#musicatthemansion
Music at the Mansion with Chócala
Review by North Carolina Arts Council summer intern Scott Stegall
On the evening July 16, Chócala, the Charlotte-based Latin band, performed an hour-long show for Music at the Mansion, a special concert series celebrating North Carolina’s vibrant and diverse musical traditions hosted by First Lady Kristin Cooper. The ballroom of the Executive Mansion, which was designated as the Music Room when the mansion was originally constructed, provided the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy Chócala’s grooves.
Featuring percussionist Davey Blackburn, saxophone player Michael Anderson, bassist Claudio Ortiz, and Claudio’s sister Lisa Ortiz on lead vocals and keys, Chócala blends psychedelia, jazz, and Latin musical traditions creating a compelling sound. Throughout the evening, Chócala’s unique musical aesthetic was front and center as the band offered up covers and originals—many of which wrestle with issues pulled straight from the headlines. Ranging from the subtle and subdued to heartfelt and powerful, Lisa, the band’s principal songwriter, delivered a passionate vocal performance entirely in Spanish. Lisa’s dynamic delivery was mirrored by the other band members. Davey laid down the beat while Claudio picked out riffs up and down the length of the bass neck and contributed occasional vocal harmonies. Michael was the standout star, his unassuming demeanor and gutsy solos melding together for a captivating performance.
Song after song, Chócala’s infectious tunes resonated off the walls of the packed house, prompting audience members to tap their feet and clap their hands. First Lady Kristin Cooper even led an impromptu dance as Chócala jammed. Chócala’s crowd-pleasing concert exemplified North Carolina’s cultural diversity and served to remind listeners that the Executive Mansion is the people’s house—a space where all North Carolinians can make their voices heard and even cut a rug while they’re at it.
Chócala's debut album is coming out this Friday, September 1, and they are performing that evening at the Neighborhood Theatre in Charlotte, N.C. to celebrate the occasion. Tickets and more information can be found at this link.
Credits:
Videographers: Matt Zeher, Laura Casteel, Greg Snyder, Tom Normanly
Audio: Matt Zeher, Tom Normanly
Editing: Matt Zeher
Producers: Carly Jones, Samuel Gerweck
Music at the Mansion with Mandolin Orange
On Tuesday May 28th, Mandolin Orange played a special set at the North Carolina Executive Mansion in Raleigh to help usher in a partnership between Come Hear North Carolina and the Americana Music Association (AMA). Governor Roy Cooper and First Lady Kristin Cooper hosted musicians, AMA members, and press to celebrate all that North Carolina has given to the world of music, and Mandolin Orange provided the perfect soundtrack to the occasion. Enjoy the full performance below.
Credits:
Videographers: Matt Zeher, Laura Casteel, Greg Snyder, Tom Normanly
Audio: Saman Khoujinian
Editing: Matt Zeher
Producers: Carly Jones, Samuel Gerweck, Sandra Davidson
Mandolin Orange Perform "Wildfire" at the North Carolina Executive Mansion
On Tuesday May 28th, Mandolin Orange played a special set at the North Carolina Executive Mansion in Raleigh to help usher in a partnership between Come Hear North Carolina and the Americana Music Association (AMA). Governor Roy Cooper and First Lady Kristin Cooper hosted musicians, AMA members, and press to celebrate all that North Carolina has given to the world of music, and Mandolin Orange provided the perfect soundtrack to the occasion.
The duo – comprised of Chapel Hill’s Andrew Marlin and Emily Frantz – treated the crowd to an intimate set, showcasing their range as both songwriters and musicians. The set concluded with a special version of fan-favorite “Wildfire,” with a surprise appearance from John Teer of Chatham County Line on fiddle. The song tells a brief history of America’s sordid past, begging an answer to why racism still prevails despite the bloody Civil War fought to end it, and how bigotry can spread like wildfire if left un-checked.
During the proclamation of the partnership, Americana Music Association’s Executive Director Jed Hilly remarked, “If everyone in the world listened to one hour of Americana music, we’d have world peace.” After that evening’s rendition of “Wildfire,” it would be hard to argue in the contrary. Hear for yourself below.
Chart-Topping Duo Mandolin Orange On Hand for Americana Music Association Announcement with First Lady Kristin Cooper and Governor Roy Cooper at Executive Mansion for Come Hear NC
Yesterday Come Hear North Carolina and the Americana Music Association announced that music showcases at the 20th annual AMERICANAFEST® will highlight North Carolina musicians. Multiple showcases are scheduled Sept. 10 to 15 in Nashville, allowing audiences to experience what North Carolina sounds like. Come Hear North Carolina's presence at AMERICANAFEST will build awareness about the state’s influence on American music.
The Americana Music Association® has over 3,000 members from around the world and the organization has strong ties to North Carolina’s music heritage that includes many sounds in the Americana umbrella from folk, country, bluegrass and more. Musicians in this genre include Emmylou Harris, The Avett Brothers, Jim Lauderdale, Carolina Chocolate Drops & Rhiannon Giddens, Tift Merritt, Dom Flemons and Mandolin Orange, who performed during the event.
North Carolina has an important place in the Americana genre, including being the home state of forefathers like Del McCoury, Earl Scruggs and Doc Watson, as well as 2019 Artist of The Year nominee Rhiannon Giddens, explained Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association.
Hilly also announced that AMERICANAFEST will feature a regional spotlight on North Carolina via panels on the state's musical history and showcases focused on the state's artists.
North Carolina First Lady Kristin Cooper hosted Chapel Hill's Mandolin Orange for the latest in a series of Music at the Mansion events taking place this year, speaking on the beauty and power that music has in reflecting the state's own diversity and creativity.
Following First Lady Kristin Cooper’s remarks, Governor Roy Cooper made a surprise appearance at the event to applaud his wife for her deep appreciation and love of music and the arts.He then spoke about the importance of music education in the lives of North Carolina’s children, while also discussing the role of arts and culture in helping the state’s overall growth-especially in regards to business and industry recruitment.
Mandolin Orange performed songs including “Golden Embers,” “The Wolves” and “Mother Deer” from their new album Tides of A Teardrop, which debuted at #1 on four Billboard charts - Heatseekers, Folk/Americana, Current Country Albums and Bluegrass – after its February release on Hillsborough, N.C.-based Yep Roc Records. They also brought out another surprise guest, fellow North Carolina musician John Teer of Chatham County Line, for their final song “Wildfire.”
Music At The Mansion With The Harris Brothers
The Harris Brothers are fabulous musicians who are steeped in the cultural traditions of their home region in the western Piedmont and foothills of Caldwell County. They started playing music through the influence of family members and neighbors, who tutored them in country, bluegrass, swing and blues music that you find in and around Lenoir, which was once a furniture making center in North Carolina. They have also immersed themselves in pop music genres and integrate versions of soul, jazz, folk and rock songs into their repertory.
Devoted to their family and community, they arrange their performance schedule so that they don’t have to spend many overnights away from home. Otherwise, they would be touring across the country. Music is a way of life for their family, and on March 28, 2019 they traveled to Raleigh to perform at Music at the Mansion, a special concert series celebrating the 2019 North Carolina Year of Music at the N.C. Executive Mansion. Enjoy their full performance - made possible by the North Carolina Arts Council Foundation - below.
Credits:
Videographers: Matt Zeher, Laura Casteel
Audio: Matt Zeher
Editing: Matt Zeher
Producers: Carly Jones, Samuel Gerweck, Sandra Davidson
Pages
The North Carolina Arts Council is a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, a state agency.
D. Reid Wilson, Secretary; Roy Cooper, Governor
Copyright © 2021 North Carolina Arts Council. All rights reserved.