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First Friday offers art, Big Ed?s brings Debonzo Brothers

Posted on 05/09/2011 by Malia Thornton

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First Friday is typically known for its art walk, allowing patrons to take in works by local artists that may have been unknown previously and at other times, nationally renowned works by artists from all over the country.

With summer on the horizon comes Big Ed?s Summer Concert Series. Debonzo Brothers played their show that evening and introduced new fans to their upbeat, feel-good rock sound and drew in those familiar with their humorous, easygoing demeanor. Reminding Raleigh that they don?t need to travel far to hear thriving local music, they performed their set with entrancing art practically serving as a backdrop to their Americana tunes.

With art offered by Visual Art Exchange and Artspace, there was plenty to see when the weather became too cool, and almost all of it was within earshot of the show should the need to see the band jam become paramount.

They started off with a few slower tracks such as “21?, giving one older couple in particular an opportunity to slow dance in the middle of the street, ignoring onlookers and photographers alike.

The band soon began to pick up speed as fans young and old sang and danced, seeming to keep the rain at bay as the band entertained the crowds. Joking between songs made the entire set feel more relaxed, as if the guys were playing a house show everyone was invited to. Tiny fans danced to the Debonzo Brothers? more upbeat tracks such as “College Town” and “Boombox” as their parents watched, amused by the opportunity for their children to embrace the cool rhythms the band gave off.

City Market soon lit up its streets, encouraging the Debonzo Brothers to continue. Rain, however, was a slight threat as the guys worried about the darkening sky overhead. Fans weren?t content to end the night at 8:30pm though, as the breeze picked up and the looming clouds overhead teased passersby.

Unfortunately, the rain did begin coming down, and admittedly, that is when I took the opportunity to depart. Though I left the show early, the band was in its intermission which gave them a chance to meet and greet with friends and fans alike.

Missed the show? Debonzo Brothers will be playing a Red Cross benefit at the Pour House on May 25. Show starts at 8:00pm. - This Coast Blog

This Friday in Raleigh at Slim’s Downtown Distillery one of the newest bands from the Triangle is releasing their first recorded material. The Debonzo Brothers are putting out their debut EP, Places, which was recorded earlier this year and finally completed just a little while ago. You may think this was a quick process for a band that only played their first show last November, but all the members of the band (Keef & Jeff Debonzo, Grant Emerson, and Chris Hibbard) are all tried and true musicians from the area who have been playing live for quite a long time.

Places is getting it’s debut release right here in this blog with almost all of the tracks from the EP being leaked in the interview below. We chatted about the history of the band and the different members, including both of the actual Debonzo Brothers and their non-Debonzo bandmates. We explored the sound and recording process of the EP and also pumped up the show Friday. Take a listen below: - WKNC Blog 88.1

Nashville based Megan McCormick is a musical phenom. A singer-songwriter who also can play all the instrumentation if need be. A great vocalist who has the voice of a Caitlyn Cary, yet with the deeper tones of a Joss Stone. It’s a beautiful sound that can lull you and yet energize you at the same time. She has been getting a lot of publicity for her song “Honest Words,” yet I think her best song is “Wreck” It’s simply amazing – and a song you could listen to over and over – with an excellent showcase of her siren-like vocal talents. Come on out and check out this talented vocalist and musician. As an added Bonus, The ever talented Debonzo Brothers open the evening in with their genre-bending musical stylings. These local rockers are best known for fusing many different parts of bluegrass, folk, and roots music with a side of pop in for good measure. Led by Jeff Debonzo, these guys will most certainly get things going for an evening of SOLID music. - Raleigh Public Record

This past weekend Miranda and I went up to Amplified Art to check out Status Serigraph’s (Justin Helton) gallery opening. Helton’s art was nothing short of amazing, and you can see so for yourself here…or, if you’re in Raleigh go down to Amplified Art and see it in person.

While at the reception I discovered a new band (if I ain’t seen it, it’s new to me), The Debonzo Brothers. WOW. I’m definitely a sucker for pedal steel guitar, so they had me from the moment I walked in. Sweet, Sweet tunes from these guys. I’m no music critic, so I’m not going to try and pretend like I am, but I can’t wait to see these guys again. There’s a total sense of family here between Jeff and Keef Debonzo. From sharing the guitar back and forth, to their father (Mr. Debonzo?) actually getting up on stage and joining. If you get the chance to see these guys, it’s absolutely worth it.

Here’s a video from the show. Sorry about the shaky camera work.

And if you like that, they are on iTunes. Just Saying. - Bumcast.com

With SXSW just over the horizon and other music festivals like Sasquatch, Bonnaroo, and Lollapalooza coming up soon, we here at This Coast are catching the festival bug. Hopscotch hasn?t officially announced their line-up for this year?s event, but we have our own picks for the bands we?d like to see at the festival this fall.

3. Megan McCormick
She performed with the Debonzo Brothers a couple weeks ago (who I would also like to see play the festival), and her voice leans toward a gritty Southern singer down on her luck, singing just to get by. The biggest difference is she doesn?t have to worry about barely surviving, because her voice draws crowds that can?t seem to get enough.

- This Coast Blog

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Megan McCormick and Debonzo Brothers Band playing Berkeley Cafe

Posted on 02/24/2011 by Malia Thornton


You can?t miss this show. What show, you ask? That would be the show that Megan McCormick and the Debonzo Brothers Band will be playing at the Berkeley Cafe in downtown Raleigh, NC on Wednesday, March 9th.

Megan McCormick has a unique, slightly gritty voice that just keeps you hanging on. You really can?t help but listen to her album Honest Words on repeat. It?s one of those albums that leaves you feeling a string of emotions; you just know that if you see her live, she will bring it all full circle. Her songs just stir your very soul. At 23, I can?t help but feel a twang of jealousy at her vocal ability. Many people learn to play the guitar, but it takes something very special to pull at a person?s heartstrings.

The Debonzo Brothers Band consist of Jeff Debonzo on vocals and guitar; Keef Debonzo on vocals and guitar; Grant Emerson (Delta Rae) on bass; and Chris Hibbard on drums. Being a local [Raleigh] band, the men bring a taste of good ol? fashioned indie rock to the table. Their vocal abilities are so smooth that you can easily fall into a habit of head-nodding without even realizing it. I really enjoy the sound of “Boombox”, which is available for preview here.

Needless to say, I?m very excited for this show. If you enjoy great rock ?n? roll that just can?t be beat then you?re advised to attend this show. - This Coast Blog