Fun fact: In ancient Rome, birds were used to predict the future. That omen proved to be prophetic after humorously striking then-UGA student Carter King in a poultry evaluation class—and the band name was hatched. Enter Southern rock group Futurebirds—a mishmash of musicians born in Athens in 2008.
Nearly two decades later, that old college try has paid off. Futurebirds have graduated from dive-bar band to a stacked résumé of five studio albums, a handful of EPs and nationwide tours—including a stop at Raleigh’s Lincoln Theatre Dec. 13.
Jumping straight into the scene after college, the band didn’t want to save their true ambitions for retirement. “Music beats trying to be an intern somewhere,” vocalist and guitarist Thomas Johnson told RM. “We’re just grateful for any amount of time we get to do this—it’s awesome.”
Futurebirds’ cosmic country-rock reeks of Southern roots—and loves a good metaphor. Think Drive-By Truckers-esque reverbed riffs fused with the hollering Houndmouth melodies—plus the occasional gut-punch lyric that launches your spleen straight into your throat. The rich, ambiguous sound translates seamlessly to a kinetic stage presence, with plenty of ops for hair-flipping and trucker-hat head-banging.
Two decades of tracks don’t fit easily on one setlist, but the band makes it work—pulling songs from every Futurebirds era, from fan faves like “College Try” and “Trippin’” to deep cuts from when they first sprouted their wings. “We know a lot more about making music now,” reminisces vocalist and guitarist King. “But those songs are a snapshot of that time—and the great part about being a live band is reimaging.” If you’re down for a dive bar-meets-cosmic country kind of night, map your way to Lincoln Theatre. futurebirdsmusic.com; lincolntheatre.com
North Carolina’s homelessness numbers are in, and, news flash: They aren’t good. According to a study by SmileHub, NC’s homelessness crisis is among the worst in the country, recently ranked No. 46. It’s not a pretty picture for the well-being of our state.
Enter RM’s Give Raleigh campaign. Alongside TowneBank/Towne Insurance, the bold 40-day initiative shines a light on housing vulnerability by partnering with the Cooper Charitable Foundation to secure safe, stable homes for neighbors in need via seven local nonprofits.
We can continue transforming lives across Wake County, one stable home at a time—and thanks to TowneBank/Towne Insurance’s generous match of the first $10,000, every single dollar you give has double the impact.
See the stats solidifying NC’s urgent need to improve, and give whatever you can, even $10—because every dollar counts, and because no one should have to wonder where they’ll sleep tonight. Through Nov. 10, giveraleigh.com
Overall Rank: 46th
32nd: Share of unsheltered homeless individuals
32nd: Year-round beds per homeless person
21st: Food insecurity rate
47th: Minimum-wage hours to afford a studio apartment
29th: Share of homeless individuals under the age of 18
Nevermind the fabricated scary attractions dotting interstate billboards and backroads this month—NC is home to actual haunted hallows aplenty, with the dearly (and not-so-dearly) departed still left lurking in every nook and cranny of the state. Test your smarts on the eerie and uncanny around NC for your next spooky romp—or take notes on what other-worldly locales to avoid. Happy haunting!
A 1958 fire broke out in a children’s orphanage just off what Raleigh road—resulting in present-day reports of scattered screams, the smell of smoke and the nickname “Crybaby Lane”? a. Falls of Neuse Road b. Six Forks Road c. Western Boulevard d. Clark Avenue
In the 1920s, a young woman dressed in pink met her demise after falling two stories at which NC hotel, where guests have still spotted her gliding over the grounds? a. Bonclarken Conference Center b. Weaverville’s Inn on Main Street c. The Omni Grove Park Inn d. The Longleaf Hotel and Lounge
Security guards at Spring Hill often report motion-detecting alarms going off when no one is there, and someone (or something!) leaving through the backdoor. Which Raleigh park was home to the Wake County plantation? a. Pullen Park b. Dix Park c. Durant Nature Preserve d. William B. Umstead State Park
Bonclarken, a church camp in Western NC, is allegedly still home to the original owner’s wife ~150 years later—and she’s still got a bone to pick. What made the wife so unhappy that she still seeks revenge by spooking unsuspecting hotel guests? a. Her husband’s infidelity b. The death of her firstborn c. Her’s husband undisclosed debt d. Insanity
The now-closed “bottomless” pools at what NC lake led to the death of multiple divers, whose spirits are rumored to still be lurking near the geographical phenomenon? a. Lake Norman b. Jordan Lake c. Falls Lake d. Lake Lure
The USS North Carolina is WWII’s most decorated battleship, and allegedly the most haunted place in NC. Where is the most common spot for apparent apparitions of sailors to appear to guests? a. The stern b. The washroom c. Atop the gun deck d. The bunk room
Remember 1833 like it was yesterday? The ghosts of this local historic site certainly do. The smell of cigar smoke, an uneasy feeling and shadowy figures aren’t uncommon to which Raleigh building? a. NC State Capitol Building b. Joel Lane Museum House c. Mordecai House d. NC Executive Mansion
Look in the mirror. … Are you the fashion disaster GQ had in mind when they ranked Raleigh as one of the Worst Dressed Cities in the U.S.? Read: “If you’re in Raleigh, your s*** better have pleats.”
Granted, the “deeply scientific poll” was fielded years ago, but it still holds some truth—far too many BOGO dri-fit polos still show up at cocktail parties. The Cap City lacks a distinct style uniform—with a modge-podge of careers and backgrounds making for a mishmash of style ops, and many locals seem… well, lost in the sauce.
But it’s never too late to make a comeback. We tapped four of Raleigh’s most stylish for what’s in vogue now—and the no-exceptions rules that make any look stand the test of the trend cycle.
Red Brewer
Biggest influences: Old-money Ralph Lauren—think Yellowstone, but if they all drove Range Rovers—and Opium fashion. Lots of stacked black and layers, accessories and long lines from the top of the outfit down. More is more!
Fave trend: I love a baggy jean! Contrary to popular belief, you can dress them up, and if you find the right pair, they will last forever.
No-exceptions rule: Colorblocking neutrals will always make you look better. My favorite outfits all consist of the same shade of white, black or brown from head to toe.
Patrick Shanahan
Biggest influences: Alessandro Michele—who was with Gucci and now Valentino—and, of course, Victor Lytvinenko of Raleigh Denim. I love how their imaginations shine through in their work.
Fave trend: I’m stuck on bolo ties. Each one’s a piece of art—the good ones, at least.
No-exceptions rule: There are no rules in fashion anymore. Wear what you want and what makes you truly feel yourself. Fashion is personal, but for me, it’s all about the shoes. Stubbs & Wootton are my go-to.
Joshua Bermudez
Biggest influences: Eclectic mixing—blending together pieces that traditionally wouldn’t go together, like wearing a button-up with a choker necklace, or styling formalwear that feels undone, relaxed and personal.
Fave trend: I’m currently living for anything and everything asymmetrical… from skewed skirt hems to off-centered buttons on shirts and jackets.
No-exceptions rule: No outfit ever looks good without confidence.
Bryan Costello
Biggest influences: Fictional characters—DiCaprio’s Romeo, Harry from 3rd Rock From the Sun, Spike from Cowboy Bebop, Disney’s Robin Hood (remember the fox?), Angela Chase and Jordan Catalano in My So-Called Life, Brad Pitt’s Tyler Durden, literally everyone in The Royal Tenenbaums
Fave trend: I seriously don’t know what’s on trend. Are sharktooth necklaces back in yet? I’m going to make one.
No-exceptions rule: Always dress for your mood, not the occasion.
*Answers have been lightly edited for length and clarity
Sharing Raleigh’s creative flow with a national audience is Roux MacNeill Studio co-founder Robert MacNeill and his art-forward loft condo at Caraleigh Mills. Featured on The Design Network’s The Reveal—with a major cameo in Architectural Digest to boot—the former mill-turned-sanctuary gives the Cap City a front-row seat to “honest craftsmanship, layered materials and pieces that tell a story,” kissed with a healthy dose of color.
“Caraleigh Mills proves there is nothing better than an old building where honesty of materials and functionality of the architecture is the rule,” muses MacNeill. “I consider it a playground where I can experiment with design.” Clearly, revamping a historic home never goes out of style.
