This issue of Volume is dedicated to “unsung heroes,” those behind-the-scenes players who make a difference in the quality of our local music scene. Todd Fjelsted introduces us to Grover Williamson, a New Orleans native who brought that city’s tradition of fine food and live music to Raleigh in the form of Humble Pie, now entering its 12th year of operation. Grover’s the kind of restaurateur with a soft spot for artists and rockers–the kind of person that’ll give you gig nights off, or promise you a job when you get back from a tour. Zach Hanner gets chummy with Saxapahaw native Larry “The Dream” Weaver, whose comedic tunes bring to life Little Debbie-eatin’ characters such as “Shirtless Rob” and “Redneck Uncle Phil” (think Weird Al Yankovic goes Dixie). Angie Carlson checks out the Carrboro ArtsCenter’s “homecooked vittles” program, whereby local volunteers cook meals for traveling musicians. Bill Floyd talks to CD Alley owner Sean McCrossin. L.D. Russell interviews Duke professor of philosophy David Sanford for our “Musical Makeover” feature (highlights: an appreciation for that musical titan, Kid Rock). In a new twist on our “Reading the Jukebox” series, The White Octave’s Finn Cohen reviews Michael Azerrad’s alt-music tome, Our Band Could Be Your Life. (Cohen and his bandmates read the book–often aloud–on a recent month-long van tour.) John Valentine reviews two new DJ-penned books that discuss the history and state of rock radio. And Kevin Dixon manages to skewer nearly everything and everyone in his cartoon “Unsung Heroes of Rock and Roll in Judgment Day.”
Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg. The big unsung heroes are the moms, dads and significant others who suffer through all the sour notes, endless practices, lifts to gigs, diva-esque tantrums and dashed dreams. But, as true unsung heroes, they didn’t want the press.
