Raleigh
Hurray for the Riff-Raff
Marsh WoodwindsTriangle-born taintradio.org has a simple but admirable goal: to present a constant variety of music (or music-related programming) on the Internet. The group has a couple of snappy mottos that reflect that effort: "We don't need no stinkin' formats" and "24/7. We're revolting." Founders Dave Tilley and Bob Rogers also sponsor concerts in the name of taintradio.org, the latest of which brings New Orleans trio Hurray for the Riff-Raff to town. With its string-band tendencies, flare-ups of punky energy and eight decades' worth of influences, the threesome is as tough to pin down as taintradio's programming. You might not need formats, but you do need Hurray's freakin' accordion, banjo and violin, even if you don't know it yet. The melodramatic popular songs start at 8 p.m., and tickets cost $10 at the door. Check the taint at www.taintradio.org. Rick Cornell
Carrboro
N.E.D.
Cat's CradleWhen six gynecologic oncologists gather in one room, it's generally to treat aggressive cancer. N.E.D., or "no evidence of disease," does just that, but they use picks and drumsticks instead of scalpels and chemo. This band of surgeonstwo from UNC Hospitals, the rest from New York, Texas and Oregonplay folk and alternative rock to raise cancer funds. And they're surprisingly polished for part-time musicians, harmonizing gently atop well-layered tracks like "Rhythm Heals," while using a gritty guitar and James Hetfield-style vocals on "False Pretenses." Proceeds from their two-date Triangle tour benefit the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation. N.E.D. plays Cat's Cradle tonight with Birds and Arrows at 8:30 p.m. and Lincoln Theatre tomorrow with The Proclivities at 8 p.m. Both shows are $20-$25. See www.catscradle.com, www.lincolntheatre.com and www.nedtheband.com. Joe Schwartz
