In 1984, WQDR, then one of the best rock stations in America, attracted the ire of listeners when it shifted from mainstream rock to modern country. After all, the QDR stood for “quadraphonic,” and Reba, Tammy and George wereto somenot worthy of such fidelity. But, 22 years later, WQDR is a Triangle tradition, and its weekly (Sundays, 6-9 p.m.) PINECONE BLUEGRASS SHOW, which went live in 1989, has been integral to the station’s success. Given the reluctance of modern commercial radio to try anything not deemed successful by mainstream market testing, the show’s survival is a fitting tribute to that high lonesome sound whose roots stretch deep across this state and to a station committed to maintaining those foundations. To celebrate the show, four of the area’s favorite bluegrass actsCHATHAM COUNTY LINE, BAREFOOT MANNER, THE GRASSCATS and RIFT with mandolin virtuoso and instrument builder TONY WILLIAMSONjoin on the LINCOLN THEATRE stage in Raleigh Friday, Nov. 10 at 8 p.m. CCL considers itself a modern band of neo-traditionalists, while Barefoot Manner sews its grass in transcultural fields of jam. Tickets are $9.47 in advance and $12 at the door. For more, see www.947qdr.com or www.pinecone.org. Grayson Currin
In grands, indeed (11.10)On Friday, Nov. 10 in UNC-CHAPEL HILL’S MEMORIAL HALL, acclaimed pianist PETER SERKIN, renowned for his championing of new works, will perform an eclectic mix of the recently composed and the revolutionary. ELLIOTT CARTER‘s Intermittences (the title is a reference to Proust) was commissioned for Serkin last year, when the composer was 97. Also heard will be two works by Japanese New Wave composer TORU TAKEMITSU that Serkin premiered at Carnegie Hall. After the deeply moving Capriccio on the Departure of a Most Beloved Brother by the 19-year-old J. S. Bach, the program concludes with the “Hammerklavier” Sonata, pure late Beethoven in its transformation of the genre from home entertainment to virtuosic showcase and in its exploration of the adventurous forms and harmonies the composer, by then completely deaf, could hear only in his mind. The concert starts at 8 p.m., and tickets are $10-$60. Call 843-3333 or visit www.carolinaperformingarts.org. Barbara Norton
In building community (11.11)HABITAT FOR HUMANITY may be a phenomenally successful charitable organizationmore than one million people around the world have decent housing thanks to the movement begun in Georgia back in 1976but the ecumenical Christian group still relies on community support. This Saturday in Raleigh, culture and charity will join hands at THE PASSAGE TO CIVILIZED LIVING: AN ART EXHIBIT, AUCTION AND GALA FOR HABITAT FOR HUMANITY. Hosted by Porto, a fine furnishings store, the event will feature “recycled art” on “reclaimed doors” for auction by such local artists as Jason Craighead, Leon Andre Gray and Tisha Edwards. The Steve Hobbs Jazz Quartet will perform, and numerous local businesses will supply the food and drink. Catch the auction this Saturday, Nov. 11 from 7-10 p.m. at PORTO, located in North Hills mall on Main Street. The art is on display in locations throughout Wake County until Nov. 9. For viewing locations and information on the auction, go to www.portohome.com/events or call 272-8615.David Fellerath
In wrangling for remedies (11.10)Grab your best pair of blue jeans and studs and help give cancer the boot. THE RED SWORD GUILD and NORTH CAROLINA PORK COUNCIL forgo the traditional high-brow champagne hour and join together in the fight against cancer with some boot-scootin’, rodeo-inspired festivities. Their RALEIGH ROUNDUP kicks off Friday, Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. in the KERR SCOTT BUILDING at the N.C. STATE FAIRGROUNDS with a VIP pre-gala party. Then, have open reins on grub, a line dance, the ol’ mechanical bull, casino-style gambling and a silent auction. TIFT MERRITT is slated to provide a big helpin’ of country-soul flavor for the evening at 8 p.m., with a dance-hall concert by the men of Mr. Potato Head following at 10:30 p.m. Earnings will support the American Cancer Society. For more information or tickets, see www.raleighroundup.com or call 834-8463. Kathy Justice
In double party time (11.10)Gaze in reverse at the crystal ball of local rock, and you’ll see the two principals of this dual release party at LOCAL 506 in a different light. David Nahm of AUDUBON PARK started out in the Triangle with V. Sirin, a sharp-edged pop-punk crew. He stayed busy in music, andas he’s also a funny guyhe led the occasional comedy night. Fittingly, the Park packs a casual wit and a devil-may-care looseness brimming inside brainy pop music built on left-field noises and vocal flourishes. It’s all over their new Teenage Horses.
Meanwhile, Eric Roehrig, who now leads ERIE CHOIR, toured feverishly with Sorry About Dresden, the pogoing power rock quartet. Post S.A.D., Roehrig made mellow pop, redolent of Elliott Smith. Recently, though, he’s gone big band and bigger rock with Erie Choir. Their Slighter Awake has been in the works for years now, and it’s finally here. Pleasant opens, with DJ Viva spinning between sets. Get a free copy of both CDs with the $10 cover on Friday, Nov. 10. Info: www.local506.com. Chris Toenes
In cool water (11.11)Historically crucial to commerce in North Carolina, the Neuse River is also home to a diverse array of wildlife. The NEUSE RIVER FOUNDATION is dedicated to preserving this fertile waterway through education, investigation and public involvement. The RIVERKEEPER FILM FESTIVAL comes to the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences and Museum of History on Saturday, Nov. 11 with a program of short- and feature-length films focusing on the theme of nature and humankind’s place in it. Festival highlights include CITY OF MERMAIDS, a fascinating short film about the rise and fall of an aging Florida water park eclipsed by Disney and now struggling to survive. Also, REDISCOVERING THE MAP follows the efforts by Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon composer Tan Dun to compose and perform a symphony in his native Chinese province of Hunan. Festival passes are $10 and can be purchased at www.neuseriver.org/filmfestival. For more information, contact the foundation at 856-1180. Neil Morris