Introducing the world’s first bar + band album collaboration.
Ever heard of a brewery breaking into the rock ’n’ roll business? For possibly the first time ever (!), local brewery Raleigh Brewing Company and band Cosmic Superheroes have collaborated to create an album. … And to that, we say rock on!
An accidental band that started as a joke in January 2014, Cosmic Superheroes was founded by lead singer/guitarist Brandon McLean, who met his drummer while performing with him at a gig at a sports bar in Raleigh. The band was formed and named on the spot, later joined by notable Raleigh percussionist Bongo John.
Flash-forward to today, and both the band—and its name—stuck. And throughout its nine years of space jammin’, while Cosmic Superheroes has played gigs at festivals and venues all over the Carolinas, the band has consistently appeared at local watering hole Raleigh Brewing Company since its inception.
“I have been present at every Raleigh Brewing anniversary party,” says McLean. “They just did the ninth one last year, and Cosmic Superheroes has been booked for every single one.”
“The thing that’s the coolest about this is almost all of it happened by accident. We just keep rolling with the cosmic punches and keeping our eyes out for the next cosmic wave.”
—Brandon McLean
For Raleigh Brewing Company’s seventh anniversary two years ago, the owners wanted to go all out for a “lucky seven” party, even having McLean and his band record a radio ad on 95.7 for the event and inviting them to sit in on team brainstorming meetings.
“In the middle of a meeting, I suggested we write a song for Hell Yes Ma’am, and we literally sat there and wrote the whole song in like five minutes. It just came to us, and it was the easiest song we ever wrote,” says McLean. “A couple weeks later, we played it at the seventh anniversary party.” (ICYMI, Hell Yes Ma’am is one of Raleigh Brewing’s signature brews—and with an ABV of 9.2%, it packs a serious punch.)
One of Raleigh Brewing Company’s owners, Kristie Nystedt, loved the song so much that she wanted to record it, but McLean laughed it off, at first thinking she was joking. However, about a year later, the brewery finally joined forces and finances with Cosmic Superheroes to sponsor the recording process of the band’s fourth studio album, naturally dubbed Hell Yes Ma’am Sessions, streaming now.
To boot, Cosmic Superheroes is already slated to play at Raleigh Brewing Company’s 10th anniversary party this March. And, McLean says, “we want to keep the collaboration going beyond the music.” … With a special 10th anniversary edition of Hell Yes Ma’am in the works and another Cosmic Superheroes-themed beer brewing, it sounds like this band and brewery aren’t slowing their roll anytime soon.
“The thing that’s the coolest about this is almost all of it happened by accident,” laughs McLean. “We just keep rolling with the cosmic punches and keeping our eyes out for the next cosmic wave.” Sounds out of this world. cosmicsuperheroes.com
Ooh la la! Amitie Macaron is bringing Parisian vibes to Downtown Raleigh with its fourth location (and the brand’s first cafe-bakery!), anticipated to open in November. Dishing out the delectable French delicacies are owners Tandis Razavi and Omid Eshraghi, two macaron specialists and friends (fun fact: “amitie” translates to “friendship” in French!) determined to build a business around enhancing this popular cookie. Together, the duo worked on developing the perfect macaron recipe over the course of a year in an effort to offer Raleighites “simple, affordable and memorable” experiences via a delish treat. Don’t mind if we do! In addition to macarons, the cafe-bakery will offer French pastries, souffles and many other sweet and savory baked goods. Oui sure do love to see it. amitiemacaron.com
Since the holidays are more about spending time with the fam (um, and watching football!) and less about spending hours defrosting turkey and cooking up casseroles in the kitchen, why not let one of Raleigh’s fab restaurants do the cooking for you this Thanksgiving? Here are a few local sup spots around town to find holiday fare for family feasting without the hassle. … Just be sure to book a rez. Feast mode: activated.
Funnyman Adam Sandler is bringing his signature sillies to PNC Arena this month.
“Sometimes I feel like an idiot. But I am an idiot so it kinda works out.” … Legendary laughable—in the best way—actor, comedian, producer and writer Adam Sandler is making a stop at PNC Arena Nov. 13 during his 22-city North American tour. Known for such films as Happy Gilmore, Uncut Gems, Grown Ups and Billy Madison (to name but a few), Sandler’s unique brand of comedy and song precedes him—and we’d definitely go on 50 First Dates to see him take the stage in the City of Oaks (!). So don your baggiest shorts and tees and grab those tix ASAP… because “haven’t you heard? Goofy is the new handsome.”pncarena.com
Shop, sweat, spruce up your style and get your self-care on with our retail picks for November.
Dope news! Hemp Generation, Raleigh’s newest hemp-wellness destination, opened its second location offering CBD tinctures, gummies and more—and weed recommend checking it out. 2402 Hillsborough St.
The Trophy Brewing team is back at it again with new concept Maywood Hall & Garden, a chic indoor-outdoor special event space that recently opened just a few doors down from the brewery’s production facility and taproom. Time to get the soiree started! 622 Maywood Ave.
A trio of new businesses has been announced for Smoky Hollow: group fitness and personal training studioHeat Studios; Wilmington-based craft brewery and taproom New Anthem Beer Project; and HUSH Hair Lash Brow, a salon started by two Raleigh creatives. Now you just gotta count down the days until they open… 421 N. Harrington St.
Calling all shopaholics! Casual clothing retailerFaherty will be joining the lineup at Fenton, among a slew of other shops. Inspired by the sun, this apparel shop touts comfort, sustainability and good vibes… and this will be its first proprietary location in NC (!). 855 Cary Towne Blvd., Cary
Got snark? Humorous local custom apparel brand House of Swank has vacated its DTR storefront and moved to Loading Dock – Beryl to host pop-ups through a yet-to-be announced date. 3915 Beryl Road
There’s snow place like the Calvert Holly Springs IcePlex! The state-of-the-art facility set in a 396-acre mixed-use development will feature competition venues with three NHL-regulation ice rinks (!), a boarding school and more. calverticesports.com
Looking to spruce up your next date night? Look no further than Date Night by Design’s custom date boxes, prepared based on couples’ preferences, potential theme and price point. Oh, we love that! @datenightbydesign
Knead to treat yo’self? Get pampered with a facial, spa treatment or body therapy service at the recently opened Synergy Face + Body. Keep calm and spa on. 105 SW Cary Parkway, Ste. 100, Cary
