Chapel Hill
MARAH
LOCAL 506Marah plays homespun rock with a soulful strut cadged from the Philly streets where the band’s Bielanko brothers grew up. Often compared to Springsteen (whom they revere), they’re driven by similar heartfelt affection for the beaten and bedraggled beautiful losers of the world. Their tuneful jangle exudes more warmth than a poorly designed toaster oven. Tickets are $10-$12 for a 9:30 p.m. start. Chris Parker
Durham
DANIEL WALLACE
REGULATOR BOOKSHOPStep into the fantastical world of Daniel Wallace, whose skillful narrative weaves magical realism into the rural South. The author of Big Fish is on tour with his novel Mr. Sebastian and the Negro Magician, which follows the curious life of a circus magician who received the gift of magic from the devil during childhood. The reading begins at 7 p.m., but come early for the magic of Joshua Lozoff. The magic begins at 6:45; visit www.regbook.com. Wallace also reads at McIntyre’s Fine Books July 28 at 11 a.m.Sarah Lupton
