See www.lincolntheatre.com and www.jimmyv.org. Spencer Griffith
Raleigh
Carter Pepper Benefit
Tir Na NogGiven the Jimmy V Foundation benefit happening just a few blocks over at Lincoln Theatre, one might find it difficult to pick the right cause tonight. This one is certainly worthy: Carter Pepper is the 15-month-old son of Josh Pepper, a Raleigh songwriter who uses his smooth voice and knack for hooks for a batch of tunes that relay his religious devotion. Carter was recently diagnosed with Fanconi Anemia, and the bone marrow transplant (as well as the travel to Minnesota for the treatment) could leave the family facing millions of dollars in medical expenses. Members of American Aquarium back the elder Pepper tonight, while the ruminative folk of The Debonzo Brothers, the modern rock of ex-Big City Reverie guy Pete Wilson and the promising melodic sprinters Wrecking Season open. Donate at 10:30 p.m. See www.tnnirishpub.com. Grayson Currin
