Hailing from her stomping grounds of Raleigh, North Carolina, Catie King grew up listening to music constantly; saturated in sound and instrumentation. Catie creates lyric-driven music that is stripped to its simplest form. Her music conveys an introspective message that defines her personal feelings, emotions and experiences as a eighteenteen-year-old young woman and artist. With a soul of determination, and a life complete with undying support, Catie King will carve a niche on the music scene as a singer, songwriter, and true inspiration of her generation.

Music is about more than rock and roll for these guys, although their passion for the music is evident at every single live show. It is important to them to use their music as a platform to speak out for those who have no voice. Oppression and injustice are rampant in this world that we live in, and The War believes that we all have the ability to speak out against these things and bring about change. Edgy rock with pop sensibility. If Coldplay, Keane, Switchfoot, and Jimmy Eat World all fell into a giant blender…it might just sound like The War.

Jess Ray and the Rag Tag Army are an indie rock outfit from Raleigh, NC. Recently called a “best kept secret” in the area, the band has managed to attract the attention of many since releasing their debut album in September 2009. Combining honest lyrics and musical intensity, Jess Ray and the Rag Tag Army have seized the ears of area listeners and plan to do the same in Chapel Hill.

It was 2007 and brothers Alberto and Jorge Espinosa followed a vision — to build a high-energy band that skillfully fuses their love for Latin, Jazz, Rock, Reggae and Soul into a sound to make the feet dance and heart smile. The result: An award-winning band and genuine sound that keeps getting hotter.

In 2008, the award-winning band released their debut album — Live to Love, Love to Live. Packed with thought-provoking lyrics, charged vocals and a sizzling team of percussionists, wind and brass players Tropic Culture continues to earn positive press, and a soaring fan base. But that‘s just part of their story.

In less than 3 years, this young band has scored placements on two respected compilation CDs that highlight various up-and-coming artists. Dedicated to delivering what they call “feel good music,” they were recently hailed as “a powerhouse of a sound that reaches all ages & cultures” after performing before a crowd of thousands.

This funky, energetic, young band connects with audiences by taking on social issues such as hate and intolerance with smooth tunes like “Eliminate the Hate” and “Freedom Fighters.” What’s more, they balance the audience’s music selection using sensual ballads and spellbinding songs like “Samba da Vida” that make you croon “oh-eh, oh-aahhh” while waving your hands in the air. Simply stated, this band is focused on becoming one of the commanding forces in the world fusion scene.

While the band characterizes themselves as world fusion with an undeniably distinct sound, they openly express their admiration and influences from industry leaders such as Manu Chao, India Arie, Café Tacuba, Ozomatli, Santana and the Dave Matthews Band. Like the greats they admire, their performances are fun and evocative — with crowds rocking to beats that call for the merengue, salsa, the two-step or a little hip drop at any given time.

The band never lets up to deliver their absolute best and in early 2009, the brothers recruited their little sister, Jani, to join Alberto as lead singer. With Jani’s sultry sound added to the mix, the band believes it has the perfect 10 member cast to compete on the grand stage and record a captivating sophomore album. Having learned a great deal from their freshman album, the band is taking a slightly different sound direction with the sophomore release.

To give their audiences a preview of the sound evolution, Tropic Culture has added a few new songs to their live performances; 3am, Train, and Trust happen to be a few of the new favorites that demonstrate a slightly sexier, edgier sound that leave the crowds yelling “Encore, Encore!” The new music has been especially popular in college crowds and the band is looking forward to expanding their presence in that market.

This award-winning, Charlotte-based band is now booking 2010 tours as they continue to build out the musical and lyrical stylings for their much anticipated 2011 sophomore album. Tropic Culture is definitely working hard and smart to survive in an industry where many don’t make it. As the lyric to their Darker Days song reads, they must “take the world one song at a time.”

One thing is obvious; their growing and diverse crowds, increased bookings and continued positive press show Tropic Culture could be a solid contender in the music world. They are a band to get to know.

To inquire or book this sought after band today, email bookings@tropicculture.com or call 704.819.9963

Mansion 462’s Open Jam

All musicians and dancers welcome

9pm NO COVER

Music and Dancing till Midnight

EVERY 1^st and 3^rd Wednesdays

Morgan shares a birthday with the famous classical pianist and composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Morgan’s lyrics are honest poetic stories that range from the burns of a love gone wrong to the fire of a spiritual transformation. “Although I started playing piano at 3 or 4, my first dream was to be a writer, and I think this is why my lyrics carry such a high emphasis in my songs,” she says. A classically trained pianist from the age of 5, it has always become natural for Morgan to weave her classical roots within her own music. Although Morgan left the classical world, choosing to be a songwriter over seeking to fulfill her childhood dream of being a concert pianist, her writing still echoes the classical style. You can hear hints of Beethoven and Mozart like whispers behind the scenes. It is alternative meets classical meets rock meets pop meets experimental. Morgan writes predominately pianistically centered lyrical ballads with words of sharp honesty that bare the soul and tell a story.  Morgan has produced a full length album entitled ‘Stranger in the Mirror’ (2009) and also a 4-track re-released EP entitled ‘Fragile Little Me’ (2008). Her 7-track EP ‘Destiny, Save Me’ will be available in Spring of 2010. Visit www.morganmcphersonmusic.com for more information.

Jenn Mundia has been somewhat of a rolling stone for the past couple of
years but has settled down in North Carolina for the time being with plans
to show the triangle what she’s got. This acoustic solo artist can be
categorized as a soul, folk, r&b, pop singer/songwriter with influences from
around the globe. Mundia seeks to send a message of love out through her
voice with hopes that you’ll join in.

Up and coming singer/songwriter Lizh and her backing band have a unique approach to music: “If it feels good and sounds good, who cares what you call it?” With Lizh’s power house vocals, distinctive songwriting and the band’s uncanny ability to capture a “melting pot” sound, they make genre-hopping feel completely natural. Mostly comprised of a singer/songwriter style fused with a soulful vibe, Lizh and band blur the lines between the genres with occasional stanzas of Spoken Word, a Reggaeton rhythm here and there and a little Rock n Roll.

Tickets $5 over 21, $7 under 21

Intelligent Minds & Soulful Sounds

Not only will the Soul & Spice Café encourage our listeners to continue their support and participation with WCOM, we also intend to teach and facilitate the history of culturally charged music by playing artists who have paved the way for many of the up and coming artists today. We understand that the presence of diversity is embraced in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro area and we would like to extend our show as a place where our assortment of listeners will feel welcome and appreciated. As we provide some of the sweetest and most spirited styles in music ranging from jazz, soul and urban music to positive eclectic musical postures we will reveal the soulful tapestry of the Soul & Spice Café. The Soul & Spice Café will seek the support of the local artists in the area providing a sundry collection of talent. We know that we can accomplish the type of community balance and positive influence on the Chapel Hill/Carrboro Community.

$5 cover

Every 1st and 3rd Thursday

Mansion 462’s Open Jam

All musicians and dancers welcome

9pm NO COVER

Music and Dancing till Midnight

EVERY 1^st and 3^rd Wednesdays