As Chatham Park continues to develop its community, they remain dedicated to supporting local art in Chatham County. As part of that commitment, Chatham Park is powering our Go See This series. They join us in inviting you to Go See This . . .
The NC Arts Incubator has become the hub of a diverse community in downtown Siler City. What better place to gather folks from Chatham County and surrounding areas to listen to good music, grab a beverage, check out some art, and interact with the artists on these special summer Friday nights?
According to Michael Feezor, Director of NC Arts Incubator (NCAI), you can expect a full night of fun during the Downtown Music Series, a collaboration between NCAI and The Chatham Rabbit Coffee Shop.
The art and music celebration usually starts around 5:30 p.m. and ends at 8:00 p.m.–and sometimes runs later if everyone is having a great time (which is not unusual!). “We have a local pupusas and taco truck, Tacos y Pupusas, for each music series event, as well as Thirsty Skull Brewery selling beers on tap. It’s a very family friendly atmosphere,” Michael says.
Brooke Simmons, owner of the Chatham Rabbit Coffee shop, has worked to secure donations to bring the music series to Siler City, and NCAI has secured a grant from the NC Arts Council to help pay musicians. One very special night will take place the third Friday in August, when Koo Day Tah, featuring NCAI’s own resident artist and world-renowned guitar maker, Terry McInturff hosts special guests (and has been known to take the stage himself).
An important part of the Downtown Music Series is to feature a variety of music genres. Feezor and Simmons are excited to announce that on June 16, 2023, they’ll be hosting the art and music of Paleface.
Paleface was schooled by underground music icon Daniel Johnston and discovered at an NYC open mic by Danny Fields (The Stooges, The Ramones, MC5), who managed him for the next eight years. Paleface has released albums for Polygram and Sire Records and indie labels Ramseur and Shimmy Disc. He’s been called a “major musical influence” by artists including Beck and The Avett Brothers. (He has collaborated and appeared on three of The Avetts’ albums, most notably as the “4th Thief” on their album “Four Thieves Gone.”) Additionally, Paleface is an accomplished visual artist, and his bright and bold music-inspired paintings are collected by fans worldwide.
Paleface is currently on tour as a high-energy, full-sound, acoustic-electric duo, with his darling Puerto Rican partner “Mo,” in support of their new release “Beyond the Bells.” The album was produced by Paleface, mixed by Grammy-nominated engineer Jason Richmond (The Avett Brothers, John Legend), and mastered by John Greenham (who’s received multiple Grammys, most recently for his work with Billie Eilish).
“Beyond the Bells” continues the evolution that began on his 2020 release, “Go Forth,” with Paleface fully embracing his studio wizardry side. Here, he is as at home behind the mixing board with assorted electronica as he is with an acoustic guitar slung over his shoulder. The overall result of his commitment shows an artist at the peak of his well-honed craft. Rather than employing an “everything AND the kitchen sink” approach, Paleface is selective, organic—crafting the gestalt of the record with ten songs that relate to one another as a whole. “Beyond the Bells” is music as event. A primitive, tribal cool that somehow manages to create its own genre. Again.
This special evening will begin with the opening of Paleface’s art show in the PAF Gallery at NCAI, followed by a rousing performance by Paleface on the Downtown Music Series Stage.
So, Go See This!
- What: Paleface Concert and Art Show
- Where: NC Arts Incubator, 223 North Chatham Avenue, Siler City, NC
- When: Friday, June 16, 2023
- Time: Art Opening and Refreshments at 5:30 p.m.; Concert begins at 6:30 p.m.
- Tickets: No need. This is a free show!
- For more information about Paleface: Visit https://palefaceonline.com
“We used to go to all the open mics together. Paleface taught me Daniel Johnston songs on the sidewalk and let me sleep on his couch. He’s a great songwriter, a generous friend, and a big influence on my early stuff.” —Beck
“Paleface is a gem, a brilliant man… one of the greatest songwriters on Earth.” —The Avett Brothers
“Paleface is one of the scene’s best-loved products.” —Time Out NY
“Melodic songs with a sunny vibe while maintaining an edge.” —The New Yorker
“Paleface’s songs have always been these wry, charismatic anthems, and ever since Mo Samalot has joined him on drums and vocals, the music has entered a charged and high energy rock ‘n’ roll territory that suits his gravel croons perfectly. A habitué of Daniel Johnston who was managed by none other than Danny Fields for much of the ’90s… He’s a huge influence on Beck, the Avetts, and others.” —Detroit Metro Times
This feature is written by guest writer Barbara Hengstenberg. Barbara lives on a small farm in Bear Creek, Chatham County, where she and her husband provide a forever home for rescue alpacas, cats, and chickens. Barbara is the founder of WildesArt and can often be found in her studio, quilting, painting, drawing, and writing.
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